The latest castoff, Qristyl Frazier. Photo: MyLifetime.com
With that, the 13 remaining designers approached the workroom with trepidation and were delighted to find 13 awaiting models. But relief faded quickly as the usually mute models developed some very strong opinions.
Epperson's model asked for: "flowing, strong, punk, cocktail, tiger." Add to that, the designers had 24 hours to create a standout look for an industry event -- one that could make or break models.
While the number of contestants may have dropped, the overall quality of the work improved and Tim Gunn approved mightily during his first workroom run-through.
But the stress of the competition started to show, as designers starting dwelling on who might be the next to go. Epperson broke down in tears while talking to his family, "It's the hardest thing I've ever experienced," swearing he'd never leave them again.
Designers were torn between following the models' direction and following their gut -- in the end, most chose to go with their gut. Tensions ran high as time was running out. Louise Black broke a needle. "Okay, I'm like, about to cry," Althea Harper said as she fussed to add last-minute touches.
An entire panel of guest judges may have been more B-list than usual (designer Mark Bouwer, Marie Claire editor Zoe Glassman and stylist Jennifer Rade), but their barbed quips were spot-on A-list.
Qristyl Frazier, Johnny Sakalis and Logan Neitzel were singled out for their lack of originality. "Your purse is the most interesting thing about your outfit," Rade said to Sakalis. "No, cheap, tacky, prom," Glassman said dismissing Neitzel's Goth-Cinderella look.
Harper was chosen as the winner for her chic three-piece city-shorts outfit. "I want to run out and buy that jacket right now." Rade said.
With Neitzel and Frazier falling into the bottom two positions, Klum told the former that he had "really missed the mark," but he stayed (maybe because he's cute?). Frazier was sent home for the sin of aging her model 15 years, "which for the model world is like dog years," Klum said.
The predictable mediocre middle of the pack stayed for one more show, but next week the margins will narrow. Stay tuned for more designer drama.
Tune in Thursdays at 10pm ET/PT on Lifetime, then visit us for the recap.