Previously, on Making the Cut...
We want you to create two looks of opposing forces.
Your fashion show will be an immersive, digital fashion showcase.
At least one of your looks must be accessible. Sander...
They want garbage, and I'm just not... Ugh, I'm not with it.
It's stupid. I don't want to make it wearable.
But I'm going to do it in my way.
Not only did you do color, but you did metallics.
I like that.
I didn't think that any of the pieces are very flattering.
Rinat, I'm sorry, but you're not making the cut.
I feel like I haven't seen eveningwear from you.
Okay.
Commercial isn't the enemy of artistic,
and these looks were really that.
You are the winner today.
# Hey #
# I never seen a dress like that in my whole life #
# Hey #
# I never seen a mess like that Look oh, so sly #
Sander, again, congratulations to you.
Thank you.
And we're getting so close to that one million dollars!
Oh!
And as you know, the winner will receive a mentorship
to help grow your business in all facets.
And the winner will get to create a collection
that will be sold on Amazon.
We're looking for the designer who can build the next great global brand.
Customers in 2020, they want to be part of your brand.
They want to be part of your lifestyle.
To be successful in this industry,
you must be able to market your brand in a clear and captivating manner.
So, for your next collection,
we want you to create two looks
for a digital marketing campaign.
Ooh! I love it!
Yes!
I think I can probably take this assignment.
This is like one of the other parts of being a designer that I love,
is the creative branding part of it.
I've done this multiple times.
You will be the creative director of your collection
and the marketing photo shoot.
You can have up to three photos in your campaign.
The location for your photo shoot is the Edo Architectural Museum.
You will be going there tomorrow to scout locations for your photo shoot,
and there are a number of different backdrops from which to choose.
Choose something that speaks to your brand.
I do art direct every single photo shoot that I do for my brand,
and I have experience in it,
so, this assignment is my chance to prove myself.
If I fail here, I deserve to go home.
The campaign and your looks should both be a representation of your brand.
And because we love a fashion show,
we will be having one right there at the Edo Museum.
And after the fashion show,
the judges will return here to see your digital campaign.
- Alright? - -I'm thrilled.
Ever since I got here, I was like, "I hate sewing.
I'm not good at patternmaking."
Like, I'm an entrepreneur. Like, I'm a businessman.
Like, I want to do all the other things that creative directors have to do.
This campaign is really the linchpin in this, isn't it?
The linchpin.
Yes, the linchpin.
- And as... - Whatever the linchpin is. What is it?
- I was like, what is that? - Do you guys know what the linchpin is?
You know what the linchpin is?
- No, I don't know. - -I don't know either.
If you pull the linchpin out, everything else falls to pieces.
I mean, it's critically important here,
and I think will probably hold the lion's share of the judging.
I love the linchpin. I'm still at the linchpin.
As you know, a look from the winning collection
will be immediately available on Amazon in the Making the Cut store.
Remember, one of your looks should be accessible.
But we always want fashion.
Accessible does not mean boring.
Alright, well, have fun tomorrow, and remember, you're always selling yourself.
And I will see you back here in the design studio.
And I'll see you at the fashion show.
- Okay? - Good luck, everybody.
- Bye, thank you. - Get some sleep. Heidi and I are.
# Yeah I said my funk don't stop #
# Funk around the streets, and I funk around the shops #
# Funk around the beaches, funk around the block #
# Said I don't care about your funk, man Funk is on the top #
Thank you so much. You just made my day.
It is only five of us left.
We definitely are connecting more on a personal level.
Can I get one more sake?
# Tonight is gonna end up in the gutter, we know #
###
Someone get this man a fork.
We're all in that room every day together,
but it's also like... it's very rare that you're with people who understand the hustle
that we all do all the time.
So, there's a respect. Even if I don't like you, I respect you.
Yeah, exactly.
We are all friends, and we are all getting along,
but we are all here to win.
The competition is always just one layer of skin below.
Can I get one more sake?
Two?
###
- This is pretty beautiful. - This is gorgeous.
Wow!
I was expecting new architecture
when they said we are going to an architectural museum.
But it's really nice, because it's discovering the Japanese culture.
It's really diving into the tradition and history of Japan.
Oh, wow.
Oh, it's just an old art store.
This is great.
This is perfect for my brand, you know?
I do art, so...
It's also kind of funny, you know?
My favorite little spot is actually this little kiosk here.
The secret kiosk.
The model, I don't know, standing here...
watching or doing something, like, here...
could be really cool.
My looks were inspired by my location.
It's basically a train, and it just, like, reminded me
of New York subways
and the type of girls that I would see on the New York subway.
In the last assignment, Naomi told me I have to try eveningwear.
I can't show up to the judging and be like, "I didn't do something feminine."
So, I'm a bit nervous.
My first look is, like, a super-fitted dress.
I want to give more of a range
and stop doing, like, such oversized silhouettes
and show that I can do more fitted clothing also.
