Marie Claire Challenge: Create a look inspired by a pair of shoes

Kate reminds us and the other designers that she was previously eliminated during the seventh challenge in her prior season. The designers gather at Marie Claire office in the wardrobe closet surrounded by shoes. The designers then choose shoes after answering fashion history questions. I actually knew the answer to the question: What designer created the essential little black dress? Coco Chanel of course!

Suggested budget: $250

Alexander and Miranda both choose plaid material. And they’re both making pants.

Alexandria—Gladiator shoes that had straps wrapped all the way up to mid-thigh. playful. “Making a statement piece without the bondage.”

Justin—multi-colored pump. Wants to make three piece outfit.

Miranda–Red patent leather flats. High-waisted pant and blouse, jacket. Tim: “fabric looks inexpensive.”

Alexander– off white platforms. was concerned about plaid pants due to Miranda but Tim said as long as he distinguishes his design.

Ken—black heel with open ties in front. Making a coat dress and it’s ballooning out in the bottom. Tim: “it’s looking dated. Don’t over design it.”

Bradon– sparkly flat and designed a champagne silky dress with a special French ruffling technique but Tim’s not all that impressed because he wonders where she’s going. “Don’t you think she’s going in it?”

Kate– interesting red patent platform. “I want to play up the surrealism of the shoe.” She’s making pants.

Jeremy– boots. Designing a chiffon sweater.

Dom– skater girl quilter dress with multi-colored creeper shoes.

Karen– beige and yellow pump. She’s designed a yellow and black dress. Tim: “Are you concerned about the matchy-matchy?”

Helen: Shoe with a studded toe. loads of applique. “Heavy and deluding into nothing.” Tim says that he sees Kate Middleton but with everything added he sees her mother.

Before the runway, Ken says: “I don’t care for Miranda’s look at all. It looked like Amy Winehouse after she OD’ed.” Alexander had to sew his pants onto the model. Bradon’s really rushing with the look. Kate thinks Bradon designed way too mature a look.

SAFE:

Kate

design by kate

Alexander

design by Alexander

Karen

design by Karen

Dom

design by Dom

HIGH:

Alexandria

design by Alexandria

Gladiator ‘bondage’ shoe
“I think you did the perfect think for those shoes. I like that it’s whimsical and feminine.” –Heidi Klum
“These needed something very soft and relaxed.” –Zac Posen
“it’s so bold and shows such confidence in yourself. I like the lace at the top. It’s so feminine and sweet.” –Kaley Cuoco

Helen

design by Helen

Ankle boot with studded toe
“There’s something minimal and classic about your look. She looks refined, she looks sophisticated.” – Nina Garcia
I want now. This is so fantastic. It’s so well fit, sexy, chic. –Kaley Cuoco
It’s chic. It’s sophisticated. It’s fits immaculately. –Zac Posen
“I love this look. It’s sleek and chic.” –Heidi Klum

Ken

design by Ken

Open front tied heel
“She looks very sophisticated, hard. You took it to another level. I like the fabric. It has a beaut texture.” –Heidi Klum
“Maneater I love. She’s showing a lot of leg but she’s very covered up. She struck a great balance.” – Nina Garcia
“I love this. I think it’s so cool. It’s actually cute and cool at the same time.” –Kaley Cuoco

guest judge Kaley Cuoco

LOW SCORES:

Jeremy

design by Jeremy

Black high boot
“I don’t think it looks current or modern to me.” –Heidi Klum
“I think it’s a little much. There’s a lot going on.” –Kaley Cuoco
“You have this edgy boots. This should’ve been something cool. Something rocker. Simple.” – Nina Garcia
“I’m starting to question who you are as a designer. Your techniques and your skills and I really need to skills.” –Zac Posen

Bradon

design by Bradon

Sparkly flat
“I thought of swing dancing and Happy Days. I would have preferred a sleek suit. It’s so old school. I didn’t love it.” –Heidi Klum
“Those flat shoes are fabulous. I wish I had seen it with a little A-line dress. You went so tortured.” – Nina Garcia
“The silhouette and the fabric just feel frumpy dumpy. You have to start thinking of the amazing techniques you do and how to bring them into something that feels fresh for today. –Zac Posen

Miranda

design by Miranda

Red patent loafer
“I didn’t particularly like this look. She doesn’t look like a cool girl at all. I don’t even know what era she’s from.” –Heidi Klum
“I sort of like that it’s not a cool girl. It’s nerd alert. I just think maybe it’s not kooky enough.” ––Zac Posen
“The whole look feels very retro but not in a new way.” – Nina Garcia

HELEN is the WINNER.

MIRANDA is OUT.