This is a real “LA/Hollywood” challenge, to make a costume and invent a character in a given film genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Film Noir, Period Piece or Western. No one wants Western but the last two, Epherson and Shirin get it anyway and both pick Western women, E. a woman holding the fort while her husband is at war and S. a saloon girl- clever ideas. Nicholas is excited and Jordana appears to lack confidence; Carol Hannah says there is more tension in the room than usual as they have ine day to create this chalenge and Louise is cutting and looking obsessively for a bobbin without a back-story or concept.

Those of you who have read my coverage on this envelope-pushingly creative show, know that I have no problem starting with who won and working backwards, but if you missed this episode, I will say only 2 things about the end: 1. any of the top 3 could have won, and 2. my original thought, that those who picked earliest and got their choice of genres had an advantage, was not entirely correct; forced to do ‘whatever’, the really talented rise to the occasion.

At 1st fitting, Ra’mon hates his Sci-fi- thinks it looks Kermit the Frog, and I think it looks rather disco lizard- I am worried for him as he is talented and just plain nice- now there is a combo!. Christopher, Irina, Shirin and Epherson are doing great work. Louise is dull and Ra’mon is starting over, going from Kermit to disastrous, in my opinion, while Jordana is doing what looks like a flapper costume one might rent for a costume party… I am beginning to see some really consistent talent and a few equally consistent disappointments; Jordana and Louise have just not shown well, while Christoper, Epherson, Irina, Shirin, Carol Hannah and Nicholas are looking good. But, as Heidi says, one good or bad day could change all of that.

Last minute is one thing, but several designers are practically still hand sewing while their models take to the runway- $150 and 1 day for a miracle! The results go from the blah to the exraordinary.

Judges are designer John Varvatos, Marie Claire’s Zoe Glassner and very encouraging costume designer Arianne Phillips. The best are Christopher’s Period Piece, Nicholas’ Sci-Fi and Epherson’s Western. The worst are Ra’mon’s lizard (“…shoddily made swamp thing”), Louise’s dress (‘…a snooze-fest) and Jordana’s flapper dress (I see your hands but not your eyes.)

OK…The dreamers, we are told are the ones who stood out. Nicholas Evil White Queen who has been banished and frozen WINS- Hurray- he has tried so hard! Epherson and Christopher were really as good. Sadly, everyone’s beloved Ra’mon goes home and Louise cries to win at his loss. There is, among the men and the women, an emerging core of talent and mutual respect- is that not wonderful?

I really am growing to love this group. Tim, Heidi and Co.: Job well done of lining up a season 13 to fascinate us! And Best of Luck to all who do not win- your talent will win for you elsewhere. Mary

The photos that follow are Nicholas’ winner and Christoper’s and Epherson’s runner-ups. Luv-Luv- Luv!