M&S: Dress the Nation

AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay host the programme, guiding amateur designers as they confront the challenges of another womenswear week, from concept development to runway presentation. Guest judge Frankie Bridge assesses their collections and provides constructive criticism through each round of the competition.

The programme is presented by AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay, who front a competition that pits amateur fashion designers against one another. Together they steer the show, guiding participants through each task while keeping the pace lively and engaging. Their roles as hosts give the series its distinctive, upbeat feel. In this particular episode the contestants are thrown into the pressures of another womenswear week, a staple challenge that tests their ability to create garments for a female market. The designers must interpret the brief, develop their concepts and produce finished pieces within the tight timeframe that the week imposes. Adding an extra layer of scrutiny, Frankie Bridge appears as the guest judge, offering her perspective on the collections. Throughout the challenge, AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay provide commentary, encouragement and occasional nudges to keep the designers focused. Their interaction with the participants highlights the learning curve the amateurs experience as they navigate the demanding environment of a fashion week. Frankie Bridge’s judging brings a fresh viewpoint, allowing the designers to gauge how their work stands up to professional standards. The episode follows the established format of the series, combining the hosts’ lively presenting style with the tension of a real‑world design sprint. By the end, the amateur designers will have faced the rigours of womenswear week, received feedback from a recognised industry figure and moved one step further along their creative journeys.