At the beginning of the episode model Olga is out!
The designers have learned to expect a twist, this week is no different. This week's challenge is to design a dress for the host of Access Hollywood, Nancy O'Dell. Nancy will help judge the runway and wear the winning design on the red carpet at the 2005 Grammy Awards. The designers get a chance to meet Nancy as she answers questions about what her preference and needs are. Another surprise is the help they get from eliminated designer Rob.
With $300 to spend, the designers get busy at the fabric shop. Austin grabs a mix of soft blues and purples. Jay attempts combine his own preference with Nancy's needs and wishes. Austin commits to a loose, glamorous-but-sexy evening gown, while Wendy goes with short and sexy. Kara plays to Nancy's fondness for two-piece outfits, with a draping shirt over leather pant. You're either in, or you're out, who was out this week? Austin is Out!
Eager to give aspiring designers a chance to break into the notoriously difficult-to-crack fashion world, supermodel Heidi Klum will once again head a panel of industry luminaries, including top women's and men's wear designer Michael Kors and Elle Magazine fashion director Nina Garcia, who will serve as judges and industry mentors charged with selecting and molding the budding designers. There will also be guest judges each week based on the specific challenge. Timballoonn, Chair of the Parsons The New School For Design, will return to guide the contestants through each of their challenges.
The winning designer will walk away with $100,000 in seed money to help them launch their own line. The winner's designs will be featured in a spread in ELLE, photographed by the magazine's world-renowned Publication Director, Gilles Bensimon. They will also receive a mentorship from the Banana Republic Design Team.