What a great challenge this was -- I even loved having the modes go to pick out the fabrics! I think whenever the producers throw the designers a curveball like designing in either unconventional materials, or with fabric that was unexpected, it really shows who has the creative chops to problem solve. I think when Tim left the designers back at Parsons to take the models shopping, a lot of them began pre-designing their dresses, and some even began creating muslins. I think the biggest problem with working too far ahead is that the fabric (especially in this case) will dictate the design of the dress. When the clock is ticking and the stakes are high, its easy for "tunnel vision" to occur and to stay hyper-focused on one thing ... and I think that's what happened to a few of the designers; they were so wrought on making their original design work, EVEN IF it was fighting the fabric, that they ultimately ended up with overworked designs.

It's a shame because I think there were some decent ideas -- just a lot of poor execution.

Side note: Man there were a lot of tears this episode, weren't there???