In a hurry? Read the recaplet for a nutshell description! Finished? Click here to close.
Valerie feels like she has to carry the torch of dead Ivy. They find childhood photos of themselves in the workroom. Tim greets the designers with some lady with a hundred titles from HP. Her name is Tracey. They're going to be creating their own textiles. Jesus, there's so much product placement. Apparently, HP makes the world go round. But, the fabrics have to be personal. Other Michael's story with his mother sounds fraught and sad. Valerie says she thought her dad was Superman. Her pattern is based on him. April's pattern was based on her parents' divorce. Mondo tells us that, when he came out to his mom, she told him to not tell anyone else in his family. Then, he reveals that he is HIV positive and hasn't told his parents. That's the inspiration for his textile. Jesus. Besides the fact that people can live long and with amazing quality, that's heartbreaking.
Oh my God, this show has never done this to me before. Their MOMS walk in, and it's so emotional. Seriously, Gretchen tells this shit about how her mom doesn't have a lot of money and has to watch after her handicapped step-father and she still shows up and every bad thought you've ever had about Gretchen disappears. I'm completely Shirley MacLaine in Terms right now. It's gross and beautiful. Everybody gets to spend the day with their peeps, including Christopher who gets to spend time with his partner of 10 years. I'm obsessed with Other Michael's mother. She's BRILLIANT.
Other Michael finally likes what Gretchen does, though that really doesn't matter. Tim gets choked up during his consultation. I can't control myself. So many tears. Rachel Roy is the guest designer and sick pretty.
The judges give Christopher a hard time for being boring. They like Andy's print, but they hate his outfit. Rachel Roy is my angel of fashion. They hate Valerie's look and feel that it is poorly constructed. They love Mondo's mixing of fabrics. He tells Nina and everyone about his status, and it's truly a lovely moment in television. In the end, Mondo won the challenge, obviously. And Valerie was out.
Want more? The full recap starts right below!Previously: The designers were challenged to create a high fashion look for a L'Oreal Paris advertorial. The winner would also get twenty grand. Valerie freaked out under pressure and Ivy was nice enough to comfort her. Mondo won the challenge! Ivy, though comforting, got the boot.
It's morning at, you guessed it, the Taj Mahal. Valerie tells Gretchen and April that she's surprised to still be in the competition after her performance at the challenge. She interviews that she's hoping the judges saw some unfulfilled potential in her. Who can see anything? All we can do is hear. Valerie, you talk too much. Just zip it and design for a while, K? She tells the girls that she wants to fight for Ivy. Then, she reminds us that Ivy was her best friend there. They apparently created one of those stupid couple names for themselves a la Bennifer -- "Latasian." We were mercifully spared hearing that more than this time right now. Gretchen tells her that her challenge is to show the judges that she can be fresh, which is what she believed Mondo to have done in the challenge. She interviews that she feels Mondo is her biggest competition and she needs to step up 3-D.
In the boys' room, Other Michael asks Mondo how it felt to win a second challenge in a row. He says it was unreal and he wasn't expecting the second win. He interviews that he thought Andy would win the challenge and finds him to be his biggest competition. Christopher tells Andy that he loved his piece for the high fashion challenge. Andy interviews that it's nice to get compliments on something that includes so much of yourself.
Heidi greets the designers on the runway. She says that, for this challenge, they will be starting from scratch. Tim will tell them the rest of the details. When they get to the workroom, everyone is surprised to find desktop computers with childhood pictures of themselves on the monitor. They all immediately start feeling sentimental, which is understandable- simpler times and such. Other Michael sees a picture of himself as a tyke in his underwear and laughs at his resemblance to his own son. There's a picture of Mondo dressed as a harlequin when he was a kid that's kind of amazing. He talks about how they haven't seen their families in a while since they've been on the show. Gretchen says that, seeing herself outside of the context of the show, she got emotional. She says that she misses her mom and hasn't seen her in a long time.