And my second look, I want the model to look like she just came home from a rave,
like an afterparty or something.
Uhh!
I'm doing two looks.
One is going to be a pants and a jacket;
the other one is gonna be a skirt and a chemise button-up shirt.
It's my first time doing menswear, um...
...ever.
It's fabulous that I won the last challenge, but I like taking risks.
I really like this area right here.
I like the sharpness of the lines in the umbrellas.
And I love the lines in the windows.
It's very linear and kind of structured,
and I think it will work well with some of my more, like,
fluid, feminine pieces.
Shoots are something that I take really personal,
because, you know, you're projecting your image in a photo of your brand,
and it's really important.
And especially for social media,
and that's where most of my business comes from.
This is cool.
I want greenery and...
what I love about this is it's all greenery, but it's all potted,
so, it's, like, thought-out.
It's like, um... tended to.
It's different than the nature that's around here.
And I love bonsais. I'm obsessed with bonsais.
So, this is like bonsai alley.
I think it's just awesome inspiration for what I can design.
I've always known my brand needs more femininity, more lightness.
And it's one of my weak points as a designer.
And then the judges have been like, "Where's your feminine side?"
After seeing that bonsai alley, I'm like, "I'm doing floral."
I've never done floral in my life.
I'm gonna give these judges floral!
So, today, we're at this virtual reality-type place,
like we're going to put these glasses on, and we're gonna go into a different world.
- Hi! - Welcome to VREX Cafe.
- How are you? Heidi. - Hi.
- We're very excited to play this game. - Yes.
- Cool. Let's get dressed. - Oh, very spacey.
Heidi! It's a vital vest. It's very Coeurage.?
It's very Jetson.
- Oh, hello! - Try this.
- So, we're fighting each other? - Yes.
What a classic matchup! Heidi versus Tim!
Wow! This is amazing, Tim!
Wow!
# I'm going to kick Tim's booty #
Just remember when we were fencing, Tim.
Yeah. Heidi beat me in fencing in Paris, and I'm not going down in Tokyo!
This will be one for the ages.
Okay. Okey-dokey.
# Life moves fast like a new rollercoaster #
Konichiwa!
# Make a splash, make the most of #
# New shoes, smooth moves #
# Move cool #
I'm doing my women's look first, which is a skirt and a shirt.
And... oh, my god, I'm a rapper.
And then I'm going to tape up my men's look,
which is a pants and a bomber jacket.
A bomb-bomb so I can bomb this challenge.
# Show 'em what you got, show 'em what you got #
# Why not, show 'em what you got #
# Show it off for the catwalk #
I don't even want to use the "F" word, "floral."
Um, but I'm trying to do...
I'm trying to expand my horizons.
I picked this floral print.
which, now that I'm looking at it, kind of looks like hospital bedsheets.
It's like a punk-rock denim vest on top of it,
to, like, kind of grunge it up.
I just have to keep telling myself I like this fabric.
Just if I keep saying it over and over, I'll believe it.
I don't know if I believe it yet.
I had a little visitor on my working place some days ago.
It's a mosquito.
I got really close, and I took a lot of pictures,
and he just stayed.
And I really loved his wings.
And so, today, I decided that I will make something which has, actually,
the structure of his wings.
This specific assignment, I will show a lot of material mixes,
a lot of shiny materials mixed with matte materials.
So, it's a lot of things happening even in one outfit.
You're just, like, Tindering.
- No, I'm thinking. - Oh, oops.
That's what the kids call it these days.
I have to do fitted on a plus-size girl, and it's just, like, me up.
Fitting a plus-size model, like, in the first place, is difficult,
and I just feel like the judges want looks that cater to, like,
a wider range of audiences, and, like, I'm not that.
Normally, I would do like a really bold print,
but I don't want to show what I've been doing.
So, I kind of want to show how my brand has been evolving during the competition.
So, I didn't want to stick with what I normally do and play it safe.
I wanted to show kind of the evolution.
The silhouettes will still be me, with a little bit of a twist,
but I wanted to do, like, some cool way or method of mimicking a print.
Megan? Do you have an extra rubber you can borrow me?
- An extra what? - A rubber?
- Eraser? - What... eraser? Oh, yeah, eraser.
Ahh!
I was like, "Wha... what?"
# I'm gonna be successful #
# Gonna be great #
# When I look at their eyes #
# Uh I can see that hate #
# But it's okay It's alright #
# Uh, I said I'm on my way... #
I'm making my more formal look...
...and I'm cutting out strips of fabric,
and I'm gonna make it like shiny-matte-shiney-matte,
and it's gonna hang down and be all flowy,
and, like, it will look good on a photo shoot,
because it indicates movement,
and it's going to be...
I don't know how it's going to turn out, but I'm just draping it right now.
Aren't you tired? I'm, like, dead.
Beyond tired. That's why I keep making stupid mistakes
- and changing my mind and... - Right?
