| Season AS1 | Episode 7 | Aired on 02.16.2012
Everybody's shocked that Rami is gone. Me too, frankly. They all head to Circle-in-the-Square to hear about their challenge. Kenley tells us that she goes to Broadway plays all of the time! Seriously, folks, it's like she is just saying all of the right things this season. Godspell is playing at the theatre and they meet Stephen Schwartz, the composer. He tells them that the winner of the challenge will have their design featured in the show, as well as their bio in the playbill. Crazy. They're designing for this rich girl character played by this lovely actress, Uzo. The costume is assembled on the actress on stage, so it has to be separates. Angela wishes them broken legs, then they start sketching. Kenley and Kara are very complimentary to each other and Mila does NOT LIKE IT.
When Joanna comes to visit, she says that she thinks this is one of the most exciting challenges that the show has had (I agree!). I think she purposefully tries to frighten Austin about his design though and that doesn't seem very nice. She tells Kara that her work doesn't seem ambitious enough. That's kind of true. Joanna says that she was in a non-professional production of Godspell once upon a time. After she leaves, Kara starts bawling.
After the initial fitting, Mondo decides that he's going to have remake his look. He's having nightmares about Cynthia Rowley's critique of his look last week. In all, the designers seem kind of fatigued. Mondo explains that acknowledging that he's stuck makes him able to really conquer a challenge, which I think says a lot about his process and confidence.
Austin has a conflict with Jerell about the use of the sewing machines, but it seems like much ado about nuthin'. The show has really dropped the concept of learning about the models, hasn't it? Jerell says that Mila's look is “girl who can't get into the club.” Ouch.
Sutton Foster is the GUEST JUDGE!!!! SHE'S MY FAVORITE ACTRESS IN THE WORLD. Seriously, I want to die. The show is pretty fun. Michael's design is gorgeous, but I'm not sure it's right for the character breakdown. Kenley's coat is really great. Austin's is fun, but Sutton looks confused. I don't know what I think about Jerell's look. Too buttoned-up maybe? Kara seems to have pulled it out! I'm thinking a lot about the assembly process onstage and Kara's seems doable, as does Mondo's. His is amazing. Mila's look...seems wrong. It just doesn't seem to fit correctly.
Jerell is safe. Georgina doesn't think that Michael's look is eccentric enough. The rest of the judges love it. The judges seem to admire Kenley's tailoring, but there were too many components. Austin gets kudos, but Isaac thinks it might be too young. He also calls Austin “Austin Starlet.” Isaac doesn't feel that Mila's outfit comes together. Sutton thinks she looks like a whore. They all love Mondo's look, though Georgina isn't wild about the length of the dress. Isaac thinks that Kara has come a long way. Georgina thinks that she needs to tweak stuff.
Mondo wins the challenge! The bottom two are Mila and Kara. Wow, this is a game-changer. Let's see. Mila is...safe. Wow. Kara is out. She holds it together onstage. There's a lot of crying backstage though. Kara interviews that she's grateful for the experience. Who's gonna be Kenley's friend?
Previously: The designers squared off and Jerell accused Michael of copying his design. Rami was eliminated. Too soon. I still feel that. The dancing during the credits... is the best thing, because it's the worst thing. They look ridiculous, all of them.
It's morning and Austin is doing Kenley's hair, which is really a lovely sight. Curlers and hairspray are involved, of course. The others are having breakfast and everyone is still stunned that Rami was sent home. Jerell interviews that it changes the game because Rami was such a formidable designer, but everyone is going to have to go home so that he can get his check.
