We know our area has some of the best shopping around, but cable TV is finally catching on. Bravo’s Fashion Hunters, a reality show that features four sales associates from an ultra-high-end consignment shop in New York City looking for bargain-priced fashion, has twice visited COUTUREDossier in Chappaqua. We spoke with COUTUREDossier founder Yulia Omelich about the experience of being on the show.
Do you know how Bravo became aware of your store?
They found me through the Internet, and it was totally meant to be. They were thinking of making an episode dedicated to Kate Middleton, of course. I was planning an event dedicated to Kate Middleton and the designers that she works with. I was marketing my event in social media while they were searching the web.
How did you feel when you were approached by Bravo to be on the show?
It was not exactly love at first sight. The first email went straight to ‘Trash.’ The second email was treated as ‘harassment’ with a reply that ‘it must stop or I will report you to the police.’ Well, when I finally decided to check who these people were and what they did for a living, I was really surprised, proud, and happy at the same time.
What’s the premise of the episodes you’re featured in?
My husband and I are big philanthropists. We agreed to appear in the episode that will feature a fundraising event with a goal to raise capital to build fresh water wells in Tahiti. We made a contribution as well. I will also be featured in another episode that is dedicated to a well-known designer and a beautiful movie star.
What do you think distinguishes the show from other shows about fashion?
This show is really educational, uplifting, and fun to watch. It also teaches you that fashion can be viewed as an investment. Who knew that Chanel purses outperform the S&P 500?
What was the filming like?
I remember how wonderful the producers and the staff were. Everyone was really nice, supportive, and witty. A lot of things happen off-screen. There is always a wardrobe malfunction or a painting falls or someone collapses. This is why it takes three and a half to five hours to film a thirty-minute episode.
Are the personalities the same when the cameras are off?
The personalities are even better and more relaxed when the cameras are off. No one tries to touch up their personas and ‘Photoshop’ their manners and phrases.
What other celebrity has a closet that you envy, and why?
I can relate to Kate Middleton and Gwyneth Paltrow, only because we have a similar body constitution. But I do not envy their closets. I love mine and work hard for it. It is beautiful, fierce, feminine, and classic, and it operates as a portfolio as I do not buy, I invest.
What other TV shows do you like to watch?
I like to watch Pawn Stars and Desperate Housewives. I’m lucky that my boys enjoy these shows as well, and no one has to fight over a TV in our house.
Set the DVRs, folks: You can see Yulia Omelich on Fashion Hunters on Tuesday, November 29 and December 6 at 10:30 pm on Bravo.
