Episode 8: Splash From the Past

Ah, the sight of Iman emerging onto the runway makes my little heart flutter. She brings out the models, who are wearing period costumes – “seven iconic fashion moments.” Lucian comments that, “It was like being in a Kafka novel.” Oh, Eastern Europeans. Iman explains that as the designers choose their models, they have to design a piece based on the clothing the model is wearing. So, choose either your favourite model or your favourite fashion moment.

Biddell, who won the last challenge, chooses Ashley, even though she’s wearing a kimono and he’d rather do punk. Shernett chooses Jaclyn the flapper, Lucian chooses Chanel the gypsy and Kendra chooses Drea, who is dressed as Marie Antoinette. MG chooses Amanda the punk and Stephen has to choose between Renée (dressed in Grecian clothes) and Jessica (in a sparkly evening gown). He goes with Renée.

Iman drops the bomb (there’s always a bomb) – the designers will be creating swimwear inspired by the period costumes. In the workroom, Brian drops another bomb (there’s always another bomb) – the designers will be making two swimsuits. One suit will be for the model the designer has chosen, and one will be for a plus size model.

Kendra comments that this will be difficult, mostly because they’re not used to plus sizes. The plus size models are randomly distributed. The designers take 30 minutes to sketch and measure their new models. The designers have 75 minutes for shopping and $75 for materials. They rush to the Lycra section. Biddell says he’ll be “sleeping” through this challenge – he has immunity.

Lucian comments on Biddell’s win. “It’s great to win, I’ve done it.” He’s a bit conceited, huh? Kendra says Biddell acts like this is the Biddell Show. True. She also comments that people are being crazy – this show is an emotional roller coaster because all the contestants are artists. We see that Kendra’s design is animal print even though her period is Marie Antoinette.

Biddell decides that he’s going to have a few naps. MG is doing British punk, which she’s really excited about, because she lived in the UK. The designers council Lucian not to use nude colours because it looks like “a coochie hanging out.” Yeah, that’s not attractive. Stephen tries on Lucian’s bathing suit and makes a comment unsuitable for print. I’m not going to lie, I feel a little funny inside. I don’t want to talk about it.

Everyone’s freaking out and Biddell is taking a nap in between trash talking Lucian. Brian comes in to consult with Shernett and her suit leaves a little to be desired (the bum is too saggy). Brian gives Shernett a pep talk about feminine beauty, which is a little strange since Shernett is a female. What a wonderful mustached man. I love him. He gives Biddell a talking to about his crappy flutter butt bathing suit and tells him to get on it.

The next day at the workspace, everyone is working diligently (except Biddell). Stephen asks Lucian how things are going. “Can you see nipple?” “Of course,” Lucian says, “That’s what fashion is about – nipples and boobies and asses.” Lucian isn’t passionate about his design, though. A change from his usual smug demeanor.

Biddell and Lucian’s feud is getting worse – I think Biddell is PMSing. He relentlessly picks on Lucian. Lucian calls the difference between him and Biddell couture versus slutwear. Biddell doesn’t understand why everyone is picking on him and the world is against him. Sounds like PMS to me.

The next morning, the models come in for fittings. Shernett says she’s looking forward to being safe this challenge. Stephen comments that he’s the Susan Lucci of PRC, having never won a challenge. Hair and makeup is cute as a boot. Aren’t Eric and Eddie sweethearts? Yes. The designers do last-minute touchups. Shernett’s stuff is dreadful. I’m sorry, but what was she thinking?

We become reacquainted with the judges, along with guest judge Tu Ly, creative director of Saks Fifth Avenue. See the gallery for all the designs.

Stephen comments on his design – he used a bunch of white fabric to cover his model and called it a “slimming effect.” I wonder if throwing a burlap sack over my stomach would create a slimming effect. No matter. Evan’s stuff is boring, but that was to be expected what with all the napping.

Stephen and Biddell are allowed to leave the runway. Backstage, Stephen tells Biddell he’s been “an obnoxious jerk.” Biddell isn’t too accepting of that criticism.

Lucian is left to explain his design, which all the judges aren’t really fond of. Shernett tries to defend her horrible design by referring to Coco Chanel. Not a good move. MG talks about her awesome Union Jack bathing suits, which all the judges love. Kendra’s suits incorporate corsets, but that’s where the Marie Antoinette ends. The designers leave the runway.

The judges echo their previous sentiments. Lucian – boring, Kendra – boring, Shernett – disastrous and MG – cute. The designers come back in and MG wins, not surprisingly. Lucian is safe and it’s down to Shernett and Kendra. Iman tells them she didn’t like either design, so this was a difficult decision. Ouch. She tells Kendra that, “Marie Antoinette said, ‘Let them eat cake,’ but your design left me starving for more.” Kendra is out, sadly. She gracefully leaves, as Biddell tells her, “The Biddell show won’t be the same.” It’s a sad day for PRC.

Til next week!

Robotic Hottie

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