December 14, 2005
This challenge is a test of each designer's creative vision.
Late in the day of the runway judging of our last episode, Heidi announces that each of the 13 remaining designers will be creating a special look for one of fashion's most important icons. Furthermore, we will be meeting this fashion icon at her house!
The next morning, the designers and I take a field trip to meet our muse. Heading north on Seventh Avenue from Parsons, the designers become perplexed, because Times Square and the theater district north of it is not a known haunt for fashion icons. Still, one should never assume. At 44th Street, where Seventh Avenue and Broadway intersect, we reach our destination: Toys R Us! And not just any Toys R Us; this is the huge flagship store. Inside, right past the Ferris Wheel, we meet our fashion icon, Barbie! We gather in front of her Dream House and meet Lily Martinez, head designer for Mattel's My Scene Barbie. Lily explains that the My Scene line has a number of individual characters, all 16 to 18 years old, and Barbie is their leader/social director. The designers are to create a life-size outfit that will walk the judging runway on their models.
NICK
Nick wins! What a superb showing by Nick. His use of a bold, graphic print, his sexy and sophisticated design, and his clear understanding of the client all spelled success. I loved the ruched bodice of the dress and the layers of its skirt and how those layers juxtaposed the pattern of the print. Furthermore, the addition of the headdress was fashion genius. Nick, there's going to be a Barbie box with your picture on it!
RAYMUNDO
Raymundo is OUT. I was, and still remain, totally baffled by Raymundo's solution to this challenge. First, I was perplexed by his fabric choices: an oatmeal tweed, an orange cotton, and a retro print that was unredeemable. Where could these choices possibly take him? Then there was his design: I told him that it looked like it was for an older woman, not a teen. He answered that he was designing for Barbie's mom. But Barbie's mom isn't the challenge! The matter of the client aside, his design was hideous and very poorly made. (Believe me; you can have one without the other.) The look of deconstruction was not intentional. Raymundo is talented and capable. In all honesty, it looked to me as though he wanted to take himself down with this challenge. What other excuse could there be?
ANDRAE
Andrae blew it. Was his muse My Scene Barbie or fashion muse and eccentric Isabella Blow? The combination of the balloon skirt, asymmetrical top and hooded vest all said couture, whereas our marching orders were cool, hip, and trendy. Furthermore, his refusal to permit Danyelle to wear the blonde Barbie wig underscored the preciousness of his presentation. Andrae, it's not the Carousel du Louvre; it's Mattel!
CHLOE
Chloe, last week's winner, has another excellent showing. Her dress was like a frothy dessert, a flowing confection made of lacey white cotton over bubblegum pink. I loved the asymmetrical hem that cascaded in the back. This sophisticated teen look was headed for a hip club's dance floor.
