For the record, my favorite design from this challenge was the avant-garde dress created by Louise Black and Althea Harper. I was very surprised that this design was dismissed as part of the "middle" group. In fact I felt that the three "middle" pairs were the three best in this episode.
The bodice is crafted from zippers and is very well-executed. It fits Tanisha perfectly. The skirt is exuberant and fun and the decoration on the back is fashioned from safety pins - update: They're zipper pulls!
Listening to Tim's workroom critique, we learn that this team made some serious adjustments to the original plan for this look.
This was a fabulous collaboration by two very talented designers.
For the record, I do believe that Shirin's design was a slam-dunk and completely and definitely worthy of the win in episode two. However, I'd like to take a closer look at Louise's design.
This dress is lovely and flattering from all angles. Louise was thoughtful and prepared enough to purchase the right dye and to know exactly how the lace would absorb the dye to create the color that would match the fabric.
Watching Tim's critique here - you'll see that she was also flexible. She added an extra tier, considered shorts, ruffles, etc. - and listened carefully to Tim.
In the end there was a layer of lace added to the bottom of a slip layer. This adds versatility and a little bit of modesty as well - honestly, this was a much better idea than the shorts.
After two episodes, some of the designers have created two completely different looks - as if they were not made by the same person.
Louise is staying true to her aesthetic and, in my humble opinion, she is definitely one to watch.
Check out the auctions here to bid on your favorite garments from episode 2.
And there is still time to vote for YOUR favorite design here.
Irina's gown was my personal favorite as well as the favorite of the crowd at my house. Watching the show a second time, we still wonder why it wasn't in the top three. I can understand why the judges chose Christopher's dress as the winner, but I like this one.
Also note the lovely model, Celine Chua, here. Watch as she very subtly keeps the dress floating along as she walks and then swoops all of that fabric around at the turn...and she's six feet tall. LOVE her. Just for the record.
What about you? Do you agree with the judges? Click here to vote in our polls.
