Seven FASHION STAR Designs Purchased by America's Top Retailers

Last night on NBC's FASHION STAR, the buyers challenged the designers to create a piece that was missing from each of the designers' collections. Four designers were successful in expanding their brand and America's top three retailers: Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue purchased seven garments. Celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos helped guide Kara Laricks, Nikki Poulos, Orly Shani and Ronnie Escalante in constructing their winning creations, which are available online and in stores now. In a twist, receiving a purchase did not ensure the designers' safety from elimination. In the end, Kara Laricks, Ronnie Escalante and Nzimiro Oputa advanced to the finale. The series, hosted and executive produced by Elle Macpherson, will determine which designer will win the title of America's "Fashion Star" in next week's episode airing Tuesday, May 15, 10-11 p.m. ET.

Macy's buyer Caprice Willard purchased a pant suit from San Francisco designer Ronnie Escalante and a trench coat from former school teacher Kara Laricks [Macys.com/fashionstar]

Ronnie Escalante -

Double Lapel Suit Jacket ($129.00): Shawl collar with angled double-lapel detail and long sleeves with three-button detail at cuffs. Padding in the shoulder for shape, front flap pockets and back vent. Fully lined. Color: Ivory

Wide-Leg White Pants ($79.00): Front zip fly with hook-and-eye closure, front off-seam pockets with back welt pockets. Relaxed fit through hip and thigh and wide leg. Mid-rise pants. Color: Ivory
@EscalanteRonnie

Kara Laricks - Lightweight Twill Trench Coat ($99.00): An updated trenchcoat with button front and princess seams for shape. Long sleeved with button at cuffs, front-off seam pockets, self-belt ties at waist with back belt details, pleats and buttons. Full floral print lining. Color: Tan, Red
@KaraLaricks

H&M buyer Nicole Christie purchased a dress from Ronnie Escalante, a jacket and trouser from California native Orly Shani and a top from designer Kara Laricks.

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

Ronnie Escalante- Dress ($39.95): Straight-cut dress with folded pleats at front and back. Two front welt pockets on skirt with hidden back zip. Satin lining. Color: White/Blue
@EscalanteRonnie

Kara Laricks - Top ($24.95): Wide cut satin racerback with a printed pattern. Large collar, bow and front draping. Color: Red
@KaraLaricks

Orly Shani-

Jacket ($39.95): short, fitted blazer with front welt pockets and lace details at back. Colors: White, Yellow

Trouser ($24.95): Wide-length stretch pants with side pockets and back welt pockets. Color: Grey
@OrlyShani

Saks Fifth Avenue buyer Terron E. Shaffer purchased a dresses from Orly Shani and Ronnie Escalante [saksfifthavenue.com]

Orly Shani-PanelEd Sheath Dress (325.00): Colorblocked panels add curvaceous contours to this sleek A-line sheath. Jewel neckline with curved princess seams and center back zipper. Color: Ivory and Black.
@OrlyShani

Ronnie Escalante- One-Shoulder Striped Dress (325.00): Boldly striped silk cut on the bias in a daring one-shoulder silhouette. Single flared sleeve with angled neckline and flat front. Color: Print
@EscalanteRonnie

Nicole Richie kicked off the episode with a showcase of her spring line of Winter Kate (is that right?). The designers then took the stage with their own garments. Some of them hit the mark and were purchased by the buyers, while others found it difficult to make a lasting impression. Nzimiro Oputa failed to make a sale for the night and quickly discovered that Saks Fifth Avenue buyer Terron E. Shaffer is not easily impressed. Miami designer Luciana Scarabello also failed to make a sale. However, in a twist, a purchase from the buyers did not ensure the designers safety from elimination, and all of the designers found themselves at risk of going home. In the end, Orly Shani, Nikki Poulos and Luciana Scarabello were eliminated from the competition leaving self-taught designer Nzimiro Oputa, San Francisco designer Ronnie Escalante and former fourth grade teacher Kara Laricks in the final three.

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