I can’t believe we’ve already reached Episode 5! Tim and Heidi come out in white outfits and paintball guns. Now this looks exciting! What a great way to get rid of some pent up frustration!
They then announce that they are dividing the designers into teams (again?). Ashley is left as the last designer, which makes no sense to me (or Heidi) considering she has won the most challenges and seems like a complete sweetheart to boot?! Ashley sheds some light as to why when she mentions that the designers are picking their roommates or best friends. Not. A. Great. Tactic.
The designers then move to the paintball field and have a game between teams or as it turned out, boys (plus Merline) vs. girls In true girl power fashion, the women are destroying the men in the game and surprise, Ashley is the MVP of the game. Blake is definitely the LEAST valuable player by hiding when the game starts so that he will not get dirty. This ends up haunting him as the designers are told that they need to use the material from the jumpsuits to create their garment.
While the girls dominated the boys in the paintball challenge, back at the workroom the boys completely take over. They are more organized and are communicating much better. The girls quickly show that they are going to be the team in trouble. Candice brags about how she is a ‘leader’, I can’t help but laugh out loud because she is absolutely horrid at being in charge! She has no control over her group and everyone is just off on their own creating individual looks. I don’t understand why they don’t utilize the great Rowenta irons and steamers and just keep the silhouettes clean and simple with all the crazy fabric?! I am also so tired of hearing Amanda complain about if she gets eliminated it will be her team’s fault. She really needs to take some ownership of her own design! Lets see some of that poise she had on the paintball field.
The girls start to come together a little bit before the runway. I LOVE what they did with the hair and make up at the Sally Beauty Studio. The nails are gorgeous and the pastel color pallet is pleasing to the eye. Well done, ladies.
However, the positive energy does not last long as Ashley learns that the girls are planning to throw her under the bus. I have to say that this feels like a horrible plan as she is definitely the judges favored one.
On to the runway…
Blue Team
Blake – This look is not particularly eye-opening. A simple design with a pretty ombre effect.
Joseph – I really like this look. The rolled sleeves on the jacket are very current and I love that it is paired with the big belt at the waist.
Swapnil – This ia also a very strong look. It is a beautifully made dress and the side pocket is very uniqu. And the piece has a beautiful drape.
Jake – I love this look! The pants are cut beautifully, the cape is gorgeous and the top is interesting! Well done!
Merline – I also really like this look. The skirt of the jacket is beyond beautiful, plus I love that it is paired with an oversized tee-inspired top. The dip dye is also perfection. A look very on trend.
Edmond – I love the collar of the gown, and that it was paired with a nice full skirt. This is definitely one of my favorite looks from Edmond. I would have liked less of the painted flowers, maybe an ombre effect with the flowers, but overall, I must say a strong finish to a strong collection.
Red (Purple) Team
Ashley – She definitely pulled together a well-finished look even if the colors remind me of a Pepto-Bismol bottle. It is not the most fashion forward or beautiful look, but considering the circumstances it isn’t a complete disaster.
Laurie – I actually really like this look, with the simple top and clean skirt. I definitely feel that this was the correct direction to go with that ruinous fabric.
Lindsey – I also like this look as well. The jacket is pretty and the top and pants fit well. It is a little “blah,” but I certainly agree with the idea to keep it simple with the horrible fabric.
Candice – The purple is just so horribly distracting and overworked but, the dress actually came together better then I expected. It has unique and complicated pattern work, which I appreciate, with the caveat that it is not done very well.
Kelly – Bluntly, this look is a disaster. It looks like a horrible Halloween costume. I think this look should go home.
Amanda – This look too is a mess. The front is not horrible, but the back is sorely lacking.
The runway critique was a disaster and again I cannot believe that the entire team turned on Ashley. Way to go girls…
I agree that it seemed like it became a popularity contest. Blake said it best to keep the drama for high school because they are all adults–except him of course, who is forever 17 ;-).
In the end it is no surprise that Edmond wins (although not my favorite), and Amanda goes home. While it decidedly was not the worst look, she has been continuously in the bottom, and it certainly was her time to go.
