Why isn’t Alexa Chung in Next in Fashion season 2?

Next in Fashion is one of Netflix’s most underrated reality competition series. Good enough to give Project Runway a run for its money, Next in Fashion is a high-stakes fashion design competition where designers get the chance to compete for hundreds of thousands of dollars and a chance to launch a one-of-a-kind collection all their own.

The first season premiered back in season 1 and was co-hosted by Queer Eye’s Tan France and British television personality/model/designer Alexa Chung. But when Next in Fashion season 2 premieres on Friday, March 3, 2023, expect to see a change in the show’s format and in its hosts. Chung will not be returning to co-host with France this season. Instead, supermodel Gigi Hadid is stepping up to the plate.

Why isn’t Alexa Chung in Next in Fashion season 2?

It’s unclear why Alexa Chung is not returning for Next in Fashion season 2. There has not been an official statement from her or Netflix. However, Netflix canceled Next in Fashion in 2020, meaning that Chung, Tan France, and anyone else involved with the show would no longer be contractually obligated to make time for it.

When Netflix execs changed their minds and opted to bring the show back for a second season, they would have had to re-negotiate the contracts with the costs. Netflix has been regularly working with France for several years now thanks to his involvement in Queer Eye, so it was probably easier to get him back on the show.

As for Chung, it’s less clear. Perhaps she just decided she didn’t want to do another season or she was too busy with other ventures to return. Having seen Next in Fashion season 2, I can say that the second season feels a little different than season 1, with some format changes and a slightly different tone. The creators might have just felt that Gigi Hadid was a better fit for the new direction.

We’ll keep you updated if we learn anything new regarding Chung’s departure from the reality series.

Next in Fashion season 2 premieres on Friday, March 3.