FASHION STAR Crowns its Winner!

In the season finale episode of NBC's "Fashion Star" (Friday, May 10, 8-9 p.m. ET), contestants Hunter Bell, Cassandra Hobbins and Daniel Silverstein were challenged to create a capsule collection for all three retailers. After weeks of hard work, the remaining contestants gave everything they had for a chance to be crowned "Fashion Star." Ultimately, the buyers chose designer Hunter Bell as the next "Fashion Star." Her winning capsule collections will be carried online at Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Express and in 50 Macy's locations and 15 Express locations nationwide.

Bell, Hobbins and Silverstein all had a chance to sit down with the buyers, Caprice Willard, Terron Schaefer and Erika DeSalvatore to get a better understanding of what each of the retailers would like to see from them. Bell focused on Express and tried to tailor her clothes to fit their edgier aesthetic. Mentor Jessica Simpson counseled Bell to stay true to herself and not feel that she had to go too far out of her comfort zone.

Hobbins, who has only sold to Saks Fifth Avenue once this season, focused in impressing buyer Terron Schaefer. Schaefer shared a few tips on what he would like to see in her collection, including focusing on the color white. Silverstein concentrated on the use of prints to suit his Macy's "muse."

Each contestant sent three complete looks for each retailer down the runway, including multiple pieces an array of styles. Mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos all had high praises for the final three designers' collections. After intense deliberation, the buyers eliminated Daniel Silverstein, leaving Hunter Bell and Cassandra Hobbins as the final two contenders.

The buyers then chose Hunter Bell as their "Fashion Star. Bell's collections were sold for a grand prize total of $3,000,000.

Hunter Bell's winning collections are as follows:

MACY'S
(Available at 50 Macy's locations and online)
(www.macys.com/fashionstar)
· Lace Peplum Top and Lace Pencil Skirt in red/nude and white/nude, retailing for $69.00 and $79.00, respectively.
· Mesh Tee in aqua and pink, retailing for $49.00. Printed Short and Printed Blazer, retailing for $59.00 and $89.00, respectively.
· Body Con Sheath Dress in aqua and white, retailing for $99.00.
· Body Con Peplum Top in aqua and white, retailing for $59.00.
· Lace Cigarette Pant in both red/nude and white/nude, retailing for $79.00.
· Fit and Flare Dress in Aztec print, retailing for $89.00.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
(Available online only)
(www.saksfifthavenue.com/fashionstar)
· Drop Waist Lace Dress in white version, retailing for $280.00.
· Button Down Blouse and Wide Leg Pant in red, retailing for $170.00 and $220.00, respectively.
· Racer Back Shift Dress in white, retailing for $206.00.
· Textured Maxi Dress in white, retailing for $280.00.
· Short Textured Dress in black, retailing for $245.00.
· Floral Printed Short Dress, retailing for $240.00.
· Short Organza Dress in black, retailing for $270.00.
· Lace Knit Dress in navy and canary, retailing for $280.00.
· Polka Dot Dress in black/white, retailing for $270.00
· Stripe Dress in black/white, retailing for $270.00.

EXPRESS
(Available at 15 locations and online)
(www.express.com/fashionstar)
· Moto Dress in black, jewel and pink, and Moto Vest in lime citron. The dresses will retail for $69.90, and the vest will retail for $59.90.
· Flare Skirt in black and jewel, and Flirty Blouse in printed and cream/black versions. The skirts will retail for $49.90, and the blouses will retail for $39.90.
· Soft Moto Vest in jewel and black, Tie-Back Tank in pink, black, jewel and lime citron versions, and Pencil Skirt in black. The vests will retail for $69.90, the tanks will retail for $29.90, and the skirt will retail for $49.90.

Hosted by fashion journalist Louise Roe, "Fashion Star" gives 13 young designers the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize of launching their original collections in three of the nation's largest fashion retailers. The "Fashion Star" format was developed by Ben Silverman of Electus (NBC's "The Biggest Loser," "The Office," and "The Tudors") and Rick Ringbakk of Emmy Award-winning 5x5 Media ("Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution"), and E.J. Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions.

The show is executive-produced by Elle Macpherson, Ben Silverman of Electus, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth of The Magical Elves, Rick Ringbakk of 5x5 Media, and EJ Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions. Electus International will retain all international distribution rights.

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