I was like, "Oh, hell no."
Leaving tonight, I am not feeling the color block blazer at all.
Ugh.
Everything just looks really cheap and forced,
and that's definitely not what I want to convey to the judges,
and that's not very representative of my brand.
- So, I'm gonna have to start over tomorrow.
I'm like, "Oh, sh...."
Like, "What did you do, Megan? You just wasted a whole day."
# Let's go ho-ome #
In the blue corner... Terrible Tim Gunn!
The competitor in me is coming out.
I'm ready for her!
And in the pink corner... Titillating Heidi Klum!
I'm gonna win this thing.
The first player to knock out their opponent's four triangles
will be the victor.
Fight!
Tim blasts Heidi with a double score right off the bat!
Heidi activates her shield and blasts Tim!
Heidi has to be careful.
She may be flagged for taunting.
Tim finally connects!
He's got three points. Whoa! It's gettin' wild!
Tim scores! Tim with the win!
I won!
Game over.
- Winner! - Winner!
I'm upset.
- Well, let's play again. - No, I don't want to play it again.
Yeah, I didn't like that.
Heidi's very upset that I beat her at this fireball game.
- You have on that pouty face. - I don't.
I'm sorry, I happen to be the better fireball thrower.
This was a dumb idea.
# I'm on the fast track, get back, got another catalogue #
# Guess she's gettin' at me Ooh #
# I got a backpack, thick stack, got to get my study on #
# Guess she's gettin' at me Ooh #
Our assignment is to create a two-look collection
for a digital marketing campaign.
- Did she make it? - Yeah, they made it.
- Kind of. - She understood?
- Yeah. It's like I wanted it. - Cool.
I mean, it's not the cutest dress in the world, but...
I will just, I guess, make it work.
Today, I'm struggling to keep focused.
What do I do first?
So, you know, I've had my brand SkinGraft for 15 years.
I've had ups and downs in my business, and before I came onto this competition,
I closed my store of ten years.
When we closed that store, I cried for a week.
I was so embarrassed, you know.
I felt like it was such a defeat.
I swore I'd never do retail again.
But a few months ago, an opportunity presented itself
to open up a new space, and I had to jump at it.
The timing's crazy, because, back in L.A.,
my family's been opening a brand-new store for me in my absence.
And today is the opening party.
I'm not there to support it, and it's stressing me out.
I'm just making the base of the dress, and then...
all of these ribbons are gonna go on top.
Now I can concentrate on the patterns for my second look.
Today, I'm going to finish my pieces up,
and then I'm just gonna do my jacket.
My first look was a color block blazer,
but I decided I hate it.
So, I'm changing the whole kind of... vibe that I'm going for for my two looks,
but it will still be very much me.
I don't want to just do something safe just 'cause I'm scared I'm not gonna have time.
Go big or go home.
Exactly.
- The bitch is back. - Finally.
- Were you missing me? - Yeah.
No, you weren't. You were enjoying the silence.
So, right now I'm working on draping my formal look
that's a bit more feminine than I'm used to doing.
But I'm liking it so far.
I'm glad they pushed me to do something different.
I hope they like it.
# I want a new scene #
# You get where I've been #
# I want to taste something that's so, so sweet #
# Yeah #
- Good morning, everyone. - Good morning!
I'm here for our Tim talks
and to talk to you about our next fashion show
and campaign presentation.
Alright, I'm eager to see what you're doing.
- Hello, Tim. - Hi, Sander.
My original design was to put this shirt was on top of this,
and the coat was on top of the menswear.
- But... - Wait, this is menswear?
This is menswear, yes.
- Are you using a male model? - Yes.
Well, it feels very gender neutral to me.
Yeah. Originally, they were like this.
This one...
- Let me ask you this question. - Yes?
- What if they switched tops on the runway? - Oh.
And it's an opportunity no one's realized yet.
Don't tell nobody else.
And for your campaign, be thinking about
whether you want to incorporate your logo...
- Yeah. - And/or any text into your photos too.
Yep.
This looks like Laura Ashley for SkinGraft.
It feels a little hospital bedsheet, I know.
So, what's the second look?
I got this incredible, like, traditional Japanese indigo cotton.
And I'm making a big, crazy jumpsuit for the guy.
It's gonna have bone-colored leather pockets.
Okay. But this print is just perplexing.
Well, it's being balanced out with this grey denim motorcycle vest.
Okay. You... cannot send this without the vest.
This is really underwhelming.
Tim, to be honest, I don't know what I'm gonna do.
I mean, the challenge for you with this print is to make it look cool.
Guess what? I returned to black.
I'm not even remotely surprised.
Okay. So, but I'm still... thinking about mixing different materials...
Okay.
...bringing in the light, especially as it's now photo shooting.
- Yeah. - I don't want that it's all matte.
I found my own inspiration, and it was this mosquito.
- I really like the structure of the wings. - Mm-hmm. It's very you.
