184 replies to this topic

[TWoP Nikita]

From Zap2it:

The designers must create fashion-forward prom wear out of duct tape.

This thread will open at 10:30pm EST on March 7th.

[dizzyd]

I can't believe anyone liked that praying mantis dress. It looked like a cheap, poorly done craft project. At least it didn't win. And I so badly wanted to put some duct tape on Nina's mouth. For someone who's never been to a prom, her stupid critique on that long "denim" dress was completely unwarranted. I loved that classy look a whole lot better than Patricia's and Samantha's. Can't believe it was the losing look and they axed them both. The previews brought a smile though.

[Ginna]

Ok, not that I'm defending Kate and Tu's dress (because I didn't particularly care for it), but they aren't wrong about long dresses being what girls want to wear to prom. Granted, my prom was 10 years ago, but most of the girls were in long. Last year I spent a ridiculous amount of time at Davids Bridal trying on bridesmaid dresses and every single girl that came in shopping for prom dress was trying on long dresses. And just to make sure I wasn't crazy, I checked out an online prom dress retailer. 70% of their dresses were long. What's with having judges that have never been to prom judging prom dresses claim that long is old? Idiots.

I was a little surprised by the double elimination since Kate's never really stumbled before (last week she was only in the bottom because of Tu). I also didn't think that was the worst dress on the runway.

Loved the winning dress though! Especially since so many of the other designers were ragging on it.

Edited by Ginna, Mar 7, 2013 @ 10:33 PM.

[Lopethina]

Shocked. Gobsmacked. Flabbergasted. Dumbstruck.

The whole episode I was thinking Kate and Tu's dress was the only one deserving to STAY. It was the only one NOT a costume, which I thought was the whole point of these unusual-material challenges.

So it was bad enough that either of them was going home for it, but both?! I don't get it.

[Kaleficent]

The winning dress was just as dated as the gold one. Typical 1980's rocker/Cyndi Lauper stuff from the 80's. Nothing new here, except for maybe the left boob almost falling out. There was nothing "fashion forward" about it.

Patricia got robbed.

[Puds38]

Amanda & Michelle's dress reminded me of cosplay. Like something the Harlequin would wear. It wasn't my cup of tea, but I could see the hipster crowd loving it. I would have given the win to Patricia & Samantha. However, Tu and Kate were clearly on the bottom. Not so much because it was a long dress, but because it was a long, constricting dress. That looked like a pageant gown. No young girl is going to be sitting, much less dancing in that dress.It was too serious for the prom. I also think this challenge really played to Patricia's strengths since it's not strictly a design challenge. but because of the unconventional material, it's a craft challenge which is something Patricia is good at.

[mauras]

I admit that I loved Amanda and Michelle's dress (though I still can't stand Michelle), and I almost sort of admired Patricia and Samantha's insanity, but why did the judges not take into consideration that neither one was remotely a prom dress? That's what really bugs me about tonight's results.

Kate and Tu were hurt by their color choice, IMO. That navy is very adult and doesn't seem prom-y at all. Still, the silhouette was good, and it wasn't dated, unlike Richard and Daniel's, which was pretty awful. I'd have sent one of them home ahead of Kate and Tu.

Tu was so sweet when they were saying their goodbyes. He's a lovely person, though the judges had a point about not really knowing who he was as a designer. And I was sorry to see Kate go because I think she was one of the more talented designers there.

Loved the challenge. Did not love the outcome.

[Lopethina]

Once we got to judging and I realized the designers wanted costumes, Michelle and Amanda's grew on me.

But my jaw hit the floor when they said Patricia and Samantha's had won the students' vote. I liked the high-low aspect since that was on trend a few months ago, but the shape in back was all wrong. It looked like a pod. If it had been pleated to lie like the front of Michelle and Amanda's, it would've been much better.

[lovesduncan]

Nina - teens still wear long dresses to prom. Perhaps not that silhouette or color but not every young woman is wearing short and tight.

Why the double elimination. I thought that Kate was one of the more consistent designers.

Loved Michelle/Amanda's dress but I can't stand Michelle. Stanley/Layana's dress was gorgeous.

Richard can go home any time. He isn't particularly talented and his mannerisms, especially the never-ending "hi fives" make me crazy. Daniel has also hit the wall. He hasn't shown a new look in 4 weeks.

