[Heidi] Previously,
on Making the Cut...
I really need to prove to the judges that
I deserve to be here.
I have potential.
My brand is about storytelling
and history.
What I'm passionate about is to tell that
story to you guys.
Gary, congratulations. You're the winner.
- Gary, you are the winner.
- Yes!
I haven't won an assignment yet.
Your pant was my favorite look from
the entire night.
Your other look was too tight for her.
This wasn't bridal at all. It shows that
you have complexity to you.
That jumpsuit reveal was major.
Andrea, it was so close!
Listen, it's about the w*r,
not the battle.
We want each of you to create a video
advertising campaign for your brand.
Lucie, Raf, I'm sorry.
You're not making the cut.
- Thank you.
- Thanks for having me.
It was such a great experience.
Andrea, I think you did a really good job.
- You're making the cut.
- Thank you.
I loved the jacket and the skirt.
It's so graphic and bold.
Congratulations. You are the winner.
Andrea, we're going to do something that
we have not done on Making the Cut.
You also are a winner today.
- Congratulations.
- [applause]
You're the final three.
That was a harsh ending today,
losing two of the designers.
That was a tough day.
Now we can focus on our
strongest designers.
Absolutely, and that's where our heads
should be, don't you think?
Designers, come on in.
[Andrea P.] Hi!
How are you guys feeling?
- [all] Great.
- [Heidi] Yeah?
Our final three!
- Yay!
- [Heidi] Yay!
- That's the spirit!
- Yes, exactly.
The last assignment was my third win.
So, I feel like, definitely,
I'm a frontrunner now,
but I also know that...
it just doesn't really matter how
many wins you have.
You could screw up and go home.
One of you is going to get one
million dollars,
and your next assignment is going to bring
you one step closer to that win.
While many brands currently sell
direct to consumer,
physical spaces are still important
from a marketing perspective
and a visual merchandising perspective.
Concept stores are a popular
marketing tool
to give customers a more
tangible experience.
And for this next assignment,
you are going to envision and create
your own concept store
that is reflective of your brand.
You want to make the judges feel
what you're all about.
I love it.
I got my first win,
but this assignment is the gateway
to the holy grail.
Your concept store is all about visual
merchandising,
pulling people into your world.
And they sometimes even have
a social sharing moment,
like an Instagram-able photo spot.
You see them everywhere now.
Now, for the nuts and bolts.
You have two days to create
your concept stores.
You will be working with our
production design team
to turn your creative
vision into a reality.
And, as always,
we do want to see new fashion.
Please create a minimum of three looks
to display in your store.
You may also choose up to three of your
previous fashion show looks
to include as well.
We have secured space for your stores
at one of the epicenters of
Los Angeles fashion,
ROW DTLA, which also happens to
be the home of the concept store
of our Season One winner, Jonny Cota.
[Gary] ROW DTLA is a really big deal,
because it's the perfect space
to reach a broader audience.
That's kind of the center of
the universe, in a way.
The judges and a special guest
from Amazon Fashion
will join me to experience your stores.
I love that.
There is so much at stake.
We are the final three.
I can't believe it.
And I have huge competition.
I feel very confident in my work.
That's why I'm here.
Well, you have three big
days ahead of you.
And I'll see you downtown.
Three big days.
Yeah. I love it.
I'm pumped to get this fully ex*cuted.
[♪ Raphael Lake/Chris Sangster:
"Light Up the Sky"]
What feels like New York?
The subway.
My vision for my concept store is
a subway car
in a New York City train station.
I'm pretty overwhelmed with the concept
store assignment.
I really wanted to show a process,
a narrative, and history,
so you can have a sense of where
the clothing came from.
Hi!
- Hi.
- I'm Andrea. How are you?
To create our store,
we're working with an art designer
who is bringing our ideas to life.
Do you want to tell me what you're
thinking, what you have in mind?
I want to kind of create, like,
a New York subway moment,
like an amazing space where
people look like people.
The train is where you can have
all types of women in there.
I love hyping people up,
and the train is like the best place to do
it-- "Hey, girl, I like your outfit."
"Oh, those shoes are the b*mb."
Like, that's what I do on the train,
so I'm, like,
really pumped to show them my world.
I would like to make the train
station super chic,
and I would love if we hung a chandelier.
- Alright.
- It will give, like, that luxury vibe,
'cause I really want this to be, like,
the flyest train car in New York City.
Yeah.
For my concept store,
I want to do a museum experience.
I was born and raised in Medellin,
Colombia,
so, through a fashion exhibition,
I want to embrace my culture.
That's a big inspiration for me.
Okay. I've got to figure this out.
[Gary] Winning Making the Cut
would be life-changing.
This store's got to be incredible.
Don't take your foot off the gas.
[Andrea P.] This is getting really real.
