Why are we so addicted to fashion television? Really, why?
Clothing has evolved from functional pieces intended simply to beat back the cold into walking works of art, art that we stare at, envy and study.
And we're not even into it just for the clothes. We even like to get all the dirt we can on the people in the clothes.
In short, it's easy to get absolutely suckered into fashion TV.
And here are just some examples.
Tyra Banks' reputation for being a fierce model and a strong businesswoman has helped her to create the "America's Next Top Model" competition and TV show.
A competition about how women learn to pose for photo shoots and put one leg in front of the other hardly seems exciting or worthwhile.
But Tyra makes the show more than simply entertaining.
The models get the opportunity to learn firsthand about the complexity of the fashion world. Although one woman is voted off each week, the publicity for the show serves them well.
One aspect of the show that the viewers as well as the contestants learn from is that it takes an incredible amount of effort and focused work to achieve goals.
And any display of catty behavior between models is a major plus.
Another supermodel making fashion accessible to the masses is Heidi Klum, hostess of "Project Runway."
This program offers an alternative perspective on the fashion industry, that of the designers.
With big-time names such as Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Tim Gunn as judges and advisers, the contestants are exposed to a wide variety of challenges.
It is the quirky contests that make "Project Runway" known for the innovation and originality found in designers every season.
Creativity is never discouraged; however, the clothing must be marketable and made well to gain the three judges' approval.
Stacy London and Clint Kelly know there is a fashion designer in everyone and work on refining personal tastes on "What Not to Wear."
This show has an element of surprise that most others are lacking in. In each episode, a deserving recipient spends money gathered from family and friends on a new wardrobe.
The allure lies in the tips and tricks that the audience at home benefits from as well as the person being made over.
Although appearance is important to physical and mental health, fashion is not essential to living fully.
"Ugly Betty" is not a reality show.
However, this scripted production reveals unpleasant truths about our society's dependence on material possessions.
The main character and hero to millions of girls, Betty Suarez, works as an assistant to the editor of a fashion magazine.
She does not coordinate her appearance in the slightest, rather spends her time preparing to be editor of her own magazine.
Literally bombarded by twigs in heels every day, she manages to remain honest, confident, and full of integrity.
Fashion is a powerful tool that allows every kind of person to dabble in it or become utterly enthralled by it. It has no limits or guidelines as a result of varying cultures and eras.
So maybe that's why some of us can get a little obsessed about it.
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