I have no words for Patricia/Samantha's creation...what did these teens see in it?

[bodielovesbetty]

However, Tu and Kate were clearly on the bottom. Not so much because it was a long dress, but because it was a long, constricting dress.

I agree. With the shape and the color it was almost... dowdy. Not the best look for teenager.

I liked Stanley and Layana's the best, but I'm okay with the judging. I didn't like the pointy boob on Michelle and Amanda's, but I like the folds of the skirt.

I really liked the two young, male designers not letting Nina get away with saying long is out. She's the one who ended up sounding out of touch.

Fun challenge.

[LostWithoutDVR]

Okay I teach high school and girls absolutely wear long dresses to prom. My husband, who doesn't have any interest in fashion whatsoever, was appalled that 3/4 people on the judging panel had never even been to prom. Michelle and Amanda's dress would never ever get worn; maybe by one punk rock chick - and everyone else would think she was a weirdo for wearing it!

[rhodaj]

I have to say, I'm not loving this season at all. Something's missing, but I'm not sure what it is. Maybe it's that Michael Kors had such a strong voice, and Heidi has been attempting to step into that role, which is truly unfortunate. Also, the challenges are uninspired and so are the designs.

The entire season seems to lack soul, or spirit, or something. . . .

[caci66]

When slim, straight bridal dresses were the rage a few years ago, I remember reading that a lot of brides were disappointed in their choices later. The reason being that the dresses weren't special enough for the occasion. I think a lot of girls still like longer prom dresses because it is supposed to be a special event. I actually liked the losing dress, but I do understand it could be too restricting for dancing. Maybe if they had put a slit on it and changed the color, it would have been better recieved.

I was ok with the winning dress, but seriously cannot stand Michelle.

Really liked the black and pink dress.

The gold dress did look dated.

How many guys would have been peeking up the skirt of the praying mantis dress? I'm surprised no one mentioned that the opening seemed way too high for a high school age girl or, if they did, I missed it. Some schools may have issues.

Did they ever say what dress was the least voted for?

[TVQueen]

I love that Zac spoke up to Nina -"I travel around the country and dress girls for prom." She not only never went to prom she's way too old to connect. Same for both things for Heidi. Also, I think it was a shocker to have a double elimination without warning them about it. Tu had to go. I've never seen anyone who had no opinion and no point of view at all. Still hate Michelle and hate that she won. If that if that dress were in a store selling prom dresses, no girl would buy it. Although tastes do vary across the country.

[wyndham]

Is Heidi pregnant? She sure had a pooch if she isn't.

[catray]

I'm sorry, but I wanted to slap Kate during this challenge. There are plenty of "alternative" girls out there that would be happy to wear a dress like what Amanda and Michelle made because it's not a traditional prom dress. Just because it's not your style of prom dress doesn't mean it couldn't be a prom dress for someone else. Shut the hell up! It wasn't my style, but the idea behind it was great. I was happy they won the challenge-- they knocked it out of the park.

Stanley and Layana's dress was a close second to me, moreso than Patricia and Samantha's weird silver dress.

Since they're doing the team challenges and trying to promote collaboration, I wish they would stop asking the designers to pick losers or winners within their team to create drama. You can't have it both ways-- but they sure are trying.

When it came down the real runway-- I hated Kate and Tu's dress. I think it looked matronly and too old for a high school girl. Given how much Kate ragged on Michelle and Amanda during this episode, I was happy to see her kicked off after they auf'd Tu. Daniel and Richard's was so dated. Ugh. As soon as they grabbed all the gold duct tape, I knew they were doomed.

ETA: yes, long dresses are totally still "it" for prom-- hardly anyone at my high school prom (which was 12 yrs ago, granted) wore a short dress. I certainly didn't.

Edited by catray, Mar 7, 2013 @ 11:19 PM.

[auntlada]

The only dress that looked like a prom dress to me was the gold one, but then I graduated from high school in 1986. I do agree that the lattice work shouldn't have been under the arms. I think that would have been better on the back, and they could have used a side zipper.

I thought the long dress looked very red carpety, but it was still better than the other short dresses. I thought Michelle and Amanda's dress was just ugly. I'm not a fan of giant houndstooth, though. When I was a kid, my mattress was covered in large houndstooth, so to me it looks like a mattress pattern, not a prom dress. Also, I hate Michelle, so there's that.

