Well not literal help from family members, but help from family histories. The episode actually began with a little Victoria segment. Hearing her faux guilt on making the top so much, it was quite laughable! Because in actuality, the judges are overly obsessed with her, and that’s about it. She is a good designer, but she is not the best in this bunch, and even her montage of looks shown prove that her work is very derivative, not overly innovative.

My shade aside, back to the challenge. The designers were tasked to think of their family histories and channel those stories, that background, into any look of their choosing. With such an unlimited amount of options here, Delvin was seemingly nervous. I get this show sets boundaries, but in the real world of fashion, designers always have that freedom, so I was a little surprised Delvin was struggling. Another point of nervousness for some designers was that this would be a 1-day challenge. Sha’Vi was clearly not excited as the last 1-day challenge was hard for him.

The designers were give tablets to research their backgrounds and sketch. All of the designers received calls from their family and it was a touching moment to see. It was then time to head to Mood with a $300 budget. I think Christian was feeling a little underappreciated on this shopping trip. Chelsey was not asking for any advice, and Victoria was ignoring Christian’s thought on her color choice. After shopping, the designers were back to work. Dayoung was feeling feverish so decided to put a scarf over her face and warned the other designers to steer clear.

Next up were Siriano Sessions. He urged Dayoung to not be as shy with her designs. Sergio at first didn’t want to show Christian what he was working on. But he later decided to show his political statement piece to Christian. I applaud Sergio for making a statement with his work. The rest of the day included model fittings. Delvin wasn’t ready for his, going from Mr. Finish Early to Mr. No Clue What is Going On. Christian was still not overly enthusiastic with Victoria’s work, especially the ice blue color choice. Before he left though, he did announce to the designers that this would be a flash sale challenge. Dayoung was still not feeling well. Shavi had so much to do, but decided to tackle it all in the morning.

The morning of the runway was filled with last minute rush drama. Sergio had a couple of the models helping him with his work. Brittany was upset by this, but the situation here was hardly a first occurrence on this show. Most of the designers were working up until the last minute! This week’s guest judge was fashion designer Fernando Garcia, who has worked with both Monse & Oscar de la Renta.

This was a pretty decent runway. Most of the designers were strong, and the ones who weren’t, they were correctly in the bottom. As a huge Nancy fan, I will give her a shoutout — I loved the jacket she created. It was super cool, very chic. I continue to be impressed with her work.

I did not care for Marquise’s work the past couple of weeks, but this was a big step back in the right direction for him. I would have much preferred seeing him, Nancy, or even Brittany in the top 3 over Victoria. Brittany probably not as much. Her look was okay, not her best, but it was good. I thought she was kind of pouting about not being in the top, but I did at least understand her frustration over Victoria being undeservedly in the top again.

The top 3 were Chelsey, Dayoung and Victoria. Thankfully Victoria didn’t win! I really don’t understand how this look ice blue eye-sore was in the top. The judges were split, and this was probably one of her worst looks. I just don’t get certain judges infatuation with her. The judges’ commentary regarding her actually is making me question their taste level. And the fact that her look had nothing to do with the challenge, she should not be rewarded for not following the rules!

Dayoung would have been my winner. I thought her look was gorgeous. Such a great color palette, clear story of heritage. But it wasn’t a costume. I felt it was a modern interpretation of that type of cultured look. Elaine asking about the color palette choice, and how that tied to her heritage, I was laughing that this needed any clarification. These judges certainly had me scratching my head at times during this episode.

Chelsey’s look was very cool, but to me it was just a letterman jacket. I didn’t mind her being in the top, but not on board with the win. I just didn’t find it overly innovative, or really set apart from other similar looks I have seen in this style of work. So when Karlie said it was fresh, needless to say I was scratching my head again!

The bottom 3 was abundantly obvious, Sergio, Sha’Vi , and Delvin, with the bottom 2 being Sha’Vi and Delvin. Sergio had such a strong story behind his look. I would have been really surprised if they had sent him home. Story aside, the look still needs to be great fashion, and this look was not that. The names were hard to read, the entire bottom portion was messy. At least Sergio finally seemed to be accepting of criticism.

Sha’Vi & Delvin both have done good work this season, but I do feel Delvin has stronger potential and was glad he stayed. Delvin got lost entirely in this challenge. This was probably his only shot at that level of mistakes, so hopefully he gets it together and bounces back.

Sha’Vi ‘s look was just not that great. And I do feel badly he messed up this poorly and had to go home. You could tell he felt bad and was truly upset for letting the ball drop on this one. I wondered if Christian was contemplating using his save, but ultimately, it might have just been too early to use it, not knowing what the many weeks to come would have in store.