It's the final countdown! Heidi tells them that they all deserve to be there. They go to Coney Island, where they meet Tim at the Ringling Brothers Circus tent! Sadly, he doesn't enter on the trunk of an elephant. Their challenge is to create a high-end runway look inspired by the circus. Funny, aren't they always warning people to not make things look like the circus? The circus performers put on a show for the designers, which is pretty cool. I thought they might be too tired to enjoy it, but Jay is hypnotized by the topless boy acrobats. They are kinda dreamy. Tim tells them to think "fashion." Everybody finds esoteric elements of the costumes by which to be inspired. Everybody talks about making it to Bryant Park constantly. Tim tells Anthony to turn up the volume. They have two days for the challenge, which makes everyone thrilled! Anthony is worried/excited early on that his color palette is different from all of the other designers. Mila interviews that Emilio is getting a big head. She would prefer that he stop gloating. Tim tells Emilio that he needs to use color, but he doesn't listen. Anthony starts to freeze. He doesn't know what to do. After the fitting, Emilio realizes that Tim was right and adds some color. Cynthia Rowley is the guest judge. Frankly, I think Anthony's is the only design that doesn't look totally ridonk. Anthony gets lambasted for using a poly fabric. Mila, Seth Aaron and Jay also get props, but Emilio gets raves. They all have to say who should go with them to Fashion Week -- Seth Aaron chooses Emilio and Jay, Jay chooses Seth Aaron and Anthony (tears, it's sweet), Mila chooses Seth Aaron and Emilio, Emilio chooses Seth Aaron and Mila, and Anthony chooses Emilio and Jay. Final judging: Emilio and Seth Aaron are going to Fashion Week. Mila and Jay are in too!! They have to design collections, but one will be eliminated before Fashion Week. Anthony is out. Tim congratulates him and sends him to the workroom. He's so sweet.
For season we'd like to see some Lifetime inspired challenges where the contestants have to figure out what a model would wear when she sleeps with danger.
Previously: The designers created a look for Heidi Klum to wear on the red carpet. Make that, "the designers minus Maya." The reasons that grow murkier the more I think about it, Maya left the competition. Anthony was brought back. Emilio and Anthony were both winners of the challenge. And, Jonathan, sadly, was sent home.
Doo-da-loo-doo! Doo-da-loo-doo-doo! It's the final countdown! It's morning at the Atlas building and Anthony is trying to wake everyone up. His tactic is to sing in the exact key of shut the fuck up. Seth Aaron looks like he maybe will kill Anthony. That would be sad when he's come so far. Anthony interviews that winning the last challenge was great. He tells Seth Aaron to (rhetorically) pinch him, but Seth Aaron actually pinches him. Anthony continues in his interview, saying that he wants to stay in the same frame of mind for this challenge but needs to "pump up the volume." Continuing his quest to be killed by the not morning people in the apartment, Anthony puts on some giant sunglasses and mugs at Emilio while saying loudly, "Welcome to a morning at home with Anthony." Emilio does a decent job of being genial while conveying that he will not be fucked with. Emilio interviews that they're going into the last challenge. This is what they have all been waiting for. He adds that Bryant Park is going to be his defining moment. Very well.
Meanwhile, Mila is getting ready in solitude, ironing her hair by her lonesome. She says that she's still reeling from the fact that she's in the final group of five designers and is headed into the last challenge. She's feeling a lot of pressure but is trying to visualize herself showing her collection at Bryant Park. Emilio tells the other boys to put their faces on and collect their purses, for now it is time to leave for Parsons. They make Mila say, "Parsons here we come," and she sounds all wan and lame. It's really funny.
Heidi greets all of the designers with the classic and woefully underused, "And, then there were five." She asks the designers how they feel about heading into the final challenge. Anthony answers, "Scary as hell." Everyone laughs. Heidi says that they all deserve to be there, which... well, if you want to get technical, Anthony doesn't really super "deserve" to be there. If you ask me, and you didn't, I kinda think that if someone was going to get a free pass, it should've been the people that had made it along with Maya to the point where she was quitting. It would have taken some creative producing and editing to maintain the tension in the last episode, but it's Jonathan who should have benefited from Maya's departure. IF YOU ASK ME. For the final challenge, Heidi says that she's sending them to a tent. It's not a Bryant Park tent, but hopefully it will help them get there. Tim will meet them at this tent. Anthony interviews that something "rugged" is about to happen. He's got to be pulling our legs. He tells us that he didn't pack any rugged clothes and you don't wear Gucci drivers to the mountains, unless you're driving, maybe.