The designers go to meet Angela at Circle in the Square Theatre, a Broadway house in the middle of the theatre district. It's currently the home of the revival of Godspell. So this is kind of funny. Any real knowledge I have about fashion is really a clinical knowledge of costume that I gained at school as a drama major. The head of Costume Design at my school at the time was Susan Tsu, the costume designer for the original Broadway production of Godspell! I have to say too, it's rare that a production has costumes that are iconic and reproduced almost exactly in subsequent productions (unless it's from source material like a comic strip, see Annie), but Susan Tsu's costumes were iconic. That suspenders and Superman T-shirt look is really considered part of the show, at least per subsequent productions. Kenley's super excited and says that she goes to Broadway shows all of the time. Interesting. Austin says that he loves the illusion and fantasy of theatre.
Angela greets them and says that the challenge will be presented by their guest judge, the composer of Pippin and Wicked, Stephen Schwartz. Wow, that guy must be so rich. Seriously. And...Pippin is the GREATEST. I, uh, this may not be the best recap. I can feel myself seriously geeking out. But, my roommate and I used to rent a video of a Pippin performance because we loved Chita Rivera so much. The sentence could be used to ruin me one day. Not sure how. Stephen tells the designers that the winner of the challenge will have their design featured in the show, which means a bio in the Playbill. Mondo says that a bio in a Broadway Playbill would be a huge thing. Yeah, that could be a lot of exposure. Angela introduces the director of the show and the actress who is playing the character for whom they would be designing. Stephen says that the character is very wealthy and likes for everyone to know how rich she is. Uzo Aduba, the actress, says that the costume should feel like she's actually rich. She's thinking, don't give me some burlap sack that I have to dress up with my performance. Stephen says that all of the characters in the show should look like they picked up their clothes in the back of the closet or in a thrift store. Danny Goldstein, the director of the show, tells the designers that the costume will be assembled onto the actor in the show. That's a really interesting part of the challenge. It means that they need to make separates. They have a budget of $200 and one day to create the look. Angela tells them to break a leg!
| Season AS1 | Episode 7 | Aired on 02.16.2012
They get to sketch while sitting in the theatre, which Austin finds really inspiring. Mondo says that everyone thinks of Broadway as Broadway with fringe and stuff, but it's actually hard. Is it? Do they? I know it's probably not his intention, but I find that so patronizing. Does anyone sit around thinking that stage costume design is like, "You know what, just slap some fringe on it -- it's BROADWAY! God, this is easy." Michael tells us that he tosses a few of his original ideas and settles on a skirt and a top.
At Mood, Austin decides on a brocade that will read wealth. Kara wants to make a fur stole accentuated by a bold color. Mondo looks for stuff that will pop. Austin interviews that he loves Kara because she's so dramatic -- one minute she'll be doing an interpretive dance and the she'll be sobbing. Lady Mila Killjoy informs everyone that their time is up. It's on to the workroom.
Kenley is still wearing her curlers. Oh dear, I didn't realize that. She tells Austin that she has got to get them out of her hair, but Mondo tells her that she'll be wearing them all day. She disagrees. Kenley, with very tight curls, tells us that she a jacket is her signature piece. Jerell says that lame` is the primary fabric in his design. Kara is trying to work with clean lines and a simple chic aesthetic. Kenley tells everyone that Kara is done with her design and everyone agrees that it's beautiful. Then, Kenley and Kara dance around the workroom. Mila interviews that she has noticed this overpraising of the designs of others and it's really big with Kara and Kenley. Jesus. Can you believe that? I'm all for authenticity but she is such a hater! People can't appreciate each other? Whatever. She says that she's afraid that when one of those girls is eliminated, the other will have some sort of meltdown or something.
