With all three teams chosen, it’s finally time for the competition to begin!
Tim Gunn and senior fashion editor for Marie Claire, Zanna Roberts Rassi, joined forces to announce the first official challenge. After taking a Starline Hollywood bus tour, the designers were asked to create a dynamic and eye-catching red carpet look, based on the glamour of Hollywood. They were given one day and $200 to complete this challenge. The winning designer will be awarded $5,000 and have their look worn by a celebrity whose photos will appear in Marie Claire magazine.
This was the first time we really get to see where the mentors come into play. While Anya and Mondo kept their distance and made sure their designers stayed true to themselves, Nick had a different approach. Not only did he swipe the sketch pads away from his team members in order to draw his own designs, but he spent additional time with Natalia showing her how to execute her gown and actually got down on the floor to help her construct it. As expected, Tim was quite furious with Nick, and asked him to leave the workroom immediately.
The judges for this show are as follows: celebrity stylist Jen Rade, senior fashion editor for Marie Claire, Zanna Roberts Rassi, and fashion designer Rachel Roy. Sam managed to take home the $5,000 prize, and Camila was asked to leave.
On to the designs…
The top:
Sam’s winning design (team Mondo):
Blake’s design (team Anya):
Shan’s design (team Anya):
The bottom:
Camila’s losing design (team Mondo):
Michelle’s design (team Mondo):
Stephanie’s design (team Nick):
The rest of the looks:
Asha’s design (team Mondo):
Brady’s design (team Anya):
Isabelle’s design (team Nick):
Natalia’s design (team Nick):
Nicholas’ design (team Anya):
Oscar’s design (team Nick):
I’m starting to enjoy this show a bit more now that the competition has truly begun. Although after seeing all of those red carpet outfits, I never would have guessed that Sam’s jumpsuit would have won. While it was certainly chic and well-made, it did not strike me as the best red carpet look.
As for the mentors, I think Mondo and Anya are doing a great job–giving advice when necessary, but not being too hands-on. Nick, on the other hand, definitely overstepped his boundaries in this episode. Even though his team did well, he didn’t seem to let his designers express themselves. I wonder if he’ll be able to take it down a notch next week.
What did you think about the mentors’ influence? Did you predict Sam’s look would win? Who’s outfit were you most impressed by? Please share your comments below!
Not impressed at all with the winning design. Maybe a hip hop red carpet with the right (oversized, tacky) accessories, but I think red carpet was better expressed by Oscar and Natalia. Don't expect Isabel to last very long for a few reasons. It's funny watching the learning curve that the mentors are having to go through. I think that anyone who has been in a supervisory position can relate. Nick has gone overboard, and maybe Stephanie being in jeopardy made enough of an impression on him to remind him that it's not the FIDM classroom that he's in now. I don't think I ever had a sewing or pattern making teacher get that hands on with my stuff. Too weird.