Tim enters with a lady and introduces her as Tracey Trachta from HP. She's the head of global marketing. Tim says that they've downloaded the photos for them because a personal dossier will be important for them in this challenge. They're going to be creating their own textiles! I love this challenge. Other Michael remembers the challenge from last season and has been dying to create his own print. Tim says that the point of departure for the design of the print should be a moment in their lives that they found especially profound and inspiring. The look that they create can be anything they want, but the print should have a special meaning. Valerie says that it's exciting and daunting to be her own muse.
Tim and Tracey leave and the designers start looking at their photos. Other Michael says the pic of him in the underwear was taken on a day when he was twirling around in a skirt and his mother ripped it off of him. And, I did not just make that up. He remembers that he was crying and then his mother apparently felt that was a good time to start taking pictures? He interviews that he is very tight with his mother, though there was a time when their relationship was strained. There's a photo of Mondo at five wearing a matador's outfit with a mustache drawn onto his face. Someone asks if he didn't wear that same outfit for the first challenge.
Valerie says that her favorite of the photos of her is one of her and her sister when they were tiny. So cute. They are in the driveway of the first house their father built for them. She thought quite literally that he was Superman. He has inspired her to work hard. Her textile is based on the blueprints that he used as a builder. Other Michael has a brother named Spanky and a sister named Peaches. Yes. They wear red bracelets with a dot that is an evil eye. That's going to be his pattern. Gretchen grew up in the southwest and is basing her pattern on a graphic interpretation of a sun bonnet. I know not of this sun bonnet, but it looks pretty cool. April's pattern is based on her parents' divorce -- "dark and romantic." She gets a little emotional when she shows it to Gretchen. She says that the divorce was her first taste of reality and how things aren't always rosy.
Mondo explains that he came out to his mother when he was 17 and her response was to tell him that he shouldn't tell anyone else in his family. Also, she said that she wouldn't tell his father. That incident instilled him in him the idea that he couldn't share who he was with people. He interviews emotionally that he loves his mother, but he has to be able to let people into his life. You know, I can't help but think of all of the kids we've heard about lately who have killed themselves after being bullied for being or appearing gay. Looking at Mondo and thinking about what he's gone through and also how immensely talented he is -- I wonder what those boys would have been able to give to the world if they'd been able to have any hope for their futures. Also, a reminder: Words hurt, especially when you're a kid. Mondo's not telling anyone what his print's inspiration is. April thinks it's very "Mondo" though.
He interviews that his print is based on a plus sign, which represents his -- pause -- HIV positive status. Wow. He cries as he tells us that he's held this a secret for 10 years. Oh my God. He's only 32. He's had this secret inside of him for almost a third of his life. He says that keeping the secret from his family has caused him a lot of shame and he can't do it anymore. He tells us that he's too good a person to be a coward. Bless his heart. I'm fighting getting preachy right now. I guess this isn't really the place for it. That said, the shame that he's talking about is what leads a lot of guys to act out in ways that are a lot riskier than they probably would if they weren't carrying that burden. Makes me really sad, especially when you have someone like Mondo in front of you who has so much to offer the world. Not that I know the first thing about how he contracted.
Tim comes in to take everyone to Mood. Their prints will be available the day. While they are at Mood, Andy interviews that his pattern is a series of circles, like memory bubbles. Hmm, I think everything's going to seem a little lame after April's and Mondo's stories. Christopher's pattern is blue (for his mom's favorite color) with gray lines (for his home, San Francisco). Valerie tells us that she is refocused and will be designing like she did in the beginning of the competition. Still talking, that one.
At the workroom, everyone's working when Tim enters. He tells them to keep working, but announces that he is sending in some special guests and they should "be nice" to them. Gretchen wonders if it isn't eliminated designers. Christopher interviews that his first thought is that it's going to be a client and what if they don't like the print. Then, we see shots of the designers FREAKING OUT. Maybe it's Martha Stewart? Commercials.