Austin is trying to inspire himself by repeatedly whispering "Broadway!" He's yearning for his Great White Way debut. Mondo says that the Neiman Marcus accessory wall has everything they could want -- he grabs all of the good stuff. Joanna comes in for a consultation and says that she thinks that this is one of the most interesting challenges with one of the greatest prizes. She starts with Austin who says that he thought of Marie Antoinette in regards to the character. Joanna loves his fabric choices because they ask the question: is this beautiful or is this hideous? She says that, currently, his garish brocade is hideous but she's sure that Austin is going to turn it into something beautiful. Isn't he? Joanna Coles, bringing the drama to the all-stars. She doesn't feel like Kara's look is creative enough. So, she cries in her interview about how hard their all working and Joanna coming in and asking her if she's an all-star makes her doubt herself. Joanna, for some reason, tries to compel Mila to think about making a pencil skirt for her look. She seems really invested in that. Maybe it's because she really wanted a pencil skirt as her costume when she was in an actual production of Godspell a little chestnut that she tells Mondo. I don't really think of Joanna as a theatre girl. Jerell tells Joanna that his jacket is like a piece of jewelry, an observation with which Joanna agrees. She points out that this is the first week that Kenley has not used polka dots. Before she leaves, Joanna challenges all of the designers to be ambitious.
| Season AS1 | Episode 7 | Aired on 02.16.2012
Kara is upset. Kenley interviews that Kara misses her kids and stuff, but this isn't time to break down. Michael and Mondo hug her to try to make her feel better. The models come in for their fittings and I repeat: the crop of girls this year are legit. Michael fits his girl and is happy with her "yootful" appearance. Yes. Michael is a gay Joe Pesci. I've been searching for that descriptor. Mondo thinks his look is overthought and heavy. Kenley cracks that her coat is perfect and that must be so annoying for the other designers.
Mondo has decided to change gears and Kara warns him to not freak out, because she did that and it was not helpful. He is haunted by Cynthia Rowley's disgust with his design in the challenge, which he had intended to be a tribute to his mother. Would his mother really wear shorts that short? I kid. Michael is worried for Mondo. Mila says that Kara's designs are "hard to keep up with" and she's not sure what she's doing right now.
The day, Austin makes a crack about mice finishing his outfit. They didn't though! Mondo says that he has to go to a dark place to really motivate himself. He tells himself that he's stuck and it sparks more energy and passion within himself. It's interesting that he's aware of that pattern. And, that shiz can take a toll on a person. I'd use that method of processing sparingly if I were him. Mila jokes that she's a pet groomer as she's cutting her faux fur. Everything is finished but her jacket and she's having problems because she has never worked with fur. Kara doesn't think that it's Mila's best work.
In the sewing room, Austin is upset that Jerell "breaks" a machine that he was using. Jerell explains that that's not the case, but I'm not sure I really understand the elements of the argument. Basically, they're tired and people seem rude and like they're trying to take advantage of you when you're tired. Sometimes they are though and you're just able to say something about it, because you're tired. Or maybe you're more sensitive because you're tired. The models come in and Michael has to make straps for his shoes, which he hopes the judges won't find "matchy-matchy." Mondo says that he feels like Kara's design looks like a tube of lipstick. Austin thinks that Michael's look is "mother of the bride." Jerell thinks Mila's look is "girl who can't get into the club." Oh shit. He's right.
Angela shows up on the runway in slinky silver. She's so pretty. She introduces Georgina, Isaac (who is also a Broadway costume designer) and SHUT UP... it's Sutton Foster. So, yeah, there's never been an episode of this entire show that was more up my alley. Y'all don't even KNOW how I feel about Sutton Foster. It's epic. Anyway, the show begins with Michael's look. It's a halter top and skirt. He's created a really dramatic hat, with feathers and stuff. The look though...It doesn't really look like separates. I'm confused about how you would assemble that, without having a completely topless actress onstage and I haven't really heard that the show is toying with that milieu. Naturally, Michael is happy with it, which is of course his greatest strength.
| Season AS1 | Episode 7 | Aired on 02.16.2012
Kenley's look is . He has created this beautifully fitted coat of red and white, with a white fur trim. It's matched with a skirt with a clashing pattern, though similar color story. Kenley thinks she looks like she picked her stuff up at a thrift store, though still wealthy. It's cute, but I'm definitely seeing more thrift store than rich bitch.
