Episode 3 starts and I am excited! We find the designers on a Celebrity Cruise ship (which looks completely amazing) AND we learn that this is a group challenge! Each team must choose a suitcase that has a location listed on top to inspire them for a look that will transition day to night. The only questionable team seems to be Merline and Joseph, this being solely based on Joseph. His complete disappointment when he realizes that he is paired with the never stop talking, super high energy Merline is plain to see.
The designers then are treated to a gourmet lunch buffet while they check out their fabrics and sketch — so far so good. The problems start to arise once the designers get back to the workroom. Ironically it seems like the only couple working well together are the boisterous Blake and Kelly. Meanwhile, Hanmiao and Edmond are looking like a sinking ship. The once sweet Hanmiao is coming across as rude and demeaning to a patient Edmond. I also find Joseph to be a bit rude to Merline, stating he’s going to “tame” her and telling her that she cannot dance while working. Merline has pulled her weight thus far and I think that he needs to have a bit more faith in her. The misogyny/overt racism not withstanding, overall the feeling in the room is extremely negative as Lindsey complains about Jake essentially for not being just like Lindsey…
Aye yai yai…I am glad I am home in my PJs!
The next morning things only seem to go from bad to worse. The designers are all struggling to finish their looks. Hanmiao takes it to a new low by stealing her model and taking her to the bathroom and sewing her in a horribly fit bikini just so that Edmond cannot give his input. She is definitely doing herself a disservice because Edmond had created a much better look.
Again, aye yai yai.
On to the runway…
Candice & Ashley – Venice
This is definitely not a look that I would wear, but it is well-crafted and the prints all seem to all work together somehow. The pants are well done, but I think should have been a little longer. My favorite of the three pieces is the cape and I wish that the model had kept it on a little longer!
Swapnil & Laurie – India
I really like this look and the strong inspiration behind it. The sari shawl was well done and draped beautifully. The top was a gorgeous fabric. My only complain is that the bottoms did not seem to fit that well. I liked the idea of them, but I was not a fan of how they were slightly draped. It was not enough to be obviously intentional.
Linsdsey & Jake – Hong Kong
This look was just okay to me. The designers did not work well together or seem excited about the look. I thought the vest and the dress were both pretty and the model looked great. I would say this was a “safe” dress, which seems like a win to me considering how much they fought as a team.
Joseph & Merline – St. Petersburg
The dress was very basic and I agree with Merline that there was nothing overly creative about the look. I think the cape could have benefitted from more movement. Overall, another “safe” look.
Hanmiao & Edmond – The Caribbean
This look is a disaster. It looks like two people who could not work together at all. The construction was horrible, the styling was bad and the design was basic. This is definitely a bottom look.
Amanda & Gabrielle – South of France
I think that this look is interesting. The top was very stunning, but there was a little ill fit in the armhole/bust and back. he pants were cool but did not go with the top in my opinion.
Blake & Kelly – Greek Isles
I love this look. I think the pantsuit was very chic and well made. The chiffon cape was a beautiful addition and definitely takes the look from day to night. This look is my favorite.
Surprisingly, or maybe not based on my track record this season, my favorite look is “safe.” Candice and Ashley (new best friends!) are both crowned as winners. Predictably, Hanmiao is sent home.