It's their moms! And, seriously, I don't know what it is, but the sound and look of excitement on all of the designers makes me cry like I'm watching Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" video. Or, the trailer for Burlesque, a film which I believe might possibly change my life. Valerie cries like a baby and interviews that she cries at Hallmark commercials. She's that girl. Mondo gives his mom a long hug and interviews that he didn't want to let go.
Gretchen, who is still alone, deduces from the emotions she's witnessing that these are the moms of her fellow designers. We see her wipe away a tear. She interviews that this is scary for her because her own mother has a very hard life. Her stepfather is wheelchair bound and her mother can't leave him because they are "not very well-off." Seriously, that phrase breaks my heart. Whatever you feel about Gretchen, she carries herself with a lot of dignity and stuff like that can't be easy to say. She says that she had a panic attack at the thought of her mother not being there. Then, her mother walks in with open arms and Gretchen and I cry. She's so happy to see her mom. She cries to her mom that she was so afraid that she wouldn't be able to come, but Mom says that of course she was going to come.
April's mom is Miss America. Seriously, she must have been a teen mom. April interviews tearfully that she's so glad to have her mom there. The mannequins are thankful that they are made of absorbent fabric and won't need tissues. Other Michael bawls when he sees his mom AND his son. Very cute kid. Christopher interviews that he was expecting his mom, but, instead, it's his partner, JJ. Come ON! They embrace and kiss and Christopher tells us that they've been together ten years and he's the most important person in his life. And, he's gorgeous. I'm a FUCKING PUDDLE HERE, PEOPLE. So, that's the story behind the wedding band.
After they all meet each others' family, Tim enters and announces that he's suspending the work day. They all get to spend the day with their moms/JJs! We see everyone out and about. Most at restaurants. April and her mom get pedicures, which is so perfect and lovely. Over pizza, Valerie tells her mom that she will never forget her experience on the show. Andy tells his mom that he has had to remain himself throughout the challenges and she approves of the effort. April says that, because she is the youngest there, people have underestimated her. But, she thinks she has gained some respect. Mondo takes his mom to the Highline and tells her that the beginning of the competition was really hard for him and says that he had a breakdown and had wanted to go home.
Other Michael relays the story of the designers talking shit about him on the runway. His mother tells him to just make friends and show people that he cares about them. She also reminds him that it's a competition. She's a badass. Seriously, I might consider renting Other Mother. He interviews that he's been holding a lot of emotion inside of him because he has no one to talk to on the show. Other Mother tells him that he is always a winner to her. Love her. JJ tells Christopher that he's very proud of him. Christopher is energized by seeing him. Mondo's mother brings him a bracelet and he says he can't promise that he'll wear it, which makes both of them laugh. He interviews that he wanted to tell her about his status, but his Catholic upbringing prevented him. He doesn't want to bring her any pain. Wow, that's a tough situation.
The day is Valerie's birthday, her 29th. They all discuss that being with their moms kind of got to their heads a little. Andy says that he just feels "done" now. Mondo's thinking about bad moments from his past. They go to the workroom to find their fabrics! Andy's not sure what to do for his design. He doesn't feel inspired and is trying to just finish. Tim comes in and advises April to step away from the emotion of her fabric and look at the design. She interviews that it was good advice. Other Michael is happy to get positive feedback from the Gunn.
Tim thinks that Christopher is over-designing. Gretchen interviews that she doesn't like what Christopher makes. She finds his current design to be a C+. There's our Gretchen. Andy is so low-energy and everyone notices. Tim likes Gretchen's print (so does Other Michael!) but is not fond of a design element on the back of her skirt. She says she won't change it until she sees her model in it. Tim tells Valerie that her design is looking like an ice skating outfit. Gretchen thinks Valerie's outfit doesn't read "fashion." She makes it hard to not hate her. Without revealing too much, Mondo says his pattern is very personal. Tim loves it. He tells everyone that he loves their prints and gets emotional himself! Oh God, Tim Gunn I'ma marry you. I've finally found love for Tim Gunn. It was in me all along.
