The Ambush is On

When fans spot Stacy London and Clinton Kelly outside of Manhattan, cameras trailing behind them, they don’t shout and scream.They just follow. Everyone wants to witness first-hand the embarrassment sure to ensue during what’s known as the "ambush."

As hosts of TLC’s "What Not to Wear," the duo surprises a fashion victim that has been nominated by family or friends for a complete makeover. Unbeknown to the nominee, a camera crew will capture the moment in which they learn of their ideal candidacy for a wardrobe and beauty overhaul.

On this cold, windy February night at the Fremont Street Experience, London and Kelly await word from their producers so they can execute their next sneak attack. The latest victims: Rosilyn and Kirstyn Cobb, a local mother and daughter who have nominated each other for the show. Yes, each other and neither is the wiser. Usually the person doing the nominating has a firm handle on style; not in this case.

"Kirstyn is experimenting right now with fashion," Kelly said. "But she’s trying too hard. She’s jumping on every possible trend and trick out there."

As for her mother: "She dresses OK but has problems with fit," he said. "If you don’t have fit, you don’t have style. I think she also has laundering issues, the way she washes things is making her stuff shrink."

Although the wind on this Wednesday night blows so fierce that skirts fly up and retail signage falls down, that doesn’t stop the crowds from forming. One by one they nudge the person with them and look around curiously. Once they observe the clandestine behavior of the hosts — poking heads around corners, tip toeing, etc. — they realize an ambush is about to happen and take their place behind the victims’ family and friends.

Finally, the moment has come. Rosilyn and Kirstyn meander through the kiosks on Fremont Street. Rosilyn wears a faded red blouse with buttons struggling to stay fastened over her ample cleavage. Kirstyn strolls alongside her, donning enough accessories to adorn every friend, family member and passerby about to surprise her.

The two round a corner and head right for the hosts. Before noticing them, the "What Not to Wear" theme music comes over the loudspeakers and the show’s logo covers the overhead canopy screen. London and Kelly go in for the kill.

Both Rosilyn and Kirstyn look shocked, moreso than most makeover candidates on the show. Reason being, both thought they would be in on the ambush taking place in front of them (Rosilyn’s significant other arranged it with producers).

The hosts explain that if the mother and daughter agree to the terms, they’ll be going on a $5,000 shopping spree together in Manhattan. Of course, that means they’ll have to surrender their complete current wardrobes in exchange.

Once Rosilyn and Kirstyn have a chance to get over the fact that they’ve been bamboozled, both happily agree. They’re off to Manhattan for a complete mother daughter makeover.

Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.