Retailers Purchase Four New Designs From NBC's FASHION STAR

Last night on NBC's FASHION STAR, the remaining designers were paired off with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos who then chose what each of them would construct for the week. Four designers were successful in creating garments that America's top three retailers: Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue were interested in purchasing. The celebrity mentors helped guide Ronnie Escalante, Kara Laricks, Luciana Scarabello and Orly Shani 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 1 10-11 p.m. ET when the designers are tasked with creating a brand campaign for their collections.

Macy's buyer Caprice Willard purchased a gown from San Francisco designer Ronnie Escalante.

[Macys.com/fashionstar]

Ronnie Escalante- One-Shoulder Asymmetrical Evening Gown ($169.00): Chic sleeveless evening gown with one-shoulder styling and princess seam for shape. Front and back asymmetrical neckline with layered foldover detail in back and front slit. Floor length and fully lined. Colors: Black and Red

@escalanteronnie

H&M buyer Nicole Christie purchased dresses from Miami-based designer Luciana Scarabello and California native Orly Shani.

[http://fashionstar.hm.com] @hmusa

Luciana Scarabello- Dress ($39.95): Fitted dress in woven fabric with a printed pattern. Hidden back zipper. Color: pink printed

@L_Scarabello

Orly Shani-Dress ($34.95): Short dress in woven fabric with a collar and front draping. Racerback design with decorative back cut out and hidden side zipper. Color: Blue

@Orlyshani

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

Kara Laricks-

Three Button Jacket ($350.00): Single-breasted wardrobe staple boasts a slightly boxier silhouette and cropped three quarter sleeve. Fold-over lapels with princess seams and three button closure. Color: Off-White

Twill Wide-Leg Pants ($195.00): An easy wide-leg silhouette tailored with crisp front pleats and a cuffed bottom, all in lightweight twill. Wide button front waistband with back welt pockets and concealed side zipper. Color: Off- White

Twill Plaid Shorts (140.00): Lightweight woven twill tailored with a sophisticated high waist and crisp front pleats. Wide button front waist with slash pockets and cuffed bottom. Side zipper. Color: Red Plaid

@KaraLaricks

While Orly Shani and Ronnie Escalante raised the bar with their daring design choices, some of the designers failed to impress the retailers. Ross Bennett and John Varvatos butted heads over fabric choices and Sarah Parrott's lack of confidence hindered her creative process. Ross Bennett, Nzimiro Oputa, Sarah Parrott and Nikki Poulos faced elimination after not receiving a purchase. The celebrity mentors saved self-taught designer Nzimiro Oputa. In the end, Sarah Parrot's lack of confidence resulted in her elimination 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.

Photo credit: Tyler Golden/NBC

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