Here we have Austin's look. The Marie Antoinette look is obvious, via the weight on the shoulders and volume at the waist of his design. It's a black and silver brocade skirt over a cat suit. She's wearing a stole and I think she looks great. You can see the separates, the intention. I really like this. Austin thinks she looks like a rocker thrift store girl.
Jerell's look is and kind of looks too business lady. It's a gray, high-necked affair and he, of course, thinks that he just changed the world. Kara has created this read skirt and black top. There's a fur stole with a silver bow at the waist. I think there's drama to this and that it's fairly cute.
Mondo's look is and it is seriously excellent. He has made this variation of a smoking jacket over this flowing dress. There appears to be peacock feathers on it too, which seems so smart for the character. Also, his girl has a hedgehog hairstyle. Amazing. Great work. He is very happy with his attack on the challenge. Sutton is smiling so big at this!
Mila's look. I hate this. She looks like Rachel Dratch's Russian prostitute on the first Valentine's Day episode of 30 Rock. HAPPY VALENTIMES! So, ill-fitting white fur coat over an asymmetrical skirt of a hideous green and yellow patterned fabric. And a loose "Mila" top. Just ugly.
Afterwards, Jerell is the only person who is safe. They start judging and Michael gets kudos. They think his girl looks like a real bitch. Kenley says that she was inspired by her years living in the East Village. Isaac thinks that his girl looks like a homeless person in the East Village. Georgina thinks that, though the jacket is cut beautifully, there are too many elements. Sutton says that she would actually like to wear Kenley's outfit, but she thinks that patterns wouldn't pop onstage. Austin cracks that his girl would say, in the face of people complaining about being impoverished, "Let them wear Austin Scarlett." And, we've reached the portion of the season where Austin is trying too hard. Whatever, he's fine. Isaac says that he wonders if maybe the look is a little too young, since people who are wearing "Austin STARLET" are going to need money. But, he likes it. Austin corrects him, which Isaac has mad respect for. Mila's up and Isaac says that he likes the elements of her look, but doesn't like it together. Sutton thinks it looks like a party girl but also like a prostitute. Like minds, you know. Mondo explains that his girl would be inspired by her dad's smoking jacket. Isaac asks him to remove the jacket and they love the dress too. Georgina thinks the length needs to be refined, but she loves the fabric. Kara says she wanted to make her girl "nasty." Angela doesn't think that the silver bow is working. Isaac says that it's her best work, but he still has problems. Georgina points out the slit in back of her skirt is uneven.
| Season AS1 | Episode 7 | Aired on 02.16.2012
The designers leave the stage and Angela says that this was a great challenge. She thinks that Michael's girl looked like the Chiquita banana lady. Sutton doesn't think that his look was specific to a character. Isaac thinks that Mondo's look was very complex. They loved Austin's commitment to his inspiration. Isaac thinks that Mila's girl looks like she's using drugs. Sutton thinks it looks like Pretty Woman before she gets pretty. Isaac clarifies that he thought it was Kara's best showing, but he still didn't like it. Angela likes that she tried to push herself. Georgina was disappointed that Kenley only worked with the thrift portion of the challenge.
The designers return to the stage. Michael is safe. The winner is...Mondo! He interviews that he's feeling validated after the challenge. Austin is in and Angela says that it was a tough decision. He tells "Miss Foster" that it was a pleasure meeting her. Kenley is in. That leaves Kara and Mila. Angela says that Mila is a master of geometrics, but everything was off this week. Kara is commended for pushing herself but her construction left a lot to be desired. Mila is... safe. Kara is out. Mila gives a really weak hug to Kara as she leaves the stage. Angela tells Kara that she's very talented. She's such a sweet girl. Kara interviews tearfully that she gave her all every time. Austin tells her backstage that she's an artist. Kara cries that she just wants her family to be proud of her. She interviews that she has learned how much she has grown since her first season, also how much she still has to go.
Jeff Long is a writer/performer in Brooklyn. He can be reached at long.jeff1@gmail.com and followed at @jblong.
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