Also, I had the idea last night to add text to the picture.
It could be like "Believe in your dreams."
I'm very excited by what you're doing.
Thank you.
I found this beautiful print that I'm in love with.
And what is this going with?
A skinny cigarette pant, and then I wanted to make, like,
a really structured center belt.
I think it works really well with the romanticness of this.
I agree with you. So, tell me about your location.
I'm going to do the photoshoot inside this Japanese house.
- Like a tea house? Or it's a residence? - Yeah, like a tea house.
With the hair and makeup, I think the simplicity of it will be good.
- That's very you. - Very me, yeah.
For our digital marketing campaign, the photo has to be impactful,
and it has to be really powerful,
so, I want something that's gonna complement my brand and my aesthetic
rather than work against it.
- Be staging those photos starting now. - Mm-hmm.
- Carry on. Thank you. - Okay. Thank you.
So, I know from elimination
I have to do something more feminine,
and I haven't done anything, like, body forming before,
and so, I wanted to bring in this.
Well, I have to tell you, just stepping over here,
I wonder, "Whose work is this?"
But I feel like I really did challenge myself to do something different that I...
I understand, but you're... you are presenting a campaign
that epitomizes your brand.
But I think I can bring more elements into the brand
that would speak to a wider audience,
not just people who want to dress masculine and, you know, oversize...
It is frustrating to hear from Tim that he doesn't think it's me,
but I'm not planning on making any changes.
I believe in the dress, and I'm gonna not let anyone else affect my decisions.
Alright, everyone.
Just keep being very thoughtful and strategic in thinking about your campaign.
A ho-hum photo could do you in, so, you need to be very thoughtful
when you're making the selection about what is presented to the judges.
- See you tomorrow. - See you.
I can't focus on what I'm doing, because Tim had pause about my dress.
Right now, my new store is opening.
It's like the opening party's happening in L.A.
My whole family pitched in to open this shop.
I'm so excited that it's happening, but I wish I was there.
- Hello? - Hello?
- Are you there? - Yeah. Hi!
Oh, my G...
Hi.
- Look who I have. - Hi, Mom!
Jonny! Look at you!
Jonny!
We miss you!
Hey, guys.
Dad and I know how to steam clothes.
For hours and hours and hours.
Oh, my God.
# You can call on me #
# Whenever you're in need #
We love you!
The place is awesome!
There's like a whole store set up.
There's a real store...
Thank you, guys. I mean... pulling all together to do this,
it's, like, blowing my mind.
Like, I'm so...
I miss you guys so much. It's so weird not being there, but...
I will make you proud, I promise.
We got this, you got that.
- Okay. -We love you!
I love you guys so much.
- Bye. -Bye!
# So safe to be here #
# Safe to be here 'til the end #
# 'Til the end #
# 'Cause I need someone #
# I need help, I need a friend #
The fact that I can sacrifice my brand possibly falling apart
or, you know, my store, like, poorly opening, just to be here,
I'm putting so much at stake here.
And I feel it every single day while I'm here in this competition.
But, you know, this call reminded me that I'm not just doing this for me.
I'm doing it for all the people who've supported me these 15 years,
like, following my dreams, like, that lights that fire in me.
That's gonna make me make the impossible possible today.
I have a cool idea about this dress.
I'm gonna dye it. Well, I don't have any dye.
But there's a coffee machine, so, let's hope coffee saves this dress.
Guys, the models are here!
- Hey, you beauties. - How are you?
- They kind of look cool baggy. - Yeah, I like them like this.
We might have just stumbled upon something.
I wanted one pant to fit slimmer,
but it actually looked better fitting kind of baggy.
Those are hot.
It looks very chic, and the model loved it.
I mean... it looks like potential.
Oh, my God. I think it's gonna work.
It totally worked.
This baby needs to go for a swim.
# Drop it #
# So watch me while I work #
# Hey #
# So watch me while I work Hey #
# Hey, hey So watch me while I work #
# Hey You better watch me #
Ohh, please work, please work, please work, please work, please work...
The coffee took down the white just a little bit.
It makes the print look cooler.
But this thing is soaked to the bone,
so, I'm just trying to get this to a point where I can try it on my model.
Okay. Looks beautiful. All good.
- We're good? - Yeah.
I was thinking we could switch the looks on the runway.
There's going to be a little photoshoot,
and I got to get like three really good shots to use for a campaign.
I don't have much for the fitting.
You have a dress that is in the dryer right now.
You're wearing a jumpsuit. It's gonna look really cool.
- Just stand here. - Ji, that's hot.
- Yeah, and it is me. - It is you.
I was really happy making this dress.
Like, I love how it turned out,
and I'm super happy that Naomi pushed me to do it.
If they can't see me in it, then, like, I mean, I don't know what else I can do,
because, like, I see myself in there so clearly.
But my second look, it was just a mess.
Is it tight? Oh.
Okay, yeah, it's really too low.
