The Fashion Show Ultimate Collection: Body Image

This week's episode, aka Body Image, begins with everyone bad mouthing last week's loser, Francine (poor thing, was that necessary kids?). Mike also comments that he doesn't think Cesar should have won for last week's snow leopard print dress. But more on Mike later.


1. The Challenge. After the bitch session, the designers all meet up with Iman at the Bodies art exhibition, which consists of art displaying the human body from the inside out. Which can only mean that this week's challenge is to design a collection inspired by the human body. The designers then walk around the room and get some inspiration. David says he loves the vagina and plans to use it as his inspiration.

The inspiration.

2. The Workroom and Isaac's Take. Back in the workroom, Calvin, the resident crazy, tells his team, Team Emerald Syx, that his concept is to do some kind of crazy white fabric-stretch face thing. He then spends all of the planning session screaming at his team to "Listen to the picture" and we believe he mentioned nuclear explosions at one point. We still have no idea what he meant by this. Yes, Cal makes for some good tv. However, Cal does not help his team at all. In fact, when Isaac comes in to give his two cents, the team has no concept of any kind in place. Isaac, however, does suggest that they change their name from Emerald Syx to Emerald (since there are only 5 now). They are all able to agree on that change. After Isaac leaves, the team decides to elect Jeffrey as their leader.

Cal.

Meanwhile, Team Nami is doing just fine. Their concept is inspired by flesh tones and blood. They want to show each piece moving from flesh to muscle to veins to blood and then to bone. We much admit we are impressed by this idea as their design board looks great. Isaac is impressed, too. He likes the darkness of their ideas and he wants them to really run with that. He also proceeds to tell each designer what he would change, what he likes, etc. Isaac really is a pretty good Tim.


3. The Twist. No sooner does Isaac leave the room than he returns to tell the designers that there is now a twist. Each of the designers must now also incorporate a reversible look into their designs. Team Emerald is starting to freak out as they have planned nothing. Jeffrey, however, steps up and decides they will all do blood red outfits with pleats. However, as things progress, it becomes clear that no one likes Tamara's plain sleeveless cocktail dress. The other designers in the House of Emerald start harassing Tams to change her design. She continually refuses. We feel kinda bad for her.

Mike.

Meanwhile, on Team Nami, Mike has no dress whatsoever and we begin to witness a meltdown. He has nothing but a skintight piece of clothing to put his model in at the fitting. Afterwards, he just does nothing and more nothing. We start thinking surely this guy's not giving up already? I mean sure, it happens, but normally not on the second episode. Toughen up Mike. But seems we were wrong. Mike really is that much of a wuss. He walks out of the room and we quickly learn he's left the show. Unfortunately, for his team, they are still responsible for a sixth look. Of course, Team Nami are such superstars that they have no problem finishing a sixth look. 


4. The Runway. Along with Isaac, Iman and Laura Brown, tonight's guest judge is Douglas Friedman, noted fashion photographer. Doug also happens to look like a seventies porn star. 




Team Nami: Team Nami puts out yet another impressive collection. However, we do think, overall, their collection is a bit overworked and should have had a couple of simpler pieces thrown in. Regardless, we think they had the best collection. In particular, we love Dominique's vein print fabric and Eduardo's high collared knee length, flesh-colored dress (although the collar feels just a bit out of proportion with the rest of the dress). The judges agree with us and anoint Team Nami as the winners of the challenge. The judges choose Eduardo and Cesar as the two best designs. Cesar, who used fringe to mimic veins, had an interesting idea. However, we didn't think it was actually that pretty. The judges don't seem to have an issue with this, but they still crown Eduardo the winner.

Douglas Friedman

Team Emerald: Team Emerald has some cute looks and some not-so-cute looks. Poor Tamara is forced at the last moment to add a ridiculous pleated panel peeking out of the top of her strapless gown. It's terrible, and, as a result, she's our pick for worst design of the week. Jeffrey and Cal, on the other hand, have the best looks from the Emerald Team. To us, Jeff had the best look overall. His long-sleeved, off the shoulder, knee length jersey dress with solid stripe down the middle (in two contrasting shades of deep red) looks effortless and expensive.The judges are pretty much in agreement with us here. Everyone seems to like Jeff's and Cal's designs which are fresh and go together.  Isaac also really likes Jeff's reverse pleating detail as he has never seen it before. The judges don't seem too impressed with the other three designers, but Tamara looks like she's in the most danger.

After yelling at Team Emerald for a bit for their shortcomings, Iman declares that something must change. "Bring in the House of Nami!" she says. Tension builds. Isaac then announces that because Mike has left the competition, none of the designers will be going home (lucky for you Tamara!). And because Team Emerald can't seem to get along...

Cal will be joining the House of Nami! Looks of horror abound on the Nami members' faces. Plus, Team Nami must also give up one member. After a few moments of significant looks among the team's members, Cesar, ever the leader, steps up to the challenge and decides to switch teams, which is a good move because (1) Cal won't be on his team and (2) He no longer has to compete with Eduardo for top designer should his team win.

Only time will tell if Cesar has made the right choice.


Until next week, ciao!