And, poof, they're at Coney Island. We see them run into the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus tent. Anthony is still nervous and asks for his god to help him. They are the only people in the tent. Suddenly, a curtain parts and Tim Gunn appears. The designers all applaud him. He welcomes them to the circus and tells them that they will be given a private performance of the circus. The challenge? To create a look for the bearded lady. I kid. They have to create a high-end runway look inspired by "Circus." If I were to choose a Britney song, I would have gone with "Toxic." You could use a lot of chartreuse to mimic like radioactive slime. Maybe have some dry ice coming from underneath a dress. You could really use your imagination. Wait, the circus. I'm so silly. Tim says that they can take their inspiration from anything or everything they see there today. He really emphasizes everything and at first I thought it was some sort of trick, but I think he's just being esoteric. Mila says that she was hoping "it" would be the circus, because the circus is so full of inspiration. "It" must refer to Heidi's hint and not the challenge in general. Like she's just been sitting around the entire competition hoping that one of their challenges would be circus-related.
The show begins with the ringmaster screaming to "designers of all ages." Acrobats, clowns, aerialists, etc. Jay can't stop staring at the acrobats with amazing bodies. He said so, not me. Seth Aaron says that the circus is a "world wind of explosion." There are funny clowns. Anthony expresses sympathy for a clown who gets splashed with water all over his rhinestones. Seth Aaron says that he is overwhelmed and feels like a kid again.
After the show, Tim gives them a half-hour to sketch while they're still in the tent. He reminds them that it's harder to create fashion inspired by the circus than it is to create costumes. They need to think FASHION. Emilio says that he noticed that the circus used a lot of stripes and polka dots and scale was manipulated a lot. He also noticed the colors black, white and cranberry. Emilio has experience working with circus clothing, from his time in the theatre. That's going to set him apart, so says he. Mila is inspired by the ringmaster's coat and bold personality. Anthony was inspired by the grayish blue worn by the acrobat. Jay was inspired by the exaggerated appearance of the clowns. Seth Aaron is worried about going over the top.
On to Mood, where Seth Aaron muses about being thisclose to Bryant Park. Emilio goes hunting for stripes. Tim tells Anthony to "turn up the volume." They really think Anthony isn't loud enough. Anthony interviews that he feels he is destined for Bryant Park, otherwise, he wouldn't be there. Hold off on that prediction, Anthony. It seriously looks like Mila won't get her shopping done.
They make it back to the workroom where Tim Gunn tells them that they'll have two days for the challenge. The cheer so loudly that Tim seems a little scared. Mila is excited for an extra day to work, as it allows her to up the level of difficulty in her design. Seth Aaron tells us that he loves his sketch. So, he plans on designing what is in his sketch. I'm not exactly sure why that's important to tell. Anthony notices that his color palette for this challenge is much different than the other designers. He hopes that his look will be good enough to get him to Bryant Park.
And, Emilio. Emilio, who is being treated to a late in the season villain edit. He says that this is the one challenge where everyone needs to put everything they've got on display. "Come hard or go home," he demands of himself and his fellow designers. Then, he says there are no second chances, which we all know from last week is not true. As he's working, he says that he came to this show with but one purpose, to win. And, he's not going to be shy about it. Mila, not looking up from her work, agrees with him that he's not shy. He asks her if she means something by that. She says with a smile that he frequently mentions that he came there to win. There's no better response than that. Just found a favorite Mila moment of the season, though I'm not entirely sure there were other contenders. Emilio laughs at her comment. Mila interviews that Emilio is quite confident because he has won so many challenges. Then, with Anthony listening, he says semi-under his breath that his look is going to be a showstopper. He adds that he would like for people to pee on themselves when they see his outfit. He should have his fashion show at a nursing home.
Mila says that Emilio's ego has gotten bigger and bigger with each of his challenge victories. He choo-choos and says that he's a train heading towards Bryant Park. Back to Mila, who says that all of the designers want to win and there's no cause to gloat. He says that he'd better be nice to Mila, so -- when he wins at Bryant Park -- she won't feel so bad. Thoughtful.
