Fashion Star Week 5 Season 1
Fashion Shopping Article Posted April 12, 2012

Ronnie Escalante received his first purchase of the competition from Macy's buyer Caprice Willard who also invested in Texan designer Ross Bennett.

Ronnie Escalante—Sleeveless Low-v Sheath Dress ($119.00): Classic sheath dress with fashion-forward details like angled double princess seams and a dramatic low back. Front scoop neckline with low back V-neckline and tiered shawl collar. Sleeves with no pockets. Fully lined. Colors: Black, Pink, Multi Print

@escalanteronnie

Ross Bennett-- Cropped Double-breasted Vest ($59.00) : Cropped double-breasted button front vest with welt pocket at chest and contrast pocket square detail. Pointed hem with contrast racerback. Hits at high waist. Colors: Navy, Pink Pinstripe

@therbcollection

For the fifth consecutive week H&M buyer Nicole Christie purchased from self-taught designer Sarah Parrott while also purchasing a jersey dress from beachwear designer Nikki Poulos.

Sarah Parrott—Jacket ($29.95): Short, fitted blazer in thin crepe material with contrast lining. Hook-and-eye fastener at front, folded pleats at back. Reversible. Color: Blue

@sarahgparrott

Nikki Poulos—Dress ($19.95): Long jersey dress with a printed pattern, wrap bodice, tie band at back neck and elasticized waist with tie belt. Color: Off White

@nikkipoulos

Luciana Scarabello—Cutout Sheath Dress ($295.00): Bodice-baring cutout dress with wide straps and sweetheart neckline. Bodice darts as well as darts below the waist with center back zipper. Color: Black

@L_scarabello

Despite the creative winning designs, some of the garments left the retailers and celebrity mentors looking for more innovation. Orly Shani disappointed the retailers with her basic shorts, while Edmond Newton's last minute switch to menswear didn't pay off. Celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos saved Chicago designer Barbara Bates. In the end, Edmond Newton was eliminated from the competition.

"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.