Kristimar

I agree. I even checked the 2016 Japanese street style. I took another look at Brandon's 2016 AAU collection and saw several photos of dangling laces, so it appears to me this aesthetic has been with him for a while. Here is a link to a GQ article re: the 2017 fall-winter collection focusing on 'hanging straps': https://www.gq.com/story/straps-fashion-week-trend

I know this is over a year late, but I sure didn't see any Delta attendant on a recent trip out of the country in anything like Zac's designs. The only one that sticks in my brain happened on the long haul to London. I was in premium economy, just behind the 'veil of status' that separated me from the elite. When we were being served snacks, I could see the marked difference. The well-put together attendant in first class was wheeling a small cart serving snacks from a three-tiered tea tray, serving drinks out of glasses. The attendant we had looked as if she had just stepped out of a hot kitchen. Her hair was disheveled, her face was 'moist' and the tail of her blouse was coming out of her waistband. It was... sad. Just really sad.

I think what Brandon is sending down the runway is a version of the post-apocalyptic look:

Thank you! I was beginning to think I was the only one who was seeing that in Ayana.

This is my take on the show the other night and the remaining designers: Kenya: While I don't have any real sense of her, I think she has something to offer. She just needs to gain more confidence in herself and show who she really is as a designer. Margarita: She is not as good as she thinks, and her 'mean girl' personality leaves something to be desired. While her dress met the challenge, I was liking it until she started adding more crap. It looked like a home-made Halloween costume. Less is more. Ayana: I have not had any real opinion about Ayana until this show. I thought her dress was the only one that truly met the challenge, but did not care for the head piece. After her win I saw something in her that didn't sit well with me. I'm hoping it was just the editing. Kentaro: I really like him and think, as another poster mentioned, that once he can do his own thing, his true self will shine through. Also, I loved his comment about the measuring tapes, which showed his sly sense of humor. Brandon: I like both him and his style. I agree that he is building prototypes for a collection. What better way to find out if you are on the right track than to have these industry professionals critique your work? His sense of calm and refusal to join the drama club speaks for itself. That could be in part with his first-hand knowledge of the back-biting and ruthlessness of those who want to get ahead by any means possible.

Michael's made snarky remarks about Brandon in 2-3 other episodes and Kenya decided to join in with her 'Golden Boy' remark. I like Brandon's work and love that he stays out of the drama. I think he's there for one reason only and that is to learn everything he can, gain exposure for his brand and get a chance at the golden ring. As for Margarita, she strikes me as being the kind of person who lives to create chaos and then sit back and watch with glee when things come unglued. And then to be so apologetic afterward with that wide-eyed 'I didn't know' garbage? She knew exactly what she was doing. I also thought it interesting she volunteered to go backstage to find out what was going on with Michael - and they let her, which lends even more credibility to the belief that production shenanigans abound behind the scenes at PR.

Well, the dreaded episode is near... the 'you need to design an outfit for a 'regular person.' I'm hoping it won't be a bad as it usually has been in past shows. But, is it too horrible for me to want both twins to be given 'one more chance' to design for this?

DWARMED, I agree Lyris that is more likely an 18. I find it interesting the show is now embracing models of size, especially since Heidi made a comment years ago (don't remember which season) about one of the models looking like a fat Minnie Mouse. Also, you are so right in saying the difference in size is significant. Like you, I have also lost weight (22 to an 18 (47 pounds.) I think the men in this competition have more talent and vision. Regardless of whether you like one's design aesthetic over another, I think Brandon, Kentaro and Michael each have what it takes. I would love to see Amy throw caution to the wind and design the hell out of a garment before her behind is tossed from the show. Also, why did the producers choose Cha-Cha and Aaron??? I want to see the interview process and the clothing they showed at that time. I find it difficult to believe their collections were better than other designers auditioning for the show. As for the twins... I would love to know who told them they were the best designers in the universe. Because they're not. In any universe.