The Fashion Show episode 10 recap

The Fashion Show episode 10 recap

Original Air Date: 07/09/2009

Last week Merlin was sent packing and even though his designs (and personality) were all over the place, I was still sad to see him go. Those left are rather boring, even if they do have more talent than Merlin. I think at the end it will be a fight between Reco and Daniella. Both are headstrong and both have fantastic creativity that they know how to translate in the clothes they create. I also think the underdog, Anna, has a chance at the big prize.

Bravo Photo: Barbara Nitke

At this point, everyone wants to win. James-Paul sheds some tears, but I’m not sure this will get him through to the end.

The Mini Challenge

This week’s mini challenge involves draping. Isaac says that draping is the most crucial part to designing. Each designer gets two yard of fabric and a dozen pins to create something that will wow Isaac, Kelly, Isabel Toledo and Glenda Bailey. Remember, Isabel Toledo designed Michelle Obama’s inauguration dress, so I’m sure she has plenty of insight for the designers.

The designers have only 20 minutes to impress the judges. Johnny says he doesn’t “do” draping, but James-Paul is comfortable with the process. I love the jewel tones that everyone is working with! Isaac calls time and the designers bring their pieces to the judges. Glenda and Isabel examine the pieces. They think Reco was channeling the ’80s and adore what Anna did with her piece. They aren’t feeling Johnny’s yellow get-up and I don’t blame them. They enjoy Daniella’s dress and you can practically see her head swell as she’s complimented. James-Paul’s technique is ridiculed and he isn’t too happy. Glenda and Isabel choose Daniella as the winner of the challenge. Great, that’s really what she needed.

The Elimination Challenge

The designers are to design an evening gown embellished with Swarovski crystals. James-Paul says crystals are difficult to work with because they weigh down the fabric of the garment. Interesting…it should be cool to see the designers so challenged. Kelly meets the designers at the fabric store and who does she bring out? A few eliminated designers! Haven, Angel, Keith, Andrew and…Merlin, in all of his fab glory! Haha!

Daniella chooses Haven, Anna chooses Keith, James-Paul chooses Merlin, Reco goes with Andrew and that means Johnny is with Angel. Johnny says he feels Angel’s work has been inconsistent. Uh, talk about pot calling the kettle black! Johnny is infamous at this point for his inconsistent work. It’s a total fluke he’s still here because he’s always up and down when it comes to the quality of work he turns out.

Reco says his muse is Victoria Beckham. I can see this in his work for sure.  Johnny tells Angel he loves a Lanvin dress and pulls leopard fabric very similar to that used in Alber Elbaz’s S/S 2009 collection. I’m worried! Anna is letting the draping challenge inspire her and decides to go with an asymmetrical gown.  Daniella feels Haven is making her overthink the design, but from what I’ve seen so far, the dress is gorgeous.

Isaac and Kelly stop by the workroom and immediately take note of Johnny’s fabric choices – chiffon lined in taffeta. Bleh. Reco’s work is toned down by Isaac and Anna’s bold floral idea raises eyebrows. James-Paul’s dress looks a bit matronly up top, so I hope Merlin helps him spice it up and balance the look. Andrew is trying to help Reco where he can, but that’s hardly anywhere as Reco makes it clear he doesn’t want or need help for his evening gown.

It’s time for the designers to say goodbye to their helpers, and the dresses are being finished up. Daniella has gone back to her grey theme, even though the judges and Haven weren’t feeling it. She’s sticking with her vision, and I think it looks amazing and will showcase the Swarovski crystals beautifully. Anna’s worried that her dress is too eccentric. I LOVE the shape, but the floral pattern is so grandma and hideous. It’s great, but it could have been better.

On the Runway

Johnny – Nice, but a straight knockoff of Elbaz’s work for Lanvin.

James-Paul – This is pretty, but it wasn’t what I expected from him. A little dull.

Anna – This is kind of stunning. The idea of putting the crystals INSIDE the bow is pure brilliance!

Reco – Nice, but again, I expected more.

Daniella – This is remarkable! I’m in love with this gown!

Bravo Photo: Barbara Nitke

Judging and Deliberation

Isaac brings out the two looks that won the most love from the audience. Anna and Daniella’s models come out, which means both are making it to the final four. The judges are impressed that Anna was gutsy enough to choose a print and how she used the Swarovski crystals in an unconventional way. Daniella is happy the audience loved her dress since she followed her vision. Daniella wins the challenge and she is so excited because this win involved Glenda Bailey.

Reco, Johnny and James-Paul take the stage and Reco is deemed safe. His model comes out and Johnny says, “It’s so ugly!” over to the girls. Can we say rude?! The remaining models are brought out. Glenda tells James-Paul the dress looks dated and unwearable. Glenda tells Johnny that his dress is young, modern, he’s glowing…and then she says, “I’d  love to see it on the red carpet, but I already have.” Ouch! Fern is shocked that Johnny would try to get this past the panel.

The designers chat backstage and Johnny blames Angel for “not telling” him that he was doing a knockoff. What is he talking about?! I am shocked that he would bring up Angel when she had little or nothing to do with the design and execution of his dress. Get rid of him! Johnny’s departure is long overdue. James-Paul’s dress was bad, but at least it was his!

Johnny is sent home. I’m sure in his sad little head he still blames Angel to some degree and it’s unfortunate. That means James-Paul, Reco, Daniella and Anna will make up the final four for the upcoming finale. Each collection will be comprised of 10 pieces, and I’m excited to see what the designers come up with.