We see a little bit where Anthony takes a yardstick from Emilio with much fervor. Jay says that he's feeling a lot of pressure. It would suck, he says, to go that far and not make it to Bryant Park. Seth Aaron says that they've all accomplished something by making it to the final five and now everyone wants to be impressive for the challenge.
Emilio shows Anthony the status of his design and Anthony says that it's beautiful. Then, he goes into the sewing room and finds Mila there. He tells her that Emilio's dress is beautiful and he just had a viewing party. "Of course he did," replies Mila, and that makes Anthony laugh.
Tim enters for a consultation and begins with Seth Aaron. He says that he was most inspired by the ringmaster. He wants to make something extravagant. He's making like eight things including a top hat. Tim seems a little confused. He warns Seth Aaron not to get costume-y. He promises not to.
Emilio shows Tim his look and Mila rolls her eyes because he sounds all puffed up describing it. Tim thinks there should be more color. Emilio says that he was more inspired by the stripes and polka dots than the colors. Tim's not giving up though. He tells Emilio that this is his chance to embrace color. Emilio reminds him that he has done color already in the competition. Guys, this make come to blows. Tim says that his last color choice was "somber." Emilio is outraged. Mila smiles to herself. Emilio says that he is confident he is creating a showstopper. Mila busses her lips. Tim gesticulates and replies, "I'm delighted to hear that." Emilio mimics him and says, "Thank you." This is so ugly. Emilio says, "Trust me, I got this," as Tim walks away.
Anthony tells Tim that he's worried because he's the only designer who didn't get black and white fabric. Tim tells him that he'll stand out, which is a good thing. He tells Anthony, with his favorite saying of the season, that he should let his viscera rule. If something doesn't feel right, he shouldn't do it. If something doesn't feel right, it's probably contrived. Anthony says that, along with the design books he'll need to get when he returns to Atlanta, he'll also need to pick up a dictionary. He thanks Tim for everything. That's sweet. He realizes that this is his last consultation with Tim during the competition proper. That Anthony's got a good spirit.
Mila explains to Tim that a coat is the centerpiece of her look. Tim likes that it's shiny. He tells her to ditch an ivory fabric that she was contemplating. He explains that he's being bold with his advice because it's the last challenge and he wants everyone to do their best.
Jay says that he was inspired by the clowns. The colors in his jacket are inspired by the ringmaster's coat. He tells Tim that there is a lot of detailing in the coat and he wants it to be badass. Then he says, "Bad Bitch." Interesting. Tim laughs at the frivolity of the young and their silly violent banter. "Is there a good bitch?" asks Tim quite reasonably. "I'm a good bitch," responds Jay. Save it for the Tropicana, Kay Thompson. Seriously, my own mother is too young to make that joke. I don't know who I am anymore.
Before he leaves the workroom, Tim says that it looks like they will have five "wow" moments on the runway for this challenge. "Here we go, yo," slangs Mila as she gets back to work. There are these weird attempts at humor with her, but it's different than other people. It's like the humor is actually inside of her and trying to get out. But, it's hard for it. The humor has a hard time with Mila.
In the sewing room, Jay says to Emilio excitedly that they will get to see their families soon. Emilio doesn't seem as jazzed. Jay interviews that a lot of people believe in him (friends, family, etc.), but he never really pushed himself. Now that he is a little more aware of his talents, he wants to put something really dramatic on the runway.
The models come in for a fitting. As Mila is fitting her model, we hear from Seth Aaron. He says that he likes her outfit but is still on the fence. Apparently, he thinks it's too shiny. Funny, Tim liked the shine. Then, Emilio says that once he fitted his girl, he realized that it did in fact need some color. So, Tim is redeemed.
Once the girls are gone, Anthony makes a crack that Jay's jacket looks like Michael Jackson. Mila interviews the same thing. Um, what's wrong with looking like Michael Jackson? Certainly enough time has passed that we could revisit that look. Shoulder pads have come back twice since then. Mila says that she's not a fan of Jay's style. Jay, meanwhile, needs to chill out about criticism. He's taking the MJ comments really personally.
The morning, Mila contemplates her loneliness from the windowsill of the Atlas Building. The same windowsill where Maya used to sit. She interviews that she's feeling nostalgic and emotional about the competition. She feels like she's going to do well at the competition.
