December 21, 2005
TEAM LINGERIE CHALLENGE
This challenge is about vision and execution, leadership and teamwork.
Heidi tells the designers that they each have 30 minutes to develop a presentation for a lingerie collection consisting of three looks. Heidi interviews each designer and then, based on the four designs that she responds to best, chooses four team leaders. Each leader takes turns composing their team by choosing among the remaining designers. Each team is then responsible for executing the team leader's vision. After the selections, each team receives $200 for materials and one day (twelve hours) to complete the collection.
This was the first challenge that required collaboration; no more I'm gonna do my own thing and damn everyone else.
When I saw the collections on the morning of our runway judging, it struck me that any of them could be out.
TEAM DANIEL V.
Team Daniel V. includes Andrae and Zulema, and their designs receive the highest scores. Accordingly, Daniel V. WINS! Daniel's theme was "Revenge" and was based upon a scorned woman seeking retribution against her lover by raiding his closet and cutting up his wardrobe. As a result, we see menswear tailoring and collars, cuffs, and neckties in the looks. I was pleased for the team that our judges responded well to these designs, because I was dubious. I, too, responded well to the sleek silhouettes and minimalism of designs, but there was something about the collection that looked very Playboy Bunny, and that disturbed me. It brought out my inner-feminist!
The designs aside, Team Daniel V. deserved to win if only for their synergy as a team. Daniel's leadership style is one that I applaud. He is truly collaborative; seeking the opinion of his teammates, listening to their feedback, and incorporating their ideas. Bravo!
TEAM DANIEL F.
Team Daniel F. includes Chloe and Kara. Along with Team Santino, they had to remain on the runway for having the lowest scores. Daniel F. is OUT. This was all so painful that I don't know where to begin, except at the beginning I suppose. Daniel seduced Heidi with his lingerie concept: "Lovemaking." He stated that there is a difference between lovemaking and sex (really?) and that these designs were for the former. His design sketches were, indeed, seductive, because they were beautiful drawings. Furthermore, his concept on paper looked sexy, glamorous, and youthful. On to implementation...
As we all know by now, Daniel is slow and plodding in his design execution. He spends an inordinate amount of time looking and studying, both up close and at a distance ("The Daniel Franco Shuffle," to quote Chloe). In addition, he is always at risk of not finishing the challenge. Daniel was wise to choose Chloe and Kara who are technically proficient, good communicators, and, in the case of Chloe at least, speedy. However, I wouldn't wish Daniel on either of them! What ensued was high drama: ever-ambivalent and overly analytical Daniel versus the go-go-go of Chloe and Kara. Daniel constantly insisted upon design revisions only to be countered, and rightfully so, by his teammates' ire. The only action that placated Chloe and Kara was Danielis declaration that he "won't sell them out" if they receive low scores. However, he also declared the collection, "a winner." I didn't think so.
