Four FASHION STAR Designs Are Purchased By America's Top Retailers

Last night on NBC's FASHION STAR the remaining seven designers were tasked with creating a brand campaign for their collections. Four designers were successful in formulating their brand and America's top three retailers: Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue purchased four of the most comprehensive designs.

Celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos helped guide Kara Laricks, Luciana Scarabello, Nzimiro Oputa and Ronnie Escalante in constructing their winning creations, which are available online and in stores now. The series, hosted and executive produced by Elle Macpherson, continues the search for America's FASHION STAR in next week's episode airing Tuesday, May 8 10-11 p.m. ET when in a twist, the retailers decide what garments each designer will create.

Macy's buyer Caprice Willard purchased a men's cardigan from self-taught designer Nzimiro Oputa.
[Macys.com/fashionstar]

Nzimiro Oputa- Elbow Patch Cardigan Sweater ($119.00): Reinvented cardigan with stand collar and three-button front. Contrast trim at edges and side on-seam pockets with faux-suede elbow patches. Seam details throughout for shape. Colors: Oatmeal, Heather Grey @NzimiroOputa

H&M buyer Nicole Christie purchased dresses from San Francisco based designer Ronnie Escalante.
[http://fashionstar.hm.com] @hmusa

Ronnie Escalante- Dress ($39.95): Short fitted dress in woven fabric with satin lining. Front slit and decorative back cutout. Hidden side zip. Color: Blue @EscalanteRonnie

Saks Fifth Avenue buyer Terron E. Shaffer purchased designs from former fourth grade teacher Kara Laricks and Miami designer Luciana Scarabello. [saksfifthavenue.com]

Kara Laricks-Ruffled Cotton Poplin Shirt ($235.00): Tucked ruffles trim the front of this light cotton button-down tailored with a crisp point collar and slightly elongated hem. Princess seams with wide button cuffs and button-down placket. Color: White @KaraLaricks

Luciana Scarabello-Silk Floral Print Dress ($295.00): Gorgeous floral-print silk tailored with a cut away high neck and soft shirring at the waist. Modified high neckline with bodice darts and mock front overlap. Contour hem rises in front. Center back zipper. Color: Black and floral print
@L_Scarabello

While four designers were successful in conveying their brand in their imaging campaigns, some of the designers had difficulty creating a consistent message. The celebrity mentors and buyers criticized Nikki Poulos' decision to use her own likeness for her campaign. Meanwhile, Texan designer Ross Bennett ignored Simpson's advice regarding the colors in his photo shoot. Ross Bennett, Nikki Poulos and Orly Shani found themselves in the bottom three. The mentors chose not to save anyone, and in the end, Ross Bennett was eliminated from the competition.
Additionally, viewers will have unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to each designer on NBC.com's contestant blogs: http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/designers/.

"Fashion Star" scoured the country in search of the next big brand in fashion. Fourteen unknown designers were chosen and given the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch their collections in three of America's largest retailers: Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue. The series features host and executive producer Elle Macpherson along with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos.

The "Fashion Star" format was developed by Ben Silverman of Electus (NBC's "The Biggest Loser," "The Office," and "The Tudors"), 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 Macpherson, Silverman of Electus, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth of The Magical Elves, Rick Ringbakk of 5x5 Media) and E.J. Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions. Electus/Engine Distribution will retain all international distribution rights.

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