I got a chance to hang out at Robert Verdi, Inc. this week to preview the first two episodes of The Robert Verdi Show Starring Robert Verdi, which premieres on the Logo Network this Wednesday, February 10 at 10pm.
I really, really liked the show, which “documents” the day-to-day workings of Verdi’s successful business. But let me preface the rest of this post by saying: This isn’t the Rachel Zoe Project, and it’s definitely not Kell on Earth.
This isn’t a show that’s going to give you an inside look at the world of high fashion, but it is going to show you:

1. How you can turn a ho-hum fashion career into a money-making enterprise. Of course, Verdi is best-known for styling actresses like Eva Longoria Parker, but that only makes up a sliver of his business. The rest of it is interior design, event planning and brand consulting. He’s even got a studio in New York where clients can throw events. A den of product placement, every item–from Hershey kisses to Jonathan Adler vases–is a result of a deal with Verdi, Inc.
2. How to not take yourself so seriously. The show is essentially a satire of Verdi’s real life, and while it seems totally outrageous, he’s actually tried to make some of the ideas on the show happen in real life. At one point, he asks his team to create Robert Verdi-branded ice-cream. And they do.
3. Not every media personality is jerk. I have to admit, anyone that’s ever hosted a red carpet show annoys me. (For example, although I’ve interviewed them several times and realize that they are indeed nice people, the hosts of What Not To Wear drive me insane.) However, even with his sunglasses permanently perched upon a shiny head that constantly spews out silly soundbites, Verdi is very likable, very earnest and above all, very driven to succeed at everything. That kind of persistence can make anyone a protagonist in my mind.
As Verdi said to me over the phone, “Authenticity is the cornerstone of success.” If being absurdly real works, then he’s got it in the bag.