by David McAlpine

On tonight's episode of The Fashion Show, we jump right into this week's Harper's Bazaar Mini Challenge, where each contestant gets a Fernando Sanchez robe from Saks Fifth Avenue. So, of course, the contestants need to accessorize...the robe. Because we all wear accessories at night, when no one is looking. Anyway, I'm surprised at how fast some of these designers can run, but I guess if it's for a spot in Saks, it makes sense.

From babydolls to kimonos, everyone seems to have their own idea of what they want their look to be. Cue Isaac being a wannabe Tim Gunn with the countdown, then the designers show off their fashions. Anna ends up winning her second mini challenge in a row.

To relieve some steam, Isaac sends the aspiring designers to a psychic in the seedy part of town. Tarot style, the psychic gives everyone a vague premonition about the future, and everyone leaves with a slightly better sense of self, I guess.

But the Tarot doesn't stop there! For this week's elimination challenge, the designers have 14 hours and $175 to create a look that's inspired by their Tarot reading. Anna's card is something about nature, so she picks a floral print that is "so her." She ends up turning it into one big, pocketed flowery nothing. Merlin gets a card about traveling, and we he travels, he loves to wear sweatpants. So he decides to take that fashion faux pas to the next level by making them bright yellow. Wow. James-Paul has the high priestess and tries to make it simple, but has to design around a hump on his model. Sad.

Johnny also got a card about traveling, so he makes a giant bow with his dress? I mean after he barely completed the last mini challenge, does he think he can get away with this stuff? Reco had a card that related to structure, so he makes the most structured thing he knows: a pantsuit. I have no doubt that Reco will have enough pantsuits made on this show to open an entire store, which no one will buy. Oh, and then there's Daniella, who manages to not be seen too much in the episode. I guess when you're trying to be such a not-rip-off of Project Runway, you can afford to do that.

Reco and Anna are given props for their designs and Anna's flowery blah is deemed the best of the worst. Meanwhile, Merlin and James-Paul are in danger of being eliminated. Merlin couldn't seem happier, which makes me wonder if he understands what is going on.

Bottom line: James-Paul tried too much, while Merlin was just bad all around. Merlin gets sent home, and I guess for those who continue to watch the show, it should be that much more understandable.

The Fashion Show airs Thursdays at 10/9c on Bravo.

(Photo courtesy of Bravo)

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