The morning, Andy says he doesn't like his work. Gretchen and Valerie don't like it either. In the workroom, Mondo tries to not get worked up. Tim enters and sends in the models. Other Michael sings a country song about the competition, which makes everyone laugh. Andy interviews that Other Michael has grown on him. Then, he says that everyone hated him but now he's opened up, which is bullshit. Dude has been acting the same from the beginning. The other designers are just being less of assholes to him now. For his part, Other Michael just interviews that he's glad that he's getting a little more respect from his fellow designers. Mondo says that he respects OM for not being afraid to grow when other people wouldn't be humble enough to submit to change. Valerie thinks that she might win the challenge. It's time to WORK.
Heidi greets the designers and introduces Michael, Nina, and guest judge Rachel Roy who is so amazingly beautiful. She has dressed Oprah and First Lady Obama. The show begins with April's look. It's a one-sleeved edgy looking dress in black and white. Her textile is used on the sleeve and part of the bodice. It's really cool and the print looks pretty exciting. is Andy's look and it's gross. This weird blousy blouse and short shorts. Mondo's look is . He used his vibrant pink print for slacks. It's got a sexy halter top. Valerie's look is . It's this dated bodice that's partially see-through and a skirt of little triangles. It looks like origami. Valerie thinks it's very cool. No. Gretchen made a pair of tight black slacks (for a lady who'd never made pants in the beginning of the competition, she's a pro now) paired with her textile which has been made into a kicky little halter top with a racer stripe in the back. April gives her props. Other Michael made a fitted dress with panels of his fabric. It looks a little militaristic. And, the eye. Those vulture eyes chill me to the very marrow in my bones. But, good on you, Other Michael. I don't think it's very high-end, but it sure does fit well. And, here's Christopher's. An off-the-shoulder blouse of his dreamy blue textile and loose slacks.
Heidi says that they will talk to all of the designers. The models return to the stage. Heidi likes Gretchen's print. She likes the moon-shaped detail on the back of the pants that Tim did not like. Michael didn't like the placement of the details on her print. Nina is disappointed that it's not a "wow" moment. Rachel doesn't think it's quite there, but she likes the earthiness of the look. Other Michael explains his evil eye inspiration as well as saying that the look is dark because his family has a lot of secrets. So, I'm thinking some designers will be wearing some cement shoes and having a slumber party in the Hudson with some fishes soon. Michael thinks the placement of the panels is weird, but Heidi thinks it's cool. However, she doesn't like that he chose shoes to match the piping on his dress. Matchy-matchy strikes again.
Rachel doesn't feel Christopher's water inspiration in his print. Nina doesn't think it's exciting. He argues that not every item needs to pop so loudly, but Heidi reminds him that it's a show about design. Michael points out that quiet can still be memorable. Rachel likes the painterly quality of Andy's print, but she hates his outfit. She's actually upset by it. The shorts are so short, but it's not sexy at all. Nina is saddened by the print and the outfit. Andy explains that he was thrown off of his game by being with his mom. He says that he knows that the look isn't him. Michael likes the print, but he feels that Andy dumbed himself down. He sees a sad face on Andy's shirt. Heh. Heidi thinks that it's unwearable and Andy admits to being lost in this challenge.
April explains her print and Michael felt the friction in the print. He feels that friction is present in April's best work. I like that description. He's not wild about her dress, but likes the continuity. Nina likes the silhouette. This was Rachel's favorite print. Heidi's too! She doesn't think the look is that flattering though. Valerie explains that she was inspired by her father. Heidi thinks it looks like her dress from the party challenge. Michael thinks the origami look of the skirt stole the life from the fabric. She has a little bit of blue wool and black tulle peeking from the bottom of the skirt, which Michael finds unappealing. Nina thinks it looks heavy. Rachel likes the origami thing because she hasn't seen it before, but she really hates the stuff peeking out of the bottom. There are construction issues and taste stuff to boot.
