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Warning: Spoilers Ahead

Welcome Back to the Recaps!

If you’re just joining us, welcome to Style Files’ Next in Fashion reviews! Here we review the latest episodes from season 2 of one of our favorite fashion competition shows: Next in Fashion.

To catch up from the beginning, check out our Season 2 Episode 1 Review now.

To read our last recap, check out our Season 2 Episode 4 Review.

Now that you’re caught up, you’re ready for episode 5!

Collaboration Station

This episode started with Tan and Gigi addressing the designers in hot pink pieces from the Balmain x Barbie collaboration which was a big ass sign *Nene Leakes voice*. They informed designers today’s challenge was collaboration! The purpose was to see how the designer pairs worked together and created something that equally reflected both design aesthetics.

Because Godoy won last episode’s challenge they were able to choose their partner. I personally thought Deontré would have been a good match. Deontré’s style is elevated streetwear while Godoy’s is more romantic. Maybe Godoy thought their style aesthetics were too far opposite since they ultimately chose James.

The rest of the cast was paired randomly by our lovely co-hosts and the challenge began!

Operation Collaboration

I’ll say this was the smoothest collaboration episode I’ve seen on a design series. I’m used to designers battling with each other over conflicting ideas. Designers muting themselves to a more opinionated partner only to later blow up emotionally. Relationships being severed due to failed collaborations.

On Next in Fashion? It’s all love! Every designer pair worked together pretty well. They differed in work styles and capabilities (e.g. Godoy is a stronger sewer than James) of course, but over all each pair was in tune with their co-designer.

Amari and Nigel’s pairing made for the most entertainment value. The editors knew what they were doing with all the lovey dovey music and close-up shots. Although the chemistry between the two of them made painting a flirty picture easy.

Speaking of great energy, Deontré looked amaze this episode. I love his looks period but this episode’s shirt choice was my favorite.

Male model in jacket — Deontré in a great shirt standing with his signature jacket

I liked the buoyant vibe of this episode. Each pair had a common goal of honoring each other in the spirit of the challenge which made for an easy flow. The vibe made me excited for the subsequent looks!

The Show

Today’s show was judged by two titans in the fashion industry: Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, stylist and Contributing Editor of Vogue, and Olivier Rousteing the Creative Director of Balmain. Although Jason Bolden was missed, I was excited for the fresh voices.

I must say, Olivier’s blazer was impeccable. Whatever that fabric/color combination was resulted in something that reminded me of a high fashion Courage the Cowardly Dog-esque abyss. Don’t ask me for specifics on that description. I said what I said! *Nene Leakes voice (again)*

Let’s get to the looks!

To me, Amari and Nigel had the most composed and successful collaboration. You can see elements of both their sensibilities perfectly arranged below.

I liiiiive for the women’s look and the jacket/hat combo for the men’s look!

Bao and Desyreé also did well. Frankly, I preferred Desyreé’s shirt/pants/jacket combo much more than Bao’s women’s mesh bodysuit and shorts. I did enjoy the shared tweed jacket both models wore during their walk. It was the perfect touch that bound the looks together.

This was an easy breezy episode that ended with a rough reality check: 2 designers will leave the competition. The partial news was delivered by a teary Gigi Hadid and a similarly emotional Tan France. I don’t remember Tan France ever being that emotional during an elimination.

They left us on a teary cliffhanger – we don’t know who’s out yet. On to Episode 6 to find out!

What did you think of the episode? Tell us below!