Emmy Award-Winning Actress Karrueche Tran Joins Fuse’s Reimagined and Refashioned Design Competition Series “Upcycle Nation”

Fuse today announces the start of production on Upcycle Nation, a new competition series that stitches together the world of fashion and the culture of upcycling. Hosted and executive produced by Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran, Upcycle Nation features aspiring designers and upcyclers from around the country who must transform previously discarded items into unique articles of clothing. Tran will be joined by upcycling innovator Peder Cho, and fashion designer Jérôme LaMaar as judges.

In each episode, three clever, crafty, and fashion-forward contestants will rip, tear, staple, burn, hammer, and sew their way through two high-stakes challenges to win a cash prize. From taking discarded denim jeans and making them into a new functional jacket, to repurposing old Oreo bags into a new couture handbag, they will use their RAW talent to make something spectacular out of literally, nothing.

Upcycle Nation began production this month and is set to premiere on Fuse and Fuse+ in late 2022. The series is produced by Fuse Studios.

Meet the host and judges of Upcycle Nation:

Karrueche Tran, host, executive producer

LA native and Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran has quickly become one of Hollywood’s sweethearts. Best known for her role as Virginia on TNT’s acclaimed series Claws, the actress and socialite has accumulated a worldwide fan base of over 12.1 million combined social media followers and counting. Karrueche not only stars in Emmy Award-winning web series, The Bay, but made history at the 2021 Daytime Emmy Awards as the first ever AAPI winner in the Lead Actress category for her role in both Daytime or Primetime Emmys. Over the years she has collaborated with brands like ColourPop Cosmetics, releasing one of their top-selling limited-edition makeup lines, KaePop. She released an athleisure wear collection with Pretty Little Thing and launched her own jewelry line KAE by Karrueche in 2020. Karrueche landed the E! News co-host spot at the 2017 Golden Globes red carpet, and her genuine and playful personality has landed her numerous hosting opportunities including MTV’s hit show Catfish and the BET Awards red carpet. Karrueche’s natural knack for fashion has also made her a paparazzi favorite and solidified her spot as a well-known fashion “it girl”. In 2021 she became an ambassador for Coach. Whether it’s the latest streetwear look, or sitting front row at top designer runway shows in Florence, Paris, and Milan, Karrueche is a must-watch in the fashion world. Over the years Karrueche has immersed herself in philanthropic work by teaming up with nonprofits such as Smile Train, Environmental Media Awards, and Global Wildlife Conservation. She was also seen on FOX’s Deputy in a recurring role as Genevieve, guest-starred alongside Tracy Morgan on his TBS show, The Last O.G., and most recently in Peacock’s Bel Air.

Peder Cho, judge

Cho is a retired accountant turned full-time designer. He is an upcycle artist known for his unique designs and innovative approach. He has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Lee Jeans, Target, the NHL, and SLAM Magazine as well as with music artists (Swizz Beats, Jaden Smith, DaniLeigh, Internet Money Records, & Tyla Yaweh) to create one of a kind upcycle pieces. www.instagram.com/utopia.us.

Jérôme LaMaar, judge

South Bronx native, Jérôme LaMaar is a shapeshifting creative consultant and fashion designer with 900K followers on social media and over two decades of industry experience. Their label, 5:31 made history with a partnership with Macy’s that features drops of their nonbinary fashion throughout the year. Jérôme has created for the likes of Beyonce and her IVY PARK line, Missy Elliot, SZA, Janet Jackson, Kimora Lee Simmons, Rihanna, and many more. Jérôme also consults for various global brands gradually shifting the narrative around what fashion, style & technology could become for the future. http://www.instagram.com/jeromelamaar.