She doesn't even, like, go into the pants, and I don't have the time to remake this.
I have to win, so I am worried about that.
- Thank you, guys. I see you tomorrow. - Thank you.
See you tomorrow.
I'm very used to achieving what I want,
and it's not really happening here, and, like, that's frustrating me.
I've never lost anything in my life.
It's dry, but it's stinky, so...
Let's put you on... Let's go in here.
There's less people.
What is that smell? Is that the dress?
- It's... Do you smell it? - Gosh. Yes, it's horrid.
- Easy. - Easy!
The dress is only cool if it's covered with this, like, big, like, boyfriend denim vest.
And I am handing off my vest to my seamstress tonight.
She only has three hours.
Like, that really has to pull the look together, or I'm out.
- I'm going to make it an elastic waist. - Yeah.
With my time left at the end of the day,
I put in an elastic waistband on the pant,
and it always comes together in the end.
It's been a very concentrated day, but it felt good.
###
Why does this world hate me so much?
So, the seamstress barely touched my denim vest.
She said the yarn that I gave was too thick for her sewing machine,
...so she couldn't do it.
I'm going into this workday with twice as much work as I anticipated.
I have to spin all the belts, all the hardware, the snaps.
I have an hour and a half to work faster than the wind.
It's looking okay. I still have last-minute things to do.
The dress I handed in to the seamstress didn't come back finished,
so, there won't be time for the jacket.
I love my looks.
But I always love what I do.
# A bag of money and a champagne shower #
# I don't want to miss this #
# Gotta have it, gotta have it, it's a wonderful thing #
# It's all the rage, it's all the craze Oh, what a joy it will bring #
# I might go a little crazy #
# Because I dreamed it and I think it and it's all I can see #
Hi, good morning.
Give me one second. I'm almost done.
The rest of my looks are pretty much done.
But I have to finish this vest.
It has to be a "wow" moment. Right now, it's not.
# What you aiming for? #
Hi, gorgeous.
I'm really looking forward to the photo shooting,
because I'm always the creative director in my photo shootings for my brand.
So, I definitely think that my experience will really help me today.
I'm almost in tears. It all came together.
But, like, is it cool enough? Did I push myself enough?
- This photoshoot is really gonna matter. -Everybody, let's go!
- Come on, babes. - Wooo!
I know in a photo, I can turn something just okay
into something incredible.
I just need to make this count.
# Just shine like a diamond, like a thousand jewels #
# Yeah, yeah, yeah #
So, then, you have to put your arm on her shoulder.
And then one straight on in front of the camera. There we go.
There, stay there. Yeah, that's perfect.
This is my one shot to show the judges that I'm able to do a campaign,
so, I wanted it to be very strong.
Your right arm can you put up to your head?
I put a lot of effort and time into making sure my brand is appealing online,
so I'm excited to get the chance to show them that.
Oh, my goodness! I love it!
Keep moving around so the straps are, like, swinging.
Yeah, that way. That's really good.
My brand is for people that want to stand out no matter what race they are,
what size they are, so I need to capture that.
Yeah, that's great.
I love my first look,
but my second look is a bit... meh.
I want you guys to be, like, interacting with each other.
I mean, I hope the photoshoot can save me,
because I think the photos actually are very good.
Oh, nice. I love these.
So, my fingers are crossed.
Like, we're, like, cool looking.
Watching.
I've been doing photo shootings a long time,
so it's easy for me to envision what I want to communicate.
Turn a bit towards us, so we see the dress better.
Do something else with your legs.
From what I see on his little screen, I think I captured the style of my brand.
That's beautiful.
Now turn both of your bodies more, like, to the outside. Yeah, like that.
And still do the lean.
Every collection, I do photoshoots.
So, I have no problem commanding people.
I need you to scream at each other, like, as loud as you can.
Go. Aah!
The clothes really fit in well with the location.
The color palette is right for it.
So, I'm excited to see how everything's going to come together.
Relax a little bit. Relax your face a little. Yeah.
How can I explain to them that the campaign represents me,
represents my brand powerfully?
Put your hands on his shoulders.
Beautiful.
Those looks have to define us.
Open up. Bring your bodies more this way. Yeah.
We're the top five, like,
this campaign needs to crush it, or I'm gonna go home.
Woo! Let's do it.
Hello, everybody.
Welcome to our fashion show.
Marketing is a critical aspect of the fashion industry.
Uh... pants just popped, so, I had to fix them.
Don't pull it up for any reason.
Our designers created two-look collections for a digital marketing campaign.
And the winning look will be immediately available on Amazon.
And the winning campaign will be featured on Amazon Prime Video social handles.
Let me introduce you to our lovely judges.
Creative director of Altuzarra, Joseph Altuzarra.
The most powerful fashion influencer in the world,
Chiara Ferragni.
Contributing editor for British Vogue and fashion icon,
Naomi Campbell.
Alright, everyone. Let's start the show.
Beautiful.
