This week was all about eveningwear and red carpet glam. The designers were invited to Zac Posen’s studio, a designer who is well known for a signature technique on the red carpet. Zac also allowed the designers to make use of his own personal fabrics! But on top of creating a gorgeous, glamorous look, the designers were also tasked to incorporate into their look a signature technique. This could be tailoring, pleating, etc..
Whatever the technique might be, it had to be clear and would be what the judges would focus on. Certainly a great deal to complete in only 1 day! Regular mentor Anne Fulenwider was away this week, so each designer would mentor one another. But first, it was back to the workroom, where really right off the bat, the designers were worried on time.
But time aside, the mentor sessions had to occur. Each designer drew a name from the infamous button bag, and that is who they would mentor. Not much excitement with this, except for Helen mentoring Stanley. It seemed as if everyone was watching! Everyone was also later watching as there was a little drama post runway between Stanley & Josh — retract the claws kiddies!
Joining Zac as a guest judge was actress Rosie Perez. To make this week even more huge in the stakes, there was a top prize in play. The winning designer would land a gig as wardrobe designer for the leading lady of a Lifetime original movie. Of this bunch, there was one safe designer, but I will offer my critique on all 7, basically because the judges’ safe designer, I would have placed her in the top 3!
I thought every designer could have stood to go a bit longer in length with their looks, but that aside, Helen’s burgundy toned number was gorgeous. And her technique of corset work was amazing. I don’t think it was my favorite look from her ever, but certainly a fantastic look.
Stanley was also in the top, although it certainly seemed he was getting some mixed reviews — not all positive. But it really came as no surprise that Stanley once again did a phenomenal job. His tailoring skills are always impeccable. I thought he chose a standout color. And the top bodice portion was stunning. Also, a great fit for his model, she looked amazing.
Fabio took a top spot with the judges, but I think for me, I would have placed him as safe. He did an excellent job with his pleating technique, but something about the final look here seemed dated to me. But I got what the judges said about this look being the “anti-red carpet” red carpet look.
Shout-outs — Gorgeous Umberto Beverly Hills updo & stunning Rodial glam
Rounding out the top 3, and receiving the well-deserved win was Anthony. I loved the silhouette here, and his technique of sculpting was above and beyond the best of the bunch. It was such a glamorous look. Zac noted the color being fresh, but I think that a different color would have made me love this look even more.
The bottom 3 was not surprising. Given Ken’s previous bouts with standout work, I knew he would not be in major jeopardy. But he knew this week, he did not perform his best. The whole side part of his gown, working on his technique of sculpting, it was a letdown.
I would have rather Josh stayed over Edmond, but I have a feeling Edmond will be out next. Edmond really has not done much by way of greatness throughout this competition. His pleating technique was not bad, but there were some issues in this piece. The judges, namely Alyssa, took issue with the floral pleated bodice. I actually didn’t mind this, but what bothered me was the pairing of this with the print, versus a solid red. And the exposed zipper, ahhhhhh, how tacky.
Shout-out — Gorgeous wavy locks from Umberto Beverly Hills
And this leaves once again Joshua out on this week’s challenge. I applauded him choosing an ambitious technique, in that of pintucking, and for that part, he did it oh so well. However, the judges were correct in their assessment that there was a lot going on for this look. It seemed as if there was a hodge-podge of elements all thrown together to make a piece that just didn’t work.
