Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Chill Room host KiKi kicks it in a funky outfit. -anthony minott

Styling a star can be a difficult job, yet each week the contestants of Digicel Rising Stars try to take the 'look' of the show to another level.

Being able to sing or deejay well is only part of the equation for the success of entertainers. Having the presence, sex appeal and 'x factor' contribute to the star quality. These all motivate the droves of raving fans to stalk, buy CDs and learn word for word the lyrics to a star's song. Once a contestant steps on the Rising Stars stage looking less than perfect, it detracts from the performance, no matter how vocally stunning that may be.

While some may argue that there have been a few fashion 'don'ts' on this season's Rising Stars, for the most part, the contestants and especially the host Yendi Phillipps and chill room host Kiki have taken a fashion step forward.

When the STAR spoke with the series producer Sharon Schroeter, she expressed that the show was very stylish.

"Our stylist, T'Rone Buchanan, likes to explore with the different contestants. He doesn't want them to wear the normal thing of what's being worn in the streets," Schroeter said.

The contestants shop each week, picking an outfit based on the song and theme of that Sunday's show. For the contestants, who always want to look trendy, Miami Heat and Majas Fashion and Things are their shopping spots. Stylist T'Rone Buchanan might have the final say on what is worn, but each contestant is allowed space to select items that reflect his/her personal style.

Yendi goes to Florida, Kiki shops here

Contestant K'Alee (left) and host Yendi Phillipps chit-chat in matching ensemble. - nathaniel stewart

Host Yendi Phillipps does her shopping in Miami with the help of her personal stylist Natalie Parboosingh. Chill room host Kiki goes to Rizpah Fashions for her weekly outfits.

When the STAR spoke with a few fans of the show, they expressed their opinions on the look of their favourite Rising Stars. Tinadescribes the fashion on the show as 'lame', and singles out contestant Lashana Stephenson. She said, "that girl Lashana needs to dress in front of the mirror and not in the dark. The SLR girls dem dress better than them sing. Only some of di contestants dress all right."

Three Little Birds: girl group SLR makes a pretty picture. - nathaniel stewart

A male viewer also believed that the fashion on Rising Stars was less than stunning. He said, "it's a bit hard to digest, too much satin, too much shine, that's for the two hosts especially - European catwalk meets downtown in an uncomfortable way. I have not seen the full-bodied contestants being properly dressed, it's quite distracting. Last year was refreshing for the most part and many of the outfits, in an attempt to be flashy this year, were a little tasteless."

However, not everyone thinks the fashion on the show is atrocious. Daniacommented, "I actually like Yendi's fashion on the show, I think it is edgy and fashion forward. The females in the competition would do well if it were a fashion show, they work their clothing really well, especially Cameal and K'Alee. I love Kiki, she always looks good to me."

Names changed on request

Cameal Davis in a stylish, balloon dress. - anthony minott

Lashauna Stephenson in a blue mini with silver trim at one of the performance shows. - nathaniel stewart