Oh, wow.
It's very sexy for her.
Well, here goes Esther in her typical black, but we know to expect that.
I like that the dress is a size that's for all women's body types.
Maybe she's thinking really about selling more.
This one I like more than the dress.
Me too, yeah. And that's her. That is Esther.
I think that my campaign reflects my brand.
It's a strong woman.
It stays in this... like a wide universe, and I'm extremely proud of myself.
# And I've been quiet for so long #
Hey. Here we go.
Oh, wow, I love this.
I mean, he really always comes up with new shapes.
This is beautiful.
I always love the contrast between, like, feminine and masculine.
Oh, wow. This looks so good.
# I've been crying for so long #
For the first time, he's doing a male model.
Yeah, he's never done it before, right?
Here we go. Dramatic moment.
Oh! Yes!
# And I've been quiet for so long #
Really clever this idea of gender neutrality and gender fluidity.
My digital marketing campaign is all about showing modern art impressions,
basically, through clothing.
It's very me, it's very conceptual, so, I'm very proud of my work.
I love.
# And I've been quiet for so long #
- How are you? - I'm good.
Good.
# Bounce #
- Ooh! I love the dress. - Oh!
Well, thank God you tea-dyed it.
She's probably dripping coffee down the runway.
That's fine. We don't care.
I love that he's continuing to really play with his feminine side.
- All the slitting is really beautiful. - The slitting is good, yeah.
It's very sexy.
Very Japanese-inspired, this blue...
- Indigo dye. - Indigo dye?
- Yeah. - He's embracing the culture that he's in.
I think that this campaign really reflects my brand,
the lifestyle that I create,
and it reflects the place and the setting that I'm in, you know?
It's all the key points.
These are very fashion-forward, very editorial.
But at the same time, also wearable. Not something...
- I would buy it. - Yeah.
I love it.
- Ji. How are you feeling? - Um, okay.
I'm not convinced.
# The lights flashing bright #
- Oh, gosh. - Mm.
The pants are not flattering.
I'm not sold on this, and I wouldn't want it in my closet.
I feel like I'm seeing the same old-same old from her.
# The lights flashing by #
- How do you feel about this? - I love this one.
- Okay, good. - It's my favorite.
- Oh, the second look is definitely better. - Yeah.
I actually think this is not something we've seen...
- No this is.., - ...from her before.
My brand is all about casual in the street
and bringing in these, like, sporty elements,
and my marketing campaign exactly captures that.
- What are your thoughts? - I like it.
I just had a few tweaks that I needed to make, but I like it.
Ooh! I would buy that in a heartbeat.
It's a really nice move on from what she normally does.
Yet she still kept her stamp.
We still know that this is Megan, right?
Ooh, she's giving us some drama today.
I'm into the romantic skirt and top.
You could even wear it with sneakers, if you wanted to.
Even though she has it with heels, the skirt... I would... or boots.
I think the shots are authentic to who I am and my brand.
I wanted it to be more of an editorial photoshoot,
so I'm extremely proud of myself.
- Guys, that was a fabulous show. - Good job.
- Yes. You guys were beautiful. - Fabulous show. Fabulous.
Thank you so much for coming. Stay dry, everyone.
Hi!
Hi, guys.
I'm feeling nervous but with a sense of calm, also, over myself.
I know that I've definitely not done the worst.
I hope I'm gonna make the cut.
We really enjoyed the fashion show today,
and we just looked at your marketing campaigns.
The fashion show definitely was impressive,
and we love getting to know your brands a little bit further.
We don't really want to see any of you go,
but we will never get to the end otherwise, right?
And at that end, guess what's waiting there?
- A million dollars. - One million dollars.
We discussed each of your two-look collections
and your marketing campaigns.
As you know, we're here to find the designer who can create
the next great global brand.
And the designer behind the brand is just as important
as the clothes that you send down the runway
and that appear in your marketing campaigns.
And as you know, a conversation can change everything.
One of the winner's looks will be available immediately on Amazon
in the Making the Cut store.
Esther, we're going to talk to you.
Please tell us about your two looks and your campaign.
My brand is about a new femininity.
A campaign for me is not only about showing the complete outfit,
it's about creating an atmosphere, a vibe.
I like the marketing campaign. I like that it was black and white.
I like that she looks very androgynous.
The campaign was really evocative.
With that one image, you really captured what your brand is about.
Your campaign, you have a clear vision of who you are and sense of who you are.
I don't like the slogan.
I wish your name could be a little bit bigger.
'Cause that's when people are flipping through.
They want to get... you want to get your name to be seen.
But, overall, I like your campaign picture.
Sander, tell us about your looks and your campaign.
Well, for my three looks, I kind of went with the idea of, like, reconstruction,
reinvention, and reshaping of yourself in my brand.
My brand is basically impressions of modern art.
I love especially the first image of the campaign.
I think that was the strongest. You could see the looks in a better way.
I loved the pieces.
