I previewed the first episode of the Fashion File Host Hunt. I previously posted about the auditions and urged Torontonians to enter. We managed to snag four of the 10 spots. Unfortunately, I knew none of them. I thought maybe someone I know would be in the show. It would have been so much fun to cheer them on each week, but my hopes are crushed. The preview was hosted at the club Suite 106(106 Peter St). There were fashion and TV types milling about. I bumped into some of TFBB crowd right away and we looked for a good place to sit.

Across the room I spot this larger than life woman. I know her from somewhere and that's when it clicks, it's Suzanne Boyd. She was the former Editor in Chief of Flare Magazine who left to start Suede magazine. Unfortunately, the critically acclaimed magazine was shelved by its parent, Essence Magazine. She still commands a presence even after the last time I saw her in person at one of the early Innoversity Summits. She is one of the judges along with RĂŠjean Beaudin, executive producer and Bronwyn Cosgrave, former editor at British Vogue and celebrated author.

I'm curious about the host hunt program. I wonder why reality TV is the method used to decide the next host. I'm curious about the direction the show will go in after this host hunt is over. You see, I love Tim Blanks and I love everything that Fashion File was with him. I'm not ready to let go. He has gone on to better things like Style.com and the now the Editor at Large position at Flare Magazine. I might renew again, show me what you got Tim.

I'm trying to reserve judgment because it's only the first episode. The show itself is only half and hour and that's too short. I was so disappointed that no audition footage shown; that's usually the best part of these reality shows. The first elimination wasn't based on fashion skill, it was completely based on first impression. I didn't think that was fair, but I also didn't object to the person they booted off either. I don't have any strong feelings about the contestants. They were in the audience and I managed to talk to one, Paul Pogue. He was sweet but he's not going to last long, sorry Paul. This impression could change with more episodes, we'll see. I'm a sucker for these kind of shows so I'll be watching till the bitter end.

Fashion File Host Hunt premieres this Thursday, February 1st at 7:30pm on CBC.