Being in the final three, there's, like,
a 33% chance you're gonna
leave here a millionaire.
Could you imagine?
[laughs]
[♪ Raphael Lake: "Time Out"]
So, I'm in the space now where
the pop-up's gonna be.
- [Andrea] Alright.
- So, I can show you.
That looks super nice. I love the space.
I want to do a museum experience,
and I'm gonna tell a story,
you know, behind every piece.
[Meghann] Okay.
[Andrea] So, it's gonna be, like,
a little tour of the space.
Awesome, I love it.
For this assignment, I'm gonna think
about all of my process here,
all the pieces that I created.
I'm using my two first looks from
the brand statement assignment,
because they represent me 100%.
And I'm doing jackets, skirts, pants.
Legendary pieces.
That's what I'm calling them.
You really did get all the damn sparkles.
I hid that one in the corner.
You found it. You're like
a sparkle magnet.
[Andrea S. laughs] Funny.
I'm gonna make sure I'm gonna win this
one, because I have to be in the finale.
So, I was thinking about doing
a circular boutique,
kind of inspired by a Shaker barn.
Awesome.
So, there's this one central structure
that kind of spans out.
Like, you know, you walk in,
and you feel like you're in a barn.
Which, you know, maybe--
Now that I'm saying it out loud,
maybe it's not such a good idea.
I also wanted to have some
projections...
- Okay. Okay, great.
...to kind of create this whole world
that's, like, interactive, also video.
And then, they're going to see images of,
like, the print being developed,
or what inspired it.
- And...
- Got it.
A lot of ideas.
I'm really taking on a lot in the short
amount of time,
which is stressful.
We won't be able to project, but we can
light your images on a curved wall.
Um...
Yeah.
sh*t.
I don't want it to be this mishmash
whittled down because of budget and time.
Oh, gosh, this is a big decision to make,
like, so quickly.
Ay, ay, ay, I don't know. I don't know.
[Meghann]
Um... it's gonna be great.
Since I'm Jamaican,
I tend to like lots and lots of colors.
I love the pieces that I've made,
but the one thing that I know I want to do
is add some color.
The judges haven't really seen,
like, brights from me,
and I really want to show them
that I have range.
See ya.
However, I am going to use
some of my darker pieces
from my past assignments,
because everyone loved them.
I want pieces a lot of people can
connect to and purchase.
So, I'm thinking about all my
past assignments,
what would work and really stand out.
And I'm displaying the Amanda
coat and the Levi piece.
I also want to make a big jersey shirt,
I want a fitted shirt, I want leggings.
And then, beyond that,
I'm getting a little stuck.
Surprise!
- [all yell]
- Hi!
Oh, my gosh,
I'm so excited to meet the top three!
Yeah!
Jonny Cota is such an inspiration.
I love him.
[Gary] Jonny went through this entire
experience and won,
so it's really exciting.
How is the new journey?
Tell us about all this madness.
She wants to know how you spent the money.
It's been incredible.
It's been absolutely incredible,
- from zero to a hundred...
- Real quick?
Real quick. With the collection, with
Amazon, with, you know, the prize money.
Yeah.
And one of you are about to be
in that position,
and I'm so thrilled for all three of you,
so, get ready.
Are you feeling strong, like,
with your vision on how your concept store
is gonna bring your brand to life?
Yeah, we have our own DNAs very clear,
what we want to show to the judges.
Now you have a chance to think big and for
it to not come out of your pocket,
so, your display is going to be critical.
How important do you feel like it is for
the mannequins to be impeccably dressed
or for you to have your, like,
your statement pieces hanging?
We shop on a rack, but I think we, like,
feast with our eyes on mannequins.
It has to be memorable.
My concern right now is it not being
too overwhelming,
that the judges are confused
or it's too much.
Right, it's-- that is really
important, right?
They need to walk away, like,
with three words in their heads of, like,
how to describe it.
It's important to have
an accessible experience.
Right? That every person can walk in,
they can see themselves in your world.
Then you can shop into the collection,
and it can get more and more complex.
That would be my advice for all
three of you.
- No pressure! [laughs]
- Oh, my God.
Never.
[♪ vocalist singing]
I'm really excited about
my concept store.
I've worked so hard for the last decade to
get an opportunity like this.
Absolutely a dream in reality.
Andrea, do you remember the
seamstress pickup time?
- [Andrea] Well, eleven?
- Eleven.
Time is slipping by.
I have a couple pieces ready
for the seamstress,
but I need some more spectacular
pieces that they haven't seen before.
Ohh...
This is terrible.
Gary, you always, like, agonize over
things, and then the judges are like,
"Oh, my God, I love Gary so much."
You forget. [laughs]
The judges love you.
They loved Joshua too, I remember that.
Josh got the ax. [laughs]
I don't know who they really love.
I