I think the girls here all wear long dresses to prom. A lot of them have gone back to almost ball gown styles. Of course, I live in the middle of the country, so Nina would probably think none of the girls here have any fashion sense. I was glad Zac told her that he flies all over the country (does he really?) and dresses girls for prom all the time and they want long dresses. I'm not sure most girls even think about how they will be able to move or dance in the dress as long as they look good.

[ilalum89]

Did they ever say what dress was the least voted for?

I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't Michelle and Amanda's dress. I liked the dress a lot, but didn't see it appealing to teens for prom, it seemed too casual and old for prom.

I liked the Zac smackdown of Nina babbling about how no one wears long dresses for prom. I'm the age where a lot of my friends have kids that are prom-going age so via Facebook I've seen a lot of prom pictures from all over the US and I can't remember any girl that didn't wear a long dress.

[totallycontra]

As a high school student, I got more and more annoyed every time that someone commented on how they didn't trust the tastes of high schoolers (incidentally, my prom dress is long, but not full length). To throw in my two cents, I know girls who have bought dresses like Samantha's & Patricia's in terms of the skirt style thing. While it's true that very few people would wear Michelle & Amanda's dress to prom, it should also be noted that very few people would wear duct tape dresses to prom anyway (although you can actually win a scholarship for designing a good one). I thought the fit of Daniel/Richard's dress was horrific, and Samantha/Patricia's dress' straps were an inch above the model's shoulders.

Also, for the record, my prom dress is navy blue (darker than Tu/Kate's blue) and I've gotten a good deal of compliments on it...navy blue is classy/classic!

[Enychica]

Patricia and Samantha's dress was the truth and I can see why it was the favorite of the teens. It looked like something you'd see in anime. It was cool. The praying mantis insect vibe is what makes the dress. And it was the teens who told them to exaggerate the pod look more, make it poof. They got it. While most teens end up playing it safe & going for pretty, this is the dress they would dare to wear if they could be so bold. It was fantasy.

Tu and Kate's dress was just SO boring and sort of mall. It looked so middle America dull, like a pageant dress. There was nothing fashion forward or unique about it. Nobody, least of all a hip NY girl, wants to look like a bridesmaid at her older sister's wedding for prom.

Edited by Enychica, Mar 7, 2013 @ 11:38 PM.

[Okwmember]

I was shocked when Tim asked Kate and Tu why they were trying to make the tape look like fabric. Really? That's what they always try to do during an unconventional challenge. Its like Tim forgot what the designers are being asked to do. No teenagers do not want duct tape dresses, but if you can make it look like a fabric then maybe its kinda cool.

[Bebecat]

I won't bother mentioning Heidi's dress at the start...well just to say short, tight, lace, nude color. Not appropriate in any way. Runway dress was better, but ugly.

I also won't bother saying how much I hate when they makes things out of non-fabric.
Also, I feel really old now, as I did not like much about these dresses for prom.

Oh Daniel, how naive. How can you go wrong with a prom dress..let me count the ways.
Not sure Richard used "touche" correctly, lol. He does not amuse me...neither does Daniel or his weird grin under that 'stache. Yikes.
Kate did seem bossy with Tu, but he seems to need it.
Ugh, the snark gets old, Michelle. I wish people would worry about their own looks.
Also, Michelle using "Becky" as an example is kind of like her 80's thing...not too many "Beckys" running around nowadays, lol. Maybe sixteen ways of spelling Haylee or Kaylee. And what was with her hair? Was that a mullet?

As far as the dresses:

Daniel/Richard: Hated the ruffles. Looked like an Oscar statue, sort of. A little cheesy for me. Heidi called them out on how dated it looked.

Samantha/Patricia: Eek. Too much going on for me. Did not like. So of course the kids liked it. Top seemed baggy and I hate the mullet length thing. Blah, blah, blah...Patricia. And of course judges loved it.

Kate/Tu: Blah and only stood out as only gown, but not sure if they wear gowns now. Not really fashion-forward. And not enough legs or bust for Heidi. Boring.

Stanely/Layana: Not sure, not much of a reaction. The bow did not work for me, but Nina loved it. But it looked like a real dress.

