With network television at a standstill during the Olympics, the best place for entertainment seems to be on cable networks, especially in Bravo’s newest reality show, “Kell on Earth.”
“Kell on Earth” revolves around Kelly Cutrone, who is a fashion public relations superwoman, creator of the firm People’s Revolution which works with clients ranging from up-and-comers such as Nicolas Petrou and celebrated lines such as Vivienne Westwood.
Coming from the network that brought estrogen-dominated gossip-fests such as “The Rachel Zoe Project” and “The Real Housewives” series, it would seem that Cutrone would fit into the same spoiled, fake mold.
Cutrone, however, is not like her network counterparts. She actually does a real job, puts in long hours and does more than fight with her frenemies.
Clad in all black and no makeup, she doesn’t look the part of a fashion industry maven, and that makes her all the more compelling.
She isn’t a 5’10”, size-2 supermodel yet she still dominates such a superficial industry.
While her commanding attitude is certainly nothing new in the fashion world, her refreshingly normal appearance is invigorating.
Unlike other so-called reality shows, “Kell on Earth” has a genuine feel to it. Her cutthroat attitude turns off when caring for her seven-year-old daughter Ava.
Cutrone actually spends time with her daughter-taking her to school, picking out her outfits and tucking her in at night. She even lives above her office so she can sneak moments with Ava during the day.
While People’s Revolution was featured on MTV’s “The Hills” and “The City,” it’s hard to think anything happening on “Kell on Earth” is manufactured. The drama in the episodes stems from dealing with diva designers, incompetent interns and invitation snafus, none of which you would want to happen.
These crises, though, can get tiring and feel tedious. Each designer People’s Revolution works with comes with his or her own baggage, and nothing ever goes off smoothly. The names may change, but the drama stays the same.
Even with constant mini-meltdowns, Cutrone and company are fascinating and quirky enough to tune-in every week.
Her business partners Emily Bungert and Robyn Berkley are cut from the same aggressive cloth, dominating over everyone in the workroom, unafraid to yell at designers who don’t want to pay and put overconfident underlings in their place.
Her assistant Andrew Mukamal looks like the antithesis of someone in the fashion industry- a gangly man with long black hair who often wears floor length skirts. Cutrone claimed in the season premiere that was exactly why she hired him, because he wasn’t like every other blonde haired young girl that walked in wanting a job.
The office atmosphere is something that also makes People’s Revolution special. Instead of Cutrone ruling over her minions in a corner office with a killer view of the New York skyline, all the workers are crammed into a tiny building working at what looks like one long, cluttered table.
Fashion lovers and haters alike will love to watch Cutrone and her workers thrive in such a ruthless business and soak in all the drama that comes with the territory.