My only note is, the campaign... the three images somehow felt
a little disconnected from each other.
I like the surprise that you get each week from you. It's refreshing.
Yeah, then you give these "aha" moments,
even if it's as simple as them swapping their jackets.
It's always great to see what you do next.
It's always great to see you guys.
- Ji. We're going to talk to you. - Okay.
Tell us about your looks and your marketing campaign.
At its core, my brand is about celebrating individuality,
and it's about taking the differences that people have
and really embracing it
and making clothes that allow them to stand out even more.
How do you feel about your clothes and your campaign?
The dress I love, and the campaign I'm very happy with.
I think it really does capture my brand.
I like the dress with the stripes.
It's something that I would wear.
But, um, I feel like the pants with the top...
It was kind of too ordinary of a design. It was too simple.
I always say, "How do you cut through the noise?"
How do you stand out?
And I didn't think that the girls complemented each other
the way they were modeling,
because I feel like they came from two different parties
and just the way they were hanging there...
I don't know, I just didn't think that they looked great together.
I want to know, did you direct your models with the photographer?
- Yes. - Did you tell them
- how you wanted them to stand? - Mm-hmm. I did.
And did you not see that the way they were standing
was not complementary for your dress?
Mm.
I just wanted very, like, playful movements.
I didn't see that it wasn't... it didn't make it flattering.
I don't feel, since you're saying you directed your models,
that you chose to direct them in the way that made your outfit lay in the nicest way.
I wanted to see more from you today.
There was nothing new,
and I thought you were going to come with something new,
from our conversation.
I was really excited about it. I...
I thought I put something different that I haven't put on before.
I've never worked with silks before. I've never done something so feminine before.
So, I thought I was hitting the mark on the dress.
Um... the second look, I knew it wasn't there.
I'm not surprised you're not happy with it.
Ji, based on your fashion show and marketing campaign...
you are not making the cut.
So, how would you change our minds?
I mean... like, I've had my brand for two years. I'm only 26.
I've shown you what I could do, and I feel like I just have so much more to show you.
And...
that's all I can say.
Judges, have any of you changed your mind?
No.
Ji, I'm sorry, but you're not making the cut.
Mm-hmm.
Well, thank you so much. This has been an incredible experience.
Give you a hug.
Thank you, Naomi.
I'm disappointed.
I wanted this my whole life.
Thank you, Joseph.
I talk about wanting to make my parents proud all the time,
but I feel like they're proud no matter what I do,
and it's just me that's, like, the hardest person... so...
Thank you.
I'm a complete perfectionist, and I wasn't today.
- This isn't the end of the road for you. - No, it's not.
It's the end of a competition, but, believe me,
- ...you're super talented... - Yes.
- And you're a baby. You're 26. - And you're so young.
And you've achieved a lot.
Whoo!
- Bye-bye. - Bye, Ji.
I would have seen Ji to be in until the very end,
actually, because she's very strong.
But just this one look was not a look to convince the judges.
No, she's very talented.
You guys were just stronger.
Jonny. Tell us about your campaign and your looks.
Yes. I call it "Tokyo punks."
And that's what the writing was underneath "SkinGraft."
And Tokyo punks is kind of capturing, like, the rebellious, fiery heart
of loving music and late-night dance culture.
This is very much where my brand comes from.
- I have a question. - Yep.
How attached are you to the name SkinGraft?
So, SkinGraft has been my brand for 15 years,
but I am using this opportunity to launch a namesake label for myself, Jonny Cota.
So, why did you put "SkinGraft" on there?
Because, um...
I mean, I love how bold and big it is on your campaign.
It's just the word, to me, and I have to be honest,
like, I don't know how positive it is.
I've kind of been hiding behind that name for 15 years.
- Not anymore! - Not anymore.
So, you want to keep SkinGraft by your name, or you just want to go...
Um, I think, you know, we just launched Cota, and it's called...
Well, you're going to kill me for this, but it's called "Cota by SkinGraft."
You know? So, it's like we need to connect them.
It will be beneficial to you to put your full name.
Think about when you do your perfume or your beauty licensing.
They need your name. It doesn't work otherwise.
Yeah. But this is the chapter that's kind of wrapping up.
Listen to us. We know a little bit.
I suggest you change that name.
- Think about it. - I think you should think about it.
- I loved your campaign. - Thank you.
I love the whole essence. It captured Tokyo for me.
Only thing I don't like is the name SkinGraft.
And the type is too big for me.
I thought the campaign was very strong.
I think it felt like it was really telling a story
that I think people can relate to
and that people would want to hear more about.
The campaign, I think, really tells a story.
You want to know more about these people.
The thing with your clothes is they look nice,
but they were not as special as all of the other pieces of you.
Mm-hmm.
Jonny...
I'm going to have you stay here.
Okay. Here we go again.
- Megan. - Mm.
- Come on up. - Aw.
- Hi. - Hi.
