Tim Gunn pops in on Dom in Philadelphia. She works on her collection during the day and works as a server in a restaurant at night, working out of a friend’s loft above an art supply store. And, her collection is “retromodernism” inspired by Blade Runner. Is it possible to adore her more? No, it is not. Tim looks at her sketches and is all, “Dom, why don’t you use knits?” And she’s all, “Tim, you’re a genius!”
Next it’s off to Los Angeles to check in on Bradon. Look at all the pretty dresses! It’s a little too floral for my taste, but so pretty! Flowing flowery prints and laser cut leathers combined with shiny things made of shimmeryness. He’s using clothes line and painter’s plastic for his unconventional fabric to knit an outfit that makes Tim say, “Thud.” Nice try, Bradon. Back to the unconventional drawing board.
Then it’s San Mateo, California to check in on Alexandria. She’s got, like, four thousand pieces, many of which look like she purchased them at Banana Republic. For her unconventional look, she used child labor and made her fashion camp kids (which is an amazing concept—I would’ve loved going to sewing camp!) sew a batch of woven newspapers.
Tim arrives in New Jersey to check in on Helen, and I totally guffawed that she lives in New Jersey. But of course she works in a massive empty loft space, as barren as her soul. Her collection is inspired by clairvoyance which, blerg. There’s a lot of bright red which is slick and hot…but Tim doesn’t see the excitement or innovation. Somehow, she takes this as a compliment. Oh gawd, Helen’s boyfriend looks like he hasn’t eaten in a long time. Could someone please feed him a sandwich? Or some birdseed?
Lastly, it’s Raleigh, North Carolina to visit Justin. Did we know that he’s also an architect? Is there anything this guy can’t do? His collection is inspired by sound waves, and he’s doing 3D printing which are you kidding me? He has his own 3D printer?! He’s making neckpieces! And for his unconventional challenge, he’s making a gown out of test tubes that will be spectacular if he can pull it off.
The designers all converge on Parsons, and it’s a totally different vibe. Nobody wants to reveal too much too soon, so Don just dives right in to pick through Helen’s clothes. When Bradon busts out his floral dresses, it doesn’t not go over well. It looks old ladyfish, and he knows it. Then there’s Alexandria who now has seventy billion garments on her rack.
Then Tim arrives for one more Tim Gunn Gather Round™ and introduces someone from a dishwashing detergent company blah blah blah, come up with designs in easy-to-care-for fabrics that can be put into the washing machine. But first, Alexandria, Justin, and Helen must compete in their Fashion Deathmatch. Or, they will present three looks that will decide who goes to fashion week.
What the heck happened to my Tim Gunn? His face is all bloody and bruised, and I will cut whomever did this to him! Or, he “had an altercation with a set of subway stairs, a trip to the emergency room, and four stitches.” There’s a huge gash on his forehead! And I don’t want to freak you out, but I think he might be a little bit medicated.
It’s the day of the mini runway show for Alexandria, Justin, and Helen. The judges are Zac Posen, Nina Garcia, Heidi Klum, and Tim Gunn.
Alexandria sends a black leather top with semi-funky black pants down the runway.
It’s ordinary.
Then there’s a sleekish suede jacket with blah flowing pants.
Finally, the ugliest trench coat I’ve ever seen and pants that are folded in all the wrong ways.
The hat’s cool, though.
Helen’s first look is a pretty little navy blue dress with a stiff asymmetrical skirt.
There’s a red cape dress with an acrylic belt that I would wear (which may not be a compliment).
Finally is an ugly off-shoulder print that looks like it’s smothering her model.
Justin presents a white pants, tank, and vest with a fantastic open back and one of his gorgeous nick pieces.
Next is a dress that he calls “chaos” with splatter paint at the bottom. It’s kind of cool.
Last but not least is his test tube dress and oh my gosh, gorgeous!
The judges pretty much all love Justin’s mini-collection. With Alexandria’s collection, closer inspection reveals some really lovely details. Heidi wants to wear everything, and Zac calls it modern. And then there’s Nina, who brings it all back to reality: “I don’t know if these clothes are show-worthy looks.” Helen. Oh, Helen. You are so pleased with yourself. Nina thinks the ugly print dress feels tortured, and her model looks like she’s in a straight jacket. She’s also surprised that it’s not meticulous. Heidi is “so not happy with what you did today.” The models look sad, and that’s worse than boring the judges. Zac thinks it all looks contrived. Cry, Helen. Cry. Do it. You know you want to.
Justin’s in because yay! Alexandria is in which means Helen is out and ZOMG I’ve been waiting all season for this auf wiedersehen kiss kiss now get off the runway and say goodbye to Zombie Tim Gunn. Yikes, Tim. That’s really going to leave a mark!
Next week, it’s the runway finale.