Simon Cowell is known for many things, being a style icon is not one of them. The X Factor live shows kicked off on Saturday and all 16 acts received an array of comments from the judges, positive and negative. The music mogul earned himself a rep on the early seasons of the reality competition for his harsh criticism. Lola Saunders was the first of Cheryl’s girls to perform, taking on Sam Smith’s ‘Stay With Me’. It wasn’t Saunders' vocal performance that was under fire; Cowell was less than impressed with her outfit. "I really don't like what you're wearing," Cowell told the contestant. "I'm gob-smacked. You just look like you're wrapped up in tape", he continued. "It's important that you dress how you want to and not how somebody else tells you to in order to become the artist you want to be". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l05989UwtKg Lola Saunders wore a red and black silk gown for her rendition of Sam Smith's 'Stay With Me'. Resident stylist Gemma Sheppard took the criticism on the chin, telling The Daily Mail that Saunders needed a statement dress to feel “empowered” for her performance. "For her styling it was a case of fashion meets costume, the red dupioni silk gown with that 12ft train looked spectacular as she moved to centre stage, that was the money shot". “I believe that statement dress empowered Lola for her performance,” she added. Cowell, who is known for his signature black trouser and white t-shirt combo, hasn’t put Sheppard off. "It’s all about confidence and getting inside of the contestants' heads," she continued, "it is their closest moment to becoming a pop star so I want that to be translated in what they're wearing". "Criticism is part of the show, this is a contest, and I'm willing to take on board all the comments. Fashion is hugely subjective and you can't please everyone".