Inside QVC: The Journey to Going Live
Every single day, millions of viewers tune into QVC, eager to discover a range of products from skincare to electronics — but what does it truly take for the shopping network to execute “the Olympics of live television?”
While the on-screen hosts make it appear effortless, guests like fashion designer Stacy London understand that a dedicated team ensures everything runs smoothly.
“I want to acknowledge every producer on every set I’ve ever been on, but QVC is the Olympics of live television,” London revealed exclusively to Us Weekly during the launch of QVC’s Q50 “Age Of Possibility” platform in Los Angeles on May 14. “There’s nothing else like it, with people talking in your ear while you’re trying to engage with viewers and sell products. It’s a significant amount of work.”
Every QVC personality Us spoke to, from program hosts to fashion designers, couldn’t help but express their excitement about their workplace.
“The first thing I do when I wake up is turn on QVC,” fashion designer Lawrence Zarian shared with Us. “Not only am I part of the family, but I’m also a huge fan. I watch, listen, take notes, learn, shop, and buy a lot. I absolutely love it.”
Us decided to reach out to QVC’s most notable stars to get answers to some pressing questions about the network.
Continue reading for an inside look at this influential shopping network:
How Does One Prepare for a Jewelry Show?
Before showcasing her lab-grown diamond and gemstone jewelry to viewers, Jennifer Miller ensures her hands and fingers are camera-ready.
“I’ve discovered Westmore Beauty’s cover-up for any spots on my hands,” she told Us. “Gel manicures are great for keeping my nails looking sharp without chipping. All these tricks and hacks are crucial; you have to be ready at any moment.”
According to Melissa Rivers, the team behind the Joan Rivers Classics Collection constantly innovates new designs to ensure the brand thrives after Joan’s passing in 2014.
“We keep it updated and fresh,” Melissa explained. “Just like aging: you never want to become stale.”
What Is It Like Doing a Show Virtually?
During the pandemic, many vendors had to present their products via Zoom from their homes. While many now come to the studios at Studio Park, Pennsylvania, many appreciate the convenience of remote filming.
“I change outfits for each new presentation,” Peace Love World fashion designer Alina Villasante told Us. “I step aside — out of camera view — change, and come back. The benefit of shooting remotely is that I can demonstrate how to wear my clothes and offer tips on how to enhance the look for the customer.”
For Kim Gravel, remote shows are like running a one-woman operation, handling everything from tech to lighting by herself.
“I turn on my 5,000 diva ring lights and we stream from an iMac,” she explained. “I can never find my earbuds since my kids take them all. It’s such a mom-and-pop setup, but in the most professional manner. That’s what makes it charming.”
What Is It Like Having Your Item as Today’s Special Value?
Each day starting at midnight, QVC presents its best value, known as Today’s Special Value. The creator of the featured item works tirelessly to deliver multiple presentations throughout the day.
“There’s a La-Z-Boy in the green room where you can turn off all the lights for complete darkness,” ME by Jennie Garth fashion designer Jennie Garth told Us regarding breaks between shows. “You train yourself to rest during downtime. When it’s showtime, it’s showtime.”
After the TSV concludes, Gravel mentioned that she requires a couple of days to recover before returning to work.
“It takes me about two days — and I’m 53, with plenty of energy,” she joked. “But honestly, it takes about two days to recharge.”
How Early Do Fashion Designers Prepare Their Collections?
The clothing and accessories sold on TV are typically planned months ahead of time.
“We usually complete our collections a year in advance, as I focus on not following current trends,” London explained about her B Stacy London line. “I believe women over 50 can experiment with trends in their own unique ways. So while I might offer trendy colors or silhouettes, I aim to create clothing that enables casual yet sophisticated dressing for middle-aged individuals who aren’t necessarily golden girls.”
Villasante confirmed the timeline, adding, “We enter planning and inspiration mode a year in advance. About three months later, everything is designed and moves into the sourcing phase.”
