Cheryl Shops

The judges: Heidi + Zac + Nina + Kerry

Guest judge Kerry Washingon (of Scandal)!

As is tradition, yesterday's taping showcased 8 contestants' collections and tried to mask the identities of the finalists. Judging by some of the waterworks during a couple of the contestants' speeches, I have a hunch who may have made it to the final round. My personal favorite collection was Justin LeBlanc's delightfully avant garde line, but I have a feeling Kate Pankoke (the biggest cryer) will win Season 12.

Helen Castillo's frumpy use of the unique material

Alexandria von Bromssen used newspaper as her unique material

Alexandria von Bromssen's collection was hip and marketable, but probably not the winner

Brandon McDonald's loveliest piece, though most of the collection (and his speech) was over-the-top

Justin LeBlanc's collection (my favorite)

Dom Streater's retro collection felt pretty cougar-ish

I'd say this season's collections were on a whole less polished and much more fantastical than last season's. What could have contributed to both was that each contestant had to feature a unique material, and most foolishly chose unwearable plastics the models struggled to walk in. Contestant Alexander Pope focused a lot of effort engineering one showy piece in particular (see below).

Random notes: Kerry Washington is gorgeous. Also, I think Alyssa Milano was in the crowd, somewhere. Is she actively working these days?