You did a fantastic job today as well.
- Oh, my God, thank you. - You really did.
I mean, both looks that you sent down the runway today
I absolutely loved.
- Thank you. - Yeah.
So, tell us about your looks and your campaign, please.
So, I've been inspired by seeing women in the kimonos and the obis.
You know, queens and princesses, they have a reign,
and it kind of played on the words of the umbrella.
And I wanted the photos to be very editorial,
so I was really excited about this assignment.
You know, as soon as that suit came out,
I think we're starting to get to know you as the tailor.
It felt new, and it felt exciting, and it felt emotional.
The campaign. That wasn't working.
Your model, she's sitting with her legs open.
Stand, because we can't see from that picture what your outfit is.
If I hadn't seen the fashion show, I would not understand what that outfit is.
- Yeah, it's true. - Especially the one sitting up.
You're like, "What is that, a dress or is it two-piece?"
You know, but, campaign not great, but the clothes still stood for themselves.
- Clothes were still good. - Good. Okay.
Yeah.
Okay, so here's where we are.
Megan, we loved your fashion show.
And, Jonny, we loved your campaign.
So, we have a little tie breaker here.
Your ability to fight for your brand and yourself, right here,
will help us better understand who will be able to fight for success
in the real world.
Throughout this competition, I've been consistent every single time,
and I've never sent anything down the runway that I'm not completely proud of.
And although Jonny does have 15 years' experience with his brand,
I just started my brand three years ago, and I'm already here.
I really took on the assignment.
I've been showing consistently strong looks, adding range more and more
with every assignment.
I really understand that to be a strong global brand,
you really have to move beyond just your apparel.
I should win today 'cause I think I did a really strong job.
I'm really proud of what I did.
I hope you guys are too.
But I almost feel like if I put your looks next to each other online,
I almost feel like Megan's would pop more.
Hmm. I agree. I really do.
- I was really... - What do you think, Jonny?
I think that hers would really pop on the screen.
I think mine would sell more.
Wow. Jonny's looks are amazing. I love them.
Like, and he's one of my favorite people here.
I feel like the dress is kind of been there, done that.
- And I kind of... - Are you talking about mine?
- Yeah. - Oh, my God!
- Okay, keep going, keep going. - No, but I love the jumpsuit and the jack...
I'm just being honest.
And I just really was proud of what I created.
I felt like it was a push for me, but it was a new take on something, and...
Yeah! Fight for it!
...when I had the models do the fitting, they loved everything,
- which to me was a good sign, so... - It is a good sign.
I did too.
- I think... Can I jump in? - Yes.
I think what was unique about this assignment was the campaign.
And we also were supposed to give you another snapshot of our brand, you know?
So, I wanted to give you a darker, black palette,
but I'm, like, thinking, "Okay, this photo... they need to pop.
"There needs to be, like, a dynamic color scheme.
They really need to come off the page," and so,
I shifted my designs really keeping the assignment in mind
of doing a really strong campaign.
- I think my campaign was... - He's hooking us back in.
- ...visually stunning. - I was just hooked over here.
I was totally picking up what you were putting down.
Now you're starting again. Now I'm on your side again.
I think my campaign was visually stunning.
I think it was relatable.
The things looked aspirational but accessible.
And I think a lot of people could see themselves
in these clothes and wanted to be in that picture.
Alright.
Alright, judges, now I think we are in the hot seat.
Now we have to decide who is going to win this one today.
Judges, have any of you changed your mind?
No.
I agree with the other judges, and now I have changed my mind.
I think both of you were very convincing with what you just said.
- Also with what you sent down... - Mm-hmm.
...in your fashion show today with both of your looks,
- but really, the assignment... - Was the campaign. Yeah.
...was to do this campaign,
...on top of creating amazing clothes.
And, Jonny, you just nailed it. Congratulations.
- Thank you. - Congratulations.
I just want to say that there's nobody I'd rather lose to here than him.
Seriously.
Jonny, you are today's winner.
Thank you.
And your jumpsuit will be immediately available on Amazon,
in the Making the Cut store.
I'm so, so happy. I needed this.
Me being away has taken me away from everything...
my brand, the launching of my new store.
I've had to sacrifice so much. But this is what makes it all worth it.
I've been waiting for an assignment that let us showcase more
than just cutting, sewing, and dressing models for the runway.
Like, I think the designer these days has to be more.
You have to be the creative director. You have to direct your campaigns.
This is what I came here for. I'm passionate about this.
I love the big picture. I love telling the story.
- Thank you, Jonny and Megan. - Thank you.
Obviously, both of you are making the cut.
Yay!
I'm a little bummed about that, 'cause I know my clothes were better,
and my looks were better,
but what I'm going to do to wow the judges moving forward
is to keep showing them, you know, the depth of my brand and my range.
I think the most important thing is for everybody to hit the sack.
Everyone should go to bed.
- But not with each other. - Whoa-ho!
Why not?
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