NBC 'Fashion Star' retail creations unveiled - Monsters and Critics

By April MacIntyre Apr 4, 2012, 11:51 GMT

Five hopeful designers’ garments were purchased by three of America’s top retailers: Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Rewind time from NBC, as last night on “Fashion Star,” the remaining designers were challenged with executing one high end and one mass market garment.

“Fashion Star” brings 14 unknown designers together for chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch their collections in three of America’s largest retailers: Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue. The series features host and executive producer Elle Macpherson along with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos.

Five hopeful designers’ garments were purchased by three of America’s top retailers: Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos helped guide contestants Barbara Bates, Kara Laricks, Luciana Scarabello, Nikki Poulos and Sarah Parrott in constructing their winning creations, which are available online and in stores now.

The series, hosted and executive produced by Elle Macpherson, continues the search for America’s “Fashion Star” in next week's episode airing Tuesday, April 10 10-11pm ET when the designers are tasked with creating a live window display.

Barbara Bates received her first purchase of the competition from Macy's buyer Caprice Willard.

Barbara Batesâ€"

Sleeveless Printed Halter Shirtdress ($99.00): Updated A-line shirtdress with V-neckline and notched collar.
Band halter slips around back of neck with button front and front cargo pockets. Color: Print

 

Sleeveless Hooded Halter Dress ($79.00): Ponte-knit dress with V-neckline, zip front and contrast trim throughout. Halter strap with
hood slips around back of neck, front zip pockets and hits at midthigh. Fully lined. Color: Tan
@batesdesign

For the fourth consecutive week H&M buyer Nicole Christie purchased from self-taught designer Sarah Parrott while also purchasing a high end retro dress from designer Nikki Poulos.
[www.hm.com/fashionstar] @hmusa

Sarah Parrottâ€"

Dress ($24.95): Knee-length, fitted dress in woven fabric. Waist seam, side pockets, hidden drawstring and slit at back. Color: Red

Dress ($39.95): Short cotton dress with asymmetrical wrap-front skirt, padded shoulders and open back. Metal clip back, hidden drawstring and snap fastener on skirt. Color: Off-White
@sarahgparrott

Nikki Poulosâ€"Dress ($34.95): Long jersey dress with a printed pattern, long sleeves and wrap skirt. Low-cut neckline with button, elasticized waistband with ribbon, and buttoned sleeve cuffs. Color: Multi
@nikkipoulos

Saks Fifth Avenue buyer Terron E. Shaffer deemed former fourth grade teacher Kara Laricks a "fashion leader" after purchasing her jacket, while also investing in Luciana Scarabello for her first purchase of the competition. [saksfifthavenue.com]

 

Kara Laricksâ€"Long Tailcoat Jacket ($395.00): The striking cut away tailcoat defines this fitted jacket, cinched in the back by a vibrant satin sash. Satin lapels with three-quarter sleeves and princess seams. Mock flap pockets with detachable back sash. Color: Black
@karalaricks

Luciana Scarabelloâ€"Beaded & Pleated Silk Dress ($225.00): Shapely pleats and beaded lace bodice dress made of washed silk. Split V- neckline with button down placket and side zipper. Double front and back pleats. Color: Orchid
@L_Scarabello

Despite the innovative winning designs, some of the garments left the retailers and celebrity mentors uninspired. Edmond Newton, Ronnie Escalante and Lisa Vian Hunter found themselves in the bottom three and at risk of going home. Celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos saved San Francisco designer Ronnie Escalante, but not without stressing that next week he will need to take a chance with his designs. In the end, vintage-lover Lisa Vian Hunter's failure to keep her designs current and on trend resulted in her elimination.

Additionally, unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to each designer is on NBC.com's contestant blogs: http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/designers/.