ANGEL:
THE problem: short-waisted, bulky
Egads, this is not a good dress. The color, a nice iridescent plum, is about the best thing going for it. The rest of the outfit is just so unfortunate. From the construction to the accessory choices, I'm not sure exactly what Angel was thinking. If the challenge was the lengthen the model's waist, Angel did so, only through compromising the models legs, neck and bust. The fit around the chest is awful and gives the model that chicken cutlet look that I didn't notice before the makeover. The hem on the skirt looks indecisive, and is at a level that cuts her calf at its widest part, making it look stumpy. The neckline detail, while interesting on a normal dress, actually makes the model look shorter, and without a neck. The sum of what could be interesting parts instead made an overwrought and sad little dress.ANNA:
THE problem: short with large hips, bust
In theory, Anna's dress is a knockout, and I'm sure on a wafer thin model, it'd look smashing. However, on her model with large hips, the dress minimizes the hips while creating a pocket pooch. Otherwise, the dress is rather nice. The purple/blue stripes break up the black dress in a geometric and striking manner that is both streamline and natural looking. The actual cut of the dress is very well done, with a perfect length for the skirt and lovely shoulders. The only concern I have, and it's a big one, is that the pocket and pleating in the front of the dress defeat the purpose of slimming down the 'everyday woman.' Instead of logically thinking the extra bulk is a pocket, the stripe detail conceals the pocket element, making the model simply look larger than she is.DANIELLA:
THE problem: very curvy, big bust
THE problem: very curvy, big bust
Girl loves black nearly as much as she digs shear. Another perfectly acceptable, dour look from Daniella. She is a great sewer though, as the entire outfit looks impeccably made. In way may have been a knock at Andrew, she also made a gradually dropped hemmed skirt, except, she made it flirty and cute. I wish the outfit had some color to it besides navy, which is as good as black as far as I'm concerned. I also am not in love with the belt, which I think looks a little too crash test dummies. Otherwise, the outfit is a winner, it fit Daniella's model perfectly and seemingly injected her with spirit she didn't emit during her consultation. So kudos Daniella.THE problem: large hips and behind
I like it, its a cute dress in a vivid color that highlights, rather than downplays, the models assets. Was that the challenge? Not necessarily, but who cares if the model's perceived "problem areas" are different than what mainstream fashion decided they were? Anyways, the color was refreshing, the herringbone trim is charming, the wide belt did its job of finding a waist and emphasizing. The collar is somewhat confusing, I'm not exactly sure what to make of it, but it looks intriguing and a bit avant-garde for such an every-day challenge. The fit on the bust looks a bit off, but that's the biggest complaint I have for an otherwise winning look. Plus, I think the over all solid color, sleeves, and collar detail distract the eye from the model's rear... so I say mission accomplished Ms. Haven.JAMES-PAUL:
THE problem: large shoulders
THE problem: large shoulders
Oh James Paul... There are a lot of problems here. The jacket looks poorly made, and if not, is poorly conceived. The lapels are so very wrong, and don't exactly look symmetrical. The fit is terrible, the shoulders, waist, neckline and sleeve proportions are all off. Worst of all, the jacket is incredible plain and ho hum from our Rubiks cube designer. The skirt is a throw away, simply there to lead the eye to the jacket. But, even in that, it is too tight and a too short for most professional women. A nice print in the jacket or skirt would have livened up the outfit and distracted from the more obvious fit issues.THE problem: small bust, large hips
Bam! Ok, its not the most tasteful dress, the most current, or the most innovative, but damn if this wasn't a hot looking number (and the model walked better than anyone on Make Me a Supermodel. Johnny's print selection is interesting, very hiNRG early 90s psychedelia -- and I like it. The horizontal ripple was probably unintentional, and does damper the overall look. Such a simple, tight, sexy dress can look phenomenal ... but has to be flawless. This one is 85% there... which is a solid B, above average. Keep it up Johnny... KIETH:
THE problem: small bust, no curves
THE problem: small bust, no curves
A pretty simply looking, perhaps deceptively so. Hopefully at least, otherwise its a wonder where all the time went. The construction is a mess, with the bust fitting improperly and the entire back of the garment looking bunchy. The ruffling hem that cascades down the runt is cute and the belt certainly helps in giving the woman more of a figure. However, Keith had one, if not, the easiest models, tall, thin and pretty. The color choice is a winner, if only the rest of the dress could follow suit. As it stands it looks like an unremarkable party dress you could find anywhere. LIDIA:
THE problem: tall, long arms
Lidia's model really has no problems. Being too tall or too lanky may make it difficult to find clothes, but they always look great on you when you do. This is no exception. The color combination is classy and chic, appropriate for the office or the evening. I love the way the top shifts from the smoky gray halter dress to the campaign pink blouse, which is delicately draped in the front and back The safety pin broach is an added touch of whimsy. MERLIN:
THE problem: large bust, wide hips
Yes, Isaac hated it, the fit is too tight, it emphasizes the wrong body parts, etc. I don't care. I like the overall look of this garment. There are certainly fit issues, but unlike week 1's Jonny, this garment has direction. The overall somber aesthetic and Indo-Pak opulence are slightly off season, but also forward thinking and I think very chic looking. While the cut of the jacket may highlight the bust, I think that is negated by the houndstooth pattern. I am also interested in seeing the more subdued Merlin after this, as I think there is something underlyinly dark and mysterious and regal about this look. I also think it'd translate well into menswear. RECO:
THE problem: petite, large bust
Reco does it again, making a chic looking, albeit somewhat dated, garment with plenty of mass market appeal, small individual details and female body consciousness. The cut of the garment is dead on, and perfect for a woman with body concerns like this model. While the ruffles over the bust may have simply attracted the eye to the area, these ruffles don't add much bulk to the actual bust, instead naturally look like a sophisticated touch to lead the eye towards the face. The piping details on the skirt and vest are cute, and amazingly well done given the challenge constraints. The entire look is well put together and appropriate "everyday" office attire at most businesses. The look isn't perfect though. The red is a bit cheeky, a little too tart to be truly sophisticated. The vest and skirt combo, well appearing well made, are certainly not innovative. If Dolly Parton could have find this exact looking outfit in 1980 when filming 9 to 5, that is not a good thing.THE losers:
Angel, Kieth, and MerlinTHE winners:
Daniella and Reco
Daniella and RecoThese were certainly the safest choice. I wish they had a few more, vivid options for the top two/three. Haven, Johnny or Lidia could have been up there without batting an eye. Nevertheless, Reco and Daniella's outfits both were well made semi-professional, and would work with a variety of body shapes. They are also the two looks with the most mass market appeal... does that mean its Fashion? Maybe not, but they were good, safe choices for the top two. Had Reco not won last week, he may have taken it here, but this show is too conscious of the previous output from the designers. So, Daniella takes it, making this her second win!
and...
M. Isaac M. for channeling Lennie Small (meets Latino street gang) in his buttoned up blue collar shirt.
