Fashion Quitters and Winners

Welcome back to Bravo's copycat, The Fashion Show.

Now that we're into the second episode, I'm able to see past the ProRun similarities and actually enjoy it for what it is!

I was horribly disappointed to discover within the first 5 minutes of the show that my first episode favorite, the cute and lovable Kristin, decided to leave the competition. Although, if she was even considering leaving after being in the bottom two one time, then it's probably better she left since she most likely wouldn't have been able to handle the pressure.

The designers met with judges/hosts/mentors Isaac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland again and it was revealed that they would need to work in the same teams as last week. However, since Kristin left, Team Tube Dress was left with only 3 designers whereas Teams Harem Pants and Bolero each had five members. So, as winner of the last elimination challenge, James-Paul sent Daniella, the black sheep of the group, over to Team Tube Dress.

Laura Brown from Harper's Bazaar introduced the Mini-Challenge to the designers. Each team was given two dress forms and a tin case filled with two completed outfits: one full ensemble of designer clothes and one with bargain prices. The team to fully complete the two outfits in the shortest amount of time would win the challenge and receive a leg-up in the elimination challenge. The underdogs, Team Bolero, got their two outfits completed on the first try in just under 3:30 minutes.

Then came the elimination challenge: design four unique looks to fit New York socialite and designer Tinsley Mortimer's busy itinerary. The looks needed to be cohesive with one another and needed to fit the following events: a ladies luncheon, an art gallery opening, a charity event, and a rock concert. Since Team Bolero won the Mini-Challenge, they were given a total budget of $50/outfit whereas the other two teams only had $40/outfit. Each team had the option to choose a a new team leader. Team Bolero went with last week's winner James-Paul, Team Tube Dress chose Anna, and Team Harem Pants went with 80's lover Haven.

Team Bolero's look was inspired by James-Paul's interest in architecture and rectangles. He used the idea of a Stealth Fighter as the main inspiration for the collection. Team Harem Pants went with Haven's own personal aesthetic of Linda Evans/Dynasty 80's-ness. And Team Tube Dress followed Anna's concept of architure and elegance.

On the final runway, Team Bolero impressed but didn't stand out, Team Harem Pants looked like a hot mess, and not in a good way, and Team Tube Dress wowed with a look of overall sophistication and class. Naturally, Team Tube Dress were the winners and the judges called out the two best looks: Anna's ladies luncheon outfit and Daniella's rock concert jumpsuit.

Anna's look screamed Manhattan high-class with a hit of sexiness. She told the judges that because they couldn't use expensive fabrics to do the budget constraints, then her main priority was to make the fabrication look expensive and pay close attention to detail. This definitely showed through in the amazing pleating down the front and back of the skirt. I would be extremely happy if I could find a skirt that hot for $40! In fact, I would love this whole look!

Daniella's rock concert look included a jumpsuit with hot paints and a bustier in sultry charcoals and navys. Topping it all off was a sexy sheer biker jacket with the delicate accent of a box at the collar. This is definitely the vision of the new rock 'n roll girlfiend who wants to show those trashy groupies that subtlety and sophistication win out in the end.

Though my personal vote would have gone to Anna, the judges chose Daniella as this week's winner.

Facing eliminatin this week was the dreadful Team Harem Pants. The judges called out the looks of Laura, Markus, and Johnny. Laura's rock concert inspired ensemble was trashed by judges when Fern Mallis said the dress was something you would see backstage after everyone had left, most likely to be found under the table. Markus was criticized for his poor sewing skills but his enthusiasm for the challenge seemed to hit a soft note with the judges and Tinsley herself. Lastly, Johnny, my least favorite contestant, had the gall to send his model down the runway with safety pins holding the top and skirt together. His excuse? He didn't think this was going to be American's Next Best Seamstress! Meow!

When the judges and left to deliberate, Isaac claimed that someone needed to hold him back cause he was so furious with Johnny. Ultimately, the judges decided that Markus was safe, Johnny was hanging by a thread and was told to check his attitude, and they just weren't buying Laura's poor excuse for a dress.

Up next on Get Real, a list of upcoming reality shows that I will not be blogging about!