Are the QVC Testimonial Phone Calls Live and Unscripted?
It’s clear that anything can happen when a QVC shopper calls in live. According to Gravel, the host and guest only know the caller’s name and state of origin.
“The call is truly authentic, coming directly from the customer,” the Belle by Kim Gravel founder stated. “You never know what they might say, and they don’t brief you with, ‘She’s going to ask this.’”
For Carla Rockmore, who recently launched her fashion brand, Carla Rockmore Collection, she enjoys receiving calls from viewers.
“I love when someone calls in because it gives me interaction beyond the studio,” she mentioned to Us. “I can understand their interests or address questions I haven’t covered.”
What Is It Really Like to Work With the QVC Hosts?
Frequently, QVC personalities are asked about their experiences working with their favorite hosts. Spoiler alert: they always have positive things to share.
“[David Venable] is reliable, dependable, honest, and genuine,” Sandra Lee told Us. “He embodies everything you perceive and more.”
Zarian, who designs for BEAUTIFUL by Lawrence Zarian, praised each host for taking the time to provide him guidance, tips, and tricks to get him up to speed.
“The hosts work incredibly hard and are deeply committed to their craft,” he added. “The time they share with me is truly a gift. Before every show, I always set aside time to collaborate with the host to ensure we’re aligned.”
What Is It Like in the Kitchen?
During cooking shows, you can often find Temp-tations founder Tara Tesher showcasing her products. “A three-hour Temp-tations show can feature 21 to 24 items, all without breaks,” Tesher explained to Us. “I invest a lot of time in preparation, knowing what I’ll be doing and the demos I’ll present. The rest naturally flows; you can’t script it; you just go with it.”
As for what happens to the food made during the shows, it is always shared with the QVC staff.
“There are no limits on how much you can eat,” program host Monifa Days said. “I usually eat before the show because during the first part of that four-hour show, if you’re hungry and indulge in that steak, you’re faced with three and a half hours of food consumption, which can be quite a challenge.”
Fellow program host Terri Conn added, “We often have a table filled with leftovers, which we either take home for our families or share with the crew.”
What Makes the QVC Models Special?
Behind every successful fashion show is a group of women exhibiting shoes, pants, handbags, and outfits available for purchase.
“It’s about the attitude, the way they walk, and how they feel in the clothes, which is what makes it special,” Villasante shared with Us. “It’s not just about the clothing. It’s about conveying a feeling that makes someone feel beautiful.”
Zarian added, “Our QVC models are always celebrated, respected, and cherished. They are integral to the history and fabric of the company and each collection we create. For our live shows, I collaborate with stylists to showcase my BEAUTIFUL pieces.”
Who Loves Working Together?
When QVC hosts review their weekly show schedules, they know which guests will ensure an exciting hour.
Day loves collaborating with Denim & Company’s Gary Goben, while host Leah Williams enjoys a beauty hour with Doris Dalton.
Conn looks forward to spending time with designer Isaac Mizrahi, and host Mary DeAngelis promises that any show with Gravel will be “fun and unpredictable.”
Shawn Killinger enjoys working alongside Brandis Bradley, Harry Slatkin, and Dennis Basso. “The insights he shares with me during a 30-second break before we go live are priceless,” she joked. “He is simply the best.”
Do QVC Hosts Really Shop at the Network?
Absolutely! Williams swears by Supersmile teeth whitening and Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple cleanser, while Days is a fan of her Dyson vacuum and Vitamix blender.
Conn mentioned that the DynaTrap has protected her family from mosquito bites, while DeAngelis can’t get enough of Dr. Denese’s hydroshield for her skin.
Killinger even listed her recent purchases, including Charles David shoes, Scrub Daddy sponges, and Wen by Chaz Dean bronzing mist.
“Skeptics often say, ‘Oh, you don’t actually own everything that’s on your show,’” DeAngelis shared with Us. “Having been here for 17 years, you’d be surprised.”