Amanda/Michelle: Not a red and black fan. Nothing prom about it. But what do I know...they won.

I liked hearing Zac saying he traveled outside of NYC and that girls do like gowns.
I guess "plugged in" is a cool phrase now, lol.

Well I never would have chosen Michelle, but I was pretty sure that Kate or Tu was going home...I kind of wish one of the other bottom team had gone, just 'cuz those two bug me. Poor Tu. But they both deserved it I guess.

Edited by Bebecat, Mar 8, 2013 @ 12:00 AM.

[Bentley]

I'm so disappointed that they paired everybody up on an unconventional challenge so that we only got 5 looks. Give them two days and let each designer make his/her own prom dress. It was a waste of an interesting challenge, and I was underwhelmed for the most part.

I'd have given the win to Stanley and.. Lana? My only tweak would be to skip the obvious choice of hot pink for the bow and go with something more unexpected like schoolbus yellow, orange or chartreuse.

[Petunia]

All those dresses were pretty fabulous for having been made in one day. I'm so sorry Tu was let go. What a sweet guy he is.

[Camo]

This was a terrible judging session. I'm pretty disturbed by the decision to auf Kate and Tu since I thought there were 4 viable dresses to contend for okay-to-winning, and one DEFCON-1 disaster, and that was Richard and Daniel's entry.

'Constricting' or 'aging' is one thing -- younger girls do love gown-like dresses for special occasions, and many teens would want an olive, navy, teal or otherwise deeper-toned dress. But I honestly felt like there was something offensive, not merely 'dated,' about R&D's dress. The *first* thing I thought of is "cocktail dress worn by Best New Starlet at the inaugural AVN awards." It was unbelievably inappropriate -- the open weave under the arms added to the off-brand Frederick's of Hollywood feel of the garment. The *corsage* they created was 'dated,' but the dress was beyond 'tacky '80s prom disaster' and well within the borders of 'fancy dress worn 3 minutes in a porno.' It showed enough of a taste deficit that both of them should've been dragged off of the runway by a giant novelty cane.

[Nell Huxleigh]

I actually loved Samantha and Patricia's dress. I think the poufiness made it really fun because it fit the design but also gave it a princess-y feel, space alien princess. Portlandia and Amanda's dress looked exactly like what women our age would have fantasizes about wearing some 15 years ago. I really thought that was why the teens didn't like it. And their "punk rockness" just reads like utter snobbery. Heidi and Nina simply aren't prom people. They probably think Gossip Girl is an accurate depiction of NYC high school life.

[Dewie]

Ugh. Shut up, Nina.

Samantha/Patricia: The bodice fit was horrible but the skirt was fun and moved well.
Amanda/Michelle: Not even near meeting the definition of a "prom dress."
Tu/Kate: The only evening silhouette in the bunch. Maybe the color was a bit dark and the fit a bit tight, but to most girls a "prom dress" is a special evening "gown," and that is what this was.
Stanley/Layana: Well done but again, not really a prom dress.
Daniel/Richard: Sammy Jo Carrington called. She wants her dress back.

I can't think of why there was an unannounced double-elimination though, unless we are heading into a challenge week with no pre-planned losers.

Edited by Dewie, Mar 8, 2013 @ 2:19 AM.

[wolvfbfn]

I was happy to see Tu go. I haven't liked any of his designs and he just keeps getting run over by Kate the last two weeks. But I'm obviously the only happy about that "auf"-ing.

[Modernwhimsy]

I am happy about next week's preview. Totally going to keep that on the DVR. After weeks of unrealistic female bodies, it will be nice to see unrealistic male bodies in a thrustworthy job.

[talley]

I am never really good at predicting winners and losers, but boy was I off this time. I did not like and don't see why the spacegown was voted so high. It was not flattering at all. I agree with whoever mentioned how Michelle's winner looked so Cyndi Lauper. I'm assuming the dress codes are less restrictive for proms? So much skin and short hems. Double elmination was a surprise. At first I thought they did it becuase no one would take more credit, but I then remembered Tu saying Kathy was the main designer. So they got upset at his lack of self showing through, twice now, and if the dress was the least succesful according the judges then Kathy should've gone. BTW Is anyone tired of the these zoom ins on Patricia's wide eyed looks? Freaks me out alittle.