In the boys' apartment, Emilio says that he has a lot to do, but he has a strict timeline in his head. They do that leaving as four, returning as four all hands in thing before leaving, but the chances of it working this time aren't exactly great. Plus, I don't think they're really returning.
At Parsons, Emilio says that this is the only day in the competition when he has felt nervous. To bomb in the last challenge when he never had a bad critique from Tim during the competition would be horrible. Emilio says that he wants the judges to be wowed by his dress and to declare it the dress of the season. He wants his dress to display creativity, artistry, craftsmanship, whimsy, and sexiness. That's a lot for a dress to say. Shut up, dress! Stop saying so much! He's trying to put all parts of him into this one dress. Something about that sounds wrong.
Tim enters and reminds everyone that it's a big day. He reminds everyone about the bluefly.com wall, then he sends in the models. Anthony is having problems with the fit of his dress. Mila interviews that Anthony and Jay are the people who should be sent home. She says that Anthony has been inconsistent and Jay lacks a lot of fashion and textiles knowledge. Jay interviews that he doesn't think Mila could make a dramatic collection. He also acknowledges his bias, since he doesn't like Mila as a person. He says that so dryly too. It's interesting. The girls go to hair and make-up. Emilio says that the energy in the workroom is palpable.
With ten minutes before the show, the designers start scrambling. Seth Aaron says that he is expecting the runway show to be amazing. Mila says that she can't wait to design something that isn't a part of a challenge. Emilio says that he didn't come there to beat Mila. Or to beat Seth Aaron. Or -- we see where this is going -- to beat Jay. Or Anthony. HE CAME THERE TO WIN.
On the runway, Heidi greets all of the designers. She introduces Michael, Nina and Cynthia Rowley. The show begins with Jay's look. Yeah, it's a Michael Jackson jacket. That doesn't diminish it to me. He has made a short tailored militaristic jacket in red with black lapels and lots of brass detailing and buttons. He has paired it with black pants that have Jay's usual pleating and volume. He believes that this look will take him to Fashion Week.
Oh God, here's Mila's look. It's a long jacket with a high collar and that stupid black and white color blocking. It all looks so similar to everything she's done. Underneath, she has shiny pink pants and a chartreuse camisole or something. Meh. Something about this seems dated to me. The coat, I think. Mila says this look is "So Mila." She thinks that it fulfilled the challenge well.
Anthony's look is . It's a lavender evening dress. The bodice is pinafore-inspired. There's some grey underneath. And, um, that's all. Anthony thinks that his girl looks gorgeous in it. He feels that this design plays up the fantasy parts of his design aesthetic. This seems really blah to me, though I do sort of love the color.
Here is Emilio's look. It is a strapless dress that stops at the knee in front, but has a long train. The skirt is billowing and voluminous. The bodice is black with a swath of red patterned fabric at the waist. The skirt is black and white vertical stripes and there is a black lace trim with white polka dots. Emilio is extremely proud of this dress. He declares that it says everything that needs to be said about him as a designer. It's dramatic without being a costume, it's impeccably made and it fits like a glove. He doesn't believe that any of the other designers came close to touching the quality of his dress. It really is very pretty. I wasn't wild about it on first viewing, but, as time goes on, the craftsmanship is what really sticks out about it to me. It looks very well made. Still not nuts about the color palette, but it is beautifully made.
And, here's Seth Aaron's look. It's very mad hatter. Short jacket of white and black stripes. The sleeves come down to the models knees. The color is high and white. Like, really high. Around her ears high. She's wearing red leather pants that are very fitted. I think it's hideous, but, as Seth Aaron says, it represents him totally as a designer. I mean, it seems well made, but I just think it's so ugly. I mean, he really does make huge statements, but I just don't think I'm a fan of his style.
After the show, it's time to judge. The models return to the stage. Seth Aaron says that he designed from emotion. Heidi says that she liked it. Nina liked the drama and fantasy, but she thinks it's a costume. Cynthia like the gravity-defying qualities of the look. Michael doesn't like the fit of the pants and believes that the wearer of the pants would need a penis and testicles to fill it. Classy.
