Since the early 1980’s, MTV has been at the forefront of pioneering trend-setting and record-breaking content. And for Summer 2022, the media titan has introduced a new digital series titled “Merch Masters,” set to explore fashion in a fun and creative way.

As a one-of-a-kind and all-new digital series, “MM” pits fashion designers against each other in a race to the finish to design and create new merch for a star-studded guest cast of today’s most popular music artists.

Hosted by TikTok creator – and media personality – Tefi Pessoa, each episode starts by revealing a special guest artist that each designer needs to create sellable merchandise for.

Working within a timed stage set and fast-paced environment designers go head-to-head battling to win each episode, while designing potential merch for musicians such as Saweetie, Lil Nas X, MGK, Camila Cabello, J Balvin, Seventeen and more.

Speaking exclusively to Hypebeast, Pessoa shared her thoughts on the new series plus her first experience with MTV, saying:

“It has always been a dream of mine to work with MTV. I grew up during the birth of the word ‘stan,’ calling in to vote for artists you loved across various networks, hundreds of fans blocking avenues for miles outside of TRL for hours, just for a glance at their favorite artist.”

“Merch Masters really embodies that love and excitement for artists again – an affection I think we’ve lost a little with social media. My favorite episode was the J Balvin episode; the contestants were so excited I think they were delirious, and J Balvin being Colombian made me feel fuzzy inside! Creating art for the music we love is my language, and I feel blessed to be a part of it,” she added.

Following the lead of MTV’s previous fashion-oriented shows such as House of Style and Fashionably Loud, the new “Merch Masters” series has created its own lane for style content and airs exclusively on MTV’s YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, YSL Beauté announced Lil Nas X as its new brand ambassador.