This week’s episode played out like a CW dramedy:
The designers have to work in two teams of 6, and end up self-selecting into Team Luxe, which has all the past winners, and Team Military & Lace, which has the designers that have always ended up in the bottom. Gretchen immediately seizes control of Team Luxe, and everyone, especially Ivy, emphatically agrees with her ideas. As Gretchen’s eager side-kick, Ivy also goes after Michael C. both in her confessionals and in the workroom. Meanwhile on Team Military & Lace, Casanova complains non-stop about the judges not liking his work, then has a major crisis of confidence wherein he complains that he’s getting fat and considers dropping out of the competition.
Once Team Luxe realizes they’re in the bottom, Gretches asks everyone to pledge that they’ll stand together on the runway and not name names during the judging. In front of the judges Gretchen speaks eloquently about her love for their collection, and the true team effort that went into. With gentle prodding from the judges, however, Gretchen reveals her horror and disappointment with what they collectively created, and is the first one to name names and throw her teammates under the bus.
Meanwhile EVERYONE hates on Michael C throughout the entire episode, even Mondo the gentle soul (perhaps in an effort to fit in?). He starts crying backstage and while everyone nods sympathetically nobody actually gets up to give him a hug, or even a tissue.
Back to Gretchen. This season is experiencing what my high school AP American History teacher dubbed the “Zipkin effect”. Named after that kid in class who always raised their hand with the answer, our teacher identified that when one person feels like an expert and dominates the discussion other people rely on this person to have the answer, and thus don’t feel as compelled to participate or develop their own judgment. When this student eventually switched into a different period our class average actually became higher because we all had to start pulling our own weight in the classroom.
After all the judging is over Tim Gunn comes backstage and chides Gretchen for being a bully! But in reality I think this crop of designers is simply experiencing the Zipkin effect. I don’t think Gretchen is a bully per se. I think she’s a strong woman with a well-developed aesthetic and natural, if under-developed, leadership tendencies. So far there don’t seem to be any strong-willed counterparts, so almost by default Gretchen takes control. (I haven’t read Lord of the Flies, but I bet there’s a comparison to be made.) We also have to remember that these challenges happen the next day, rather than the next week, so I imagine the momentum of Gretchen’s two early wins is also at play. Now that Tim called her out and publicly shamed her, will another designer emerge as a foil for Gretchen’s ambitions?
I don’t like Gretchen, but I don’t have to. If she can learn to both take charge AND produce results, she will be incredibly successful in life. So far she’s just succeeded in taking charge.
Anyway, on to the clothes.
Michael D.: the only outfit from Team Military & Lace that I liked.
From left: Valerie, Mondo, April.
From left: Peach and Casanova were both highly regarded by the judges, who must have been on drugs this episode. Berry-toned primary colors, metal hardware, and lace do not a cohesive look make. I don’t see anything interested or pretty about this. As for Casanova, the lace top seems well made and he put studs on the pants which is cool… but a win? For this? I don’t get it.
From left: Christopher, Andy, Gretchen; the best of Team Luxe.
From left: A.J., Michael C, Ivy; the worst of Team Luxe, still better than nearly everything from Team Military & Lace.
I can’t believe Team Military & Lace won. I’m down with the lace, but those pops of color were random and hideous. I understand that Team Luxe wasn’t actually luxe, but at least their clothes weren’t offensive to my eyes. A.J. went home for a super boring shirt that he spent the whole time making, while everyone else did two if not more pieces. I agree with the judges decision.
Which team did you like the best? Do you think the right person went home? Do you agree that Gretchen is a bully?
What's your opinion?