Back to the Runway

For this week's challenge, contestants were told they had to design for a "fashion icon". Right away speculation flew as to who it might be. They were told not only would they design for her but meet her at her home. Excited about the prospect, the designers hered out to the streets of New York. But as they walked and walked they realized something had to be amiss. Where was Gwyneth Paltrow or J-Lo? They got deposited outside Toys 'R' Us and I knew then who it was- BARBIE!

Unfortunately for purists like myself, they were designing for "My Scene" Barbie. She is a rip-off of the wildly popular Bratz doll. See, when tweens became sophisticated for their age they did not want a doll dressed in frilly fuscia so dollmakers accommodated their new tastes with dolls who dressed in hip, fun clothes. Barbie was no exception because I noticed that she started wearing normal-colored clothes (and denim) and had cute accessories like water bottles. But she didn’t take, not like Bratz. So the new My Scene Barbie has a face just like those big-headed Bratz with the oval eyes that look outlined hood-rat style. I don’t like her.

Anyway, the designers took off with a doll each (except Kara, who dropped her doll’s hat and actually made a fuss about retrieving it) and went back to the studio to sketch. They then headed out to the fabrics store. The pressure was on and some seemed ready to crack.

Andrae was told to keep hold of himself as he was a wreck during judging last week. He cried like a baby while Santino laughed at him. Apparently Tim Gunn the whole thing was contrived to get pity. If so it worked as he was not cut!

As the designers worked their fingers away, Marla struggled because she is self-taught and had to be helped out by the graduates of fine fashion schools. Then they were given an extra surprise by the head designer of the My Scene Barbie dolls- they now had to also make a dress for the doll herself, not just the life-size dress their models would be wearing on the runway. Some were irked as this cut into their time. Daniel Franco stressed as usual, especially when he accidentally hemmed his skirt with elastic thread and it looked awful. He had to get on the floor and cut away the hem and redo it.

They had two days so at the end of day one they went back to their penthouse and the boys were so catty making fun of Marla’s lack of expertise! They said she was over her head and laughed at her design.

Day Two: Designers told there are blond wigs available for their models and are encouraged to use them. Andrae decides not to as his model is black. It backfires.

Judging: The models take the runway, some looking like lifesize Barbies, others not so much. Andrae’s dress with the poofy skirt is kind of weird, never mind his not using the wig. Raymundo, who has made a big deal about little girls dressing inappropriately has designed something that falls flat. It’s not only unhip but it’s matronly. Marla’s dress DOES look pretty sad.

Enter Nick. His dress is fun, colorful and oh-so-Barbie. Santino is as cocksure as ever that he’s the winner or the one who deserves to win. Backstage before the show Nick even says, “Just give it to Santino!” and Santino acts all false-humility saying, “Shut up” with a huge grin of approval.

Well, it’s down to Santino and Nick for the best and Marla, Andrae, Kara and Raymundo for the worst. Kara’s is considered one of the worst because she went too safe, too little girl. Andrae is safe. Santino is…praised. Told he’s safe. He’s…aghast. He was sure he’d win! He stares at the judges, then leaves. The winner is declared: Nick. Of course! When he goes back and is congratulated by all, Santino is in a corner mumbling, “I can’t believe this s%#t.” I CAN’T STAND HIM!

And the one going home…Raymundo. He says he doesn’t mind, he kept his integrity. Whatever, they all say that.
It was a cute challenge and Nick’s doll will hit stores in limited editions with his picture on the box! What a prize!