After that F-bomb Tim dropped last week, everyone seems to have dusted themselves off, cleared away the rubble, and rebuilt. While disappointed in Swapnil for giving up, the designers see the positive side of his exit: had he been firing on all cylinders, he would have been nearly impossible to beat. Sad to see talent like that leave “not with a bang but with a whimper,” but I’m sure he’ll land cat-like on his feet.
Heidi teases the challenge by hinting that the designers will “bring some New York City landmarks to life,” then throws on some of those old red-and-blue paper glasses and with a witchy cackle adds, “In 3D!” What and how and what?
The Challenge:
Tim waits for the designers in front of a spectacular view of the Queensboro Bridge and the East River. They are to use inspiration from one of three New York City bridges – the Queensboro (59th Street/Ed Koch) Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, or the Brooklyn Bridge – for an avant-garde look. In addition, they must use 3D-printing technology for a multi-dimensional element in their piece. Annie Shaw, Creative Director of 3D Systems, explains the basics of how the printed elements will work and that each designer will meet with a member of her team to discuss their designs. Whoever wins this challenge also wins a Cube 3D printer, which in my nerdy opinion is the best prize yet.
Kelly is given her choice of bridges, as she was the winner of the last challenge; the button bag decides the rest:
Brooklyn: Kelly
Queensboro: Candice, Merline
Manhattan: Edmond, Ashley
Merline is understandably psyched for the challenge considering her love for architecture. With $200 and two days for this challenge, neither she nor anyone else has any excuse not to wow the judges.
At Mood, several designers step outside their comfort zones. Kelly goes for a tan faux crocodile textile. Ashley chooses a gorgeous deep blue palette, a far cry from the lavenders she’s employed of late. Candice makes a bold choice (for her) and goes with red instead of her usual black. My favorite line from this episode is from Candice. Running through Mood in heels with just one minute left, “I think I’m gonna get black just in case!” Old habits and new tricks.
We get another fleeting glimpse into Merline’s process when she creates a quick mood board with pattern paper. Some of the designs she’s sketched are gorgeous, and although it’s bound to cost them a bit of time, I wonder why more designers don’t plan this way, especially those who seem lost for inspiration (ahem, Ashley last challenge and several other challenges before that, ahem).
Speaking of Ashley, she’s creating a pant, which is nearly always guaranteed to stand out (though often for the wrong reasons). So far it’s looking pretty good. I’m not sure what about this pant says “bridge,” but that could be said for everyone’s garment, right? Well, except maybe Kelly’s.
Kelly is creating a bridge. She’s taking the challenge literally and it will either pay off in a major way or it’ll be her downfall. Looking around the room, Kelly realizes that she has taken a different approach, and mentions that she’s unsure of what “avant garde” really means. Everyone, including Kelly, is worried about this look.
On day two, the 3D designs are finished printing. Everyone loves their elements apart from Ashley, who can’t stop looking at Candice’s pieces. Smarty-pants Candice thought ahead and made different-sized elements so that she can add some variety to her piece.
Here’s the rundown of Tim’s critiques: Candice’s black and red dress inspired by bridges and her dad who works on bridges is doing all the right things, Ashley’s top is not in harmony with her pants, Edmond has balanced movement and structure, Merline needs to think through her puzzle of a look, and Kelly needs to be extra careful not to go too costume-y. Whoo, I’m out of breath,
It should be noted that Kelly stays cool when Tim starts to explain how her dress is a twist on a pannier dress from the 18th century. Y’all know she has no idea what he’s talking about.
I think this might be the first runway show of the season where no one is scrambling until the very last second to pull something together. Have they all finally learned time management or is this some sort of fluke? If I had money and was a betting lady, I’d bet on fluke.
Runway:
Heidi introduces Zac, Nina, and Heidi’s fellow “America’s Got Talent” judge, the fabulous Mel B., a.k.a Scary Spice, a.k.a this writer’s childhood heroine. Tim sits alongside the judges and he and Heidi remind the designers that he has yet to use his Save.
Edmond: A black gown with triangular cutouts at the model’s ribs. There is an X motif throughout the dress, down to his 3D element, which also incorporates his last name (Newton). There is a light but structural piece flowing from one side of the garment at the hip and a veil of the same material over the model’s eyes. It’s sexy and sophisticated. Nina is concerned he didn’t push the avant-garde envelope, but everyone agrees it’s beautiful.
Kelly, the winner: A strong, structured, textured brown dress with thin rope criss-crossed to look like cables running along the chest and sides, rectangular shapes jutting from the hips at right angles and falling straight down to the floor. (Definitely like a pannier dress, then.) Underneath is a short skirt, and for that bit of Kelly flair she’s included her 3D pieces, made to look like bricks, on the belted middle of the design. Everyone is extremely proud of how much Kelly has grown as a designer.
Merline: A deep burgundy knee-length dress covered with 3D panels of material, which Heidi points out is reminiscent of Kini’s umbrella dress from last season. Merline used the 3D-printed elements throughout the chest and it looks like little bits of cement. All in all, it doesn’t wow the judges because it feels a little on the safe side, especially considering what Merline could have created given her background.
Ashley: The aforementioned pants are a solid panel of deep blue on the front and back with sheer polka dotted material down the sides. This style is mimicked in the sleeveless vest-like top. Over these pieces Ashley has added what Edmond referred to, accurately, as “a church choir robe.” She’s added her white 3D pieces to the top portion, which look stuck-on and confusing. In general, the judges like what she’s done.
Candice: A red, skin-tight floor-length dress. I realize that her model is, um…a model…but dayum, her body looks amazing. The black 3D-printed pieces jut out in sharp edges on the chest and sides and the dress flares out at the bottom in triangular shapes. Nina is right to point out that there is a Spanish theme happening with this look and that it’s not particularly avant-garde. But who cares, it’s freaking beautiful and brilliant.
Kelly wins the challenge (and takes home that sweet 3D printer) but Candice is the real winner here, as Mel B. asks to wear the dress Candice has created to her next event. People, I have chills!
And while the judges liked every designer’s look, someone has to go home. Merline’s inability to deliver something truly exciting means she’s auf. We’re down to four.
