Tim Gunn and actress Sarah Hyland introduce this week's challenge.
At the beginning of this episode, Anya was praised for being such a great mentor. By the end, two of her designers were in the bottom, and Anya was asked to decide which one should be sent home. Certainly the competition is heating up.
Actress Sarah Hyland introduced this week’s challenge as everyone gathered in a dark, “vampire land” with fog and smoke. In honor of Sarah’s new movie Vampire Academy, the designers were shown the movie trailer, and were asked to make outfits inspired by the clip and their current surroundings. The designers were then given 10 minutes to collect up to five bolts of fabric and as many unconventional materials as they could from the dark, foggy land.
There was definitely a major divide between the best and worst designs on the runway this week. While Michelle and Asha were lauded for their creativity and ability to capture the challenge’s essence, there were other designers that really missed the mark with looks that were either too exaggerated or too minimalistic.
This week’s guest judges were fashion designer Trina Turk, standing in for Rachel Roy, and Vampire Academy star Zoey Deutch. Because of her clever use of stripes, branches, and a visually pleasing silhouette, Michelle won this challenge and a $5,000 cash prize. Tim also announced that every so often Benefit Cosmetics, this season’s makeup sponsor, would award one contestant with $1,000 for lending a hand to a fellow designer. This week the reward went to Oscar. Meanwhile, Anya was faced with choosing to send home one of her two team members, which ended up in the bottom. She ultimately saved Nicholas and said goodbye to Brady.
On to the designs…
The top:
Michelle’s winning design (team Mondo):
Asha’s design (team Mondo):
Oscar’s design (team Nick):
The bottom:
Brady’s final look (team Anya):
Nicholas’ design (team Anya):
Isabelle’s design (team Nick):
The rest of the looks:
Blake’s design (team Anya):
Sam’s design (team Mondo):
Shan’s design (team Anya):
Natalia’s design (team Nick):
Stephanie’s design (team Nick):
I could not believe that after Anya guided Brady in the wrong direction, she still chose to kick him off. He had so much potential, and I never would’ve predicted that ending. Michelle’s design, on the other hand, was extremely well-constructed, and I’m glad she bounced back from last week’s critique so well.
What were your impressions about this episode? Were you surprised by Anya’s decision? Would you ever have expected Brady to go home? Whose vampire look do you think was the best? Please share your comments below!
I think the right person won. I don't remember seeing Natalia's dress on the runway, but I like that as well. Personally I think that Nicholas' design was more uninspired than Brady's. I could almost imagine Nina calling it "mumsy." I don't see the potential in Nicholas' work: I haven't seen anything menswear inspired so far, and he doesn't strike me as being able to compete with Jil Sander or Viktor & Rolf. I don't know that Anya is a particularly strong mentor, from what's been shown so far. When her team was first assembled, I got the impression of someone basking in their admiration. The top two were imaginative and fun. I'm not so sure about Isabel's tornado dress; listening to Tim telling her "no!" reminds me of someone trying to control their dog or toddler. I do like the fact that there is very little drama compared to classic PR. However, I see the same issue with this group of designers that I see with PR - no one particularly stands out as innovative or inspiring. I will keep watching because of Tim Gunn, and hope that someone interesting breaks out ahead of the pack.
I totally agree with you, Soli. Nicholas has consistently been trying to please his way through the competition by gauging the "safe" way to design. He's afraid to express himself. I would be, too, yet this show is about the risks.
Shan is the one I'm watching. He never complains, carefully and professionally takes care of business, and is spot on with his techniques. He's the quiet one and my favorite.
Michelle did herself proud this week. What a great dress and I liked the branches at the top.
Isabelle was such a train wreck. No amount of medication or time could have saved her lack of focus. There was no talent there. She reminded me of another Patricia-all goof. How do they pick these designers, anyway? I'm enjoying the show though.