Mondo explains that the symbolism of his print is very personal. Nina says that she wishes she knew what the inspiration was, but she thinks it's great. She loves his freedom with color. Michael agrees. Nina gasps with joy when the model takes her jacket off and reveals that perfect halter top. Rachel loves the look, but felt some dissonance in regards to the inspiration for the print being so personal and potentially dark, while the fabric itself is so joyful. Hmm. That's interesting. Do you think they're just trying to get him to talk? I'm not sure I totally understand her beef. Mondo begins to address Nina. He seems really uncomfortable. But, explains that he has been HIV positive for a decade. Everyone onstage seems stunned. He explains that he's been hiding from himself, but wanted to create something that represented who he used to be and who he is now. Nina and Heidi thank him for sharing. Jesus, this is such a big moment of his that we're seeing. Everyone onstage is getting teared up. Mondo says that he feels a lot better. Free. The designers go backstage, where everyone congratulates Mondo. Gretchen says that she feels honored to have been present for his story. Mondo feels glad to have gotten things off of his chest and maybe helped someone. He interviews that he felt guided to speak at the moment that he did. He says that he feels so good and jokes that he might be nicer from now on.
The judges deliberate. Rachel felt that Andy's look was the worst. Heidi thinks it's unwearable. They do like the print though. They feel like he fell apart for personal reasons and Michael says, seriously, "Fashion is not for sissies." Oh my. Michael hated Valerie's look. They really hated the hem. Rachel liked manipulation of the fabric, but Nina thought it was a rehash. They felt Christopher's look was boring. Nina confesses to not remembering any of Christopher's work. OUCH. They all felt Other Michael's look was old-fashioned. Michael thinks that Gretchen is the best stylist of the group. They all like April's print and its placement. Heidi mentions that April looks unhappy all of the time, but Rachel says a lot of tortured designers make beautiful things. Michael loves the cut of Mondo's slacks. Nina thinks it's chic and fashionable. Michael thinks it's great that Mondo made something so joyous with a potentially depressing inspiration. He feels Mondo is able to make a positive out of hardships and Rachel agrees and thinks that he'll inspire others with his story.
The designers return to the stage. April is in. Mondo is the winner! Threepeat! April hugs him backstage and says that she's proud of him. He is super flustered. He interviews that revealing his secret is the real prize. As she has a tear running down her cheek, April listens to him tell her how overwhelming this moment is for him. That makes me love her too. Gotta love some empathy. Other Michael and Christopher are in. Andy and Valerie are the last standing. Heidi says that they like Andy's print but were confused by his look. She says that Valerie's look resembled two bad dresses put together. Andy is... in. Valerie is a real sport and is all smiles. She gives a big wave and leaves the stage. She interviews that she's proud of her dress and of honoring her father. She cries backstage that the designers were a family to her. She tells everyone individually how much she respects them. She apologizes for judging Other Michael. She commends Andy for his bravery and calls him a wonder. She says that April is very kind under her badassness and shames herself for underestimating her.
Tim enters and gives her a big hug and tells her that she has a lot of character. Everyone hugs her before she cleans up her space. She interviews that working with such supportive people has been a real treat. She says that she's loved the experience of being on the show. Such a sweet girl.
Tim chokes up and tells Mondo how proud he is of him. Mondo interviews that he's nervous about facing his family, but is glad that he said what he said. Wow. This was kinda profound.
Jeff Long is a writer/perform living in Brooklyn.
Discuss this episode in our forums, then see who we think will win!
Want to immediately access TWoP content no matter where you are online? Download the free TWoP toolbar for your web browser. Already have a customized toolbar? Then just add our free toolbar app to get updated on our content as soon it's published.