Anthony says that he was trying to stay away from costume. Nina thinks that it's very boring from the waist down. They all hate the fabric. In fact, Michael feels it with his hand and declares that it's polyester. POLYESTER?! No, Anthony. Heidi freaks out and feels the fabric too. Anthony didn't realize he chose polyester. Heidi says that his gown was three hundred dollars of polyester. Gah. Michael says his model is like a big blue condom. Again, all class. Anthony's all, "Damn, lesson learned."
Jay describes his look. Heidi asks him to take the jacket off of the girl, then points out that the look is not special without the jacket. I mean, I'm not trying to be obtuse here, but isn't that why he made the jacket? Nina says that it's beautifully made and she's a fan of the pants too.
Mila says that she was inspired by the ringmaster's jacket. Michael thinks that it's dramatic without being a costume. Nina, however, says that she is not convinced. Cynthia jokes that she hates the color pink that Mila chose for the slacks. A joke because her own dress is the same shade of pink. She also feels that the collar is a bit much and she could have done without every part of the look having shine.
Emilio says that his dress is one large piece of fabric. Heidi thinks it's stunning. Cynthia says that it's genius. Michael says... that it's his favorite look of the season. Come on, can that really be a coincidence that Emilio verbalizes that he wanted to hear that and it's the first thing out of Michael's mouth?
Now, it's the tough part. Heidi asks Seth Aaron why he should go to Fashion Week. He says he's a good tailor with a strong point-of-view. She asks which two designers should accompany him to Fashion Week. He struggles and says with a lump in his throat, Emilio and Jay. Jay says he should go to Fashion Week because he has already gotten this far. Um, so has everyone with you. He says that he admires Seth Aaron's point-of-view, then he gets choked up and says that he wants to share this experience with Anthony. That's sweet. Mila says she is strong, thoughtful designer. She chooses Emilio and Seth Aaron as the people who should accompany her to Fashion Week. Emilio says the usual stuff about how he's a genius. He thinks that Seth Aaron, because of his sense of style, and Mila, because of her strong point-of-view, should come to Fashion Week. Anthony says that he makes beautiful clothes and needs to trust his viscera to make a good collection. He gets tearful and says that he would want to share the Fashion Week experience with Emilio and Jay.
Wow, that was tense. The designers leave the stage as the judges confer. Nina says that Emilio's gown was beautiful and Michael thought it was sophisticated. Heidi says that Seth Aaron's look was not as sophisticated, but he's innovative. They're curious to know what he would think up for Fashion Week.
Michael is disgusted at Anthony's fabric choice. Heidi points out that he doesn't have the technical skills that the others have, but he has made beautiful clothes. Michael agrees that he has talent. Michael thinks that Mila's clothes can seem flat. Cynthia didn't find it relevant. That's the absolute best way to describe it. Michael reminds them that her clothes are always beautifully made. Nina likes Jay. Heidi thinks that he's never 100%. Michael agrees and says that he likes Jay's taste, but isn't sure who he is as a designer. They've made their choice!
The designers return to the stage. Heidi tells Emilio that everyone loved his dress. He's going to Bryant Park. He fist pumps and leaves the stage. He interviews that he is "humbled," but needs to be victorious at Bryant Park before he can be truly happy. That's indeed very humble. "Home freaking run," he says to himself backstage. Heidi tells Seth Aaron that he's in as well! He almost starts crying. Then, he runs offstage and jumps on Emilio. He interviews that he is going to blow up the world with his genius collection.
Back onstage, Heidi reminds Anthony that he won some of the biggest challenges of the season. However, they think he needs to mature. He's out. He smiles graciously and gets his kisses. He thanks the judges for everything and leaves the stage. Heidi tells Mila that she has been impressive during the season, but her work today fells short. Heidi tells Jay that his look was made well, but was expected. Mila is in. She is thrilled. Jay is... in too! Mila is no longer as thrilled. They're both going to design collections, but only one of them will show at Fashion Week.
They go backstage and tell the others the results. Jay interviews that he has something to prove to the world. Tim comes in and says that, rather than be sad, it's a happy time for Anthony. He designed for a magazine cover and Jessica Alba! He is sent to clean up his space again. Anthony tells them to not disappoint him, then he's gone. Anthony tells us that we have not seen the last of him!
Jeff Long is a writer/actor in Brooklyn. He can be reached at jeff.long75@gmail.com
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