Macy’s and Maker Studios Team Up for Original Competition Series, “The Next Style Star”

Digital Fashion Program Premieres April 3 on The Platform and Macys.com, Hosted By Jeannie Mai

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr. 1, 2014– Macy’s and Maker Studios, the world’s largest producer and distributor of online video content for Millennials, today announced a collaboration to launch an original fashion-lifestyle series—“The Next Style Star.” This unique program will feature 16 up-and-coming stylists battling head-to-head for a $10,000 cash prize, a chance to serve as a guest stylist on an upcoming Macy’s photo shoot, and have his or her winning look featured in the Impulse Department at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City. Macy’s “The Next Style Star” will debut April 3 on Maker’s fashion and beauty network, The Platform, and macys.com/stylestar.

“With an ongoing focus on the Millennial customer, Macy’s is passionate about creating innovative partnerships that will result in fresh, entertaining and useful content for our customers,” said Martine Reardon, Macy’s chief marketing officer. “Maker Studios is known for producing inventive video that appeals to the artful and sharp-witted tastes of this generation, and by joining forces to create ‘The Next Style Star,’ we can showcase the best of what both brands have to offer.”

“The Platform is a community of passionate viewers who share a love of beauty, fashion, and self expression – making this collaboration with Macy’s for ‘The Next Style Star’ a perfect fit,” said Erin McPherson, chief content officer, Maker Studios. “This original series features incredibly creative stylists and judges — including Maker talent partners, along with top Macy’s brands in an organic and fun way.”

The 10-episode series will be hosted by TV personality, fashion expert and makeup artist Jeannie Mai. The series will feature a variety of judges, including reality star and designer Whitney Port, MADE Fashion Week founder Jenne Lombardo, and Maker partner Wendy Nguyen, among many other top fashion experts. “The Next Style Star” will challenge each stylist’s ability to create the perfect look for any occasion utilizing Macy’s Impulse brands including Lucky Brand, Maison Jules, Sanctuary, RACHEL Rachel Roy, Guess, Bar III, Joe’s Jeans, Kensie and MADE Fashion Week for Impulse. Following the premiere episode, two of the 16 stylists will compete in different challenges each week, focusing on the season’s latest trends for a shot at becoming “The Next Style Star.” Throughout the series, contestants will be able to prompt fans to advocate for their success by sharing episodes featuring their favorite stylists.

New episodes will go live every Thursday at 1 p.m. EST, following the April 3 debut.

Beginning April 3, customers can visit The Platform and macys.com/stylestar to watch episodes of the “The Next Style Star.”

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

 

About Maker Studios

Maker Studios is a next-generation media and technology company and the world’s largest provider of online video content for millennials. Maker Studios has more than 5.5 billion monthly video views and 380 million subscribers, including 40% viewership on mobile, and 80% of the coveted millennial audience. The company is home to many of online video’s top digital stars and content including the all-time most-subscribed YouTube personality PewDiePie, KassemG, Nice Peter and EpicLLOYD’s “Epic Rap Battles of History,” the Shaytards, Snoop Dogg’s WestFestTV, The Yogscast, The Gregory Brothers, Bad Lip Reading, Toby Turner and Mike Tompkins, among many others. The Maker network also includes Blip, a leading digital media company that develops and distributes original web series. Maker Studios is headquartered in Culver City, Calif. To learn more visit www.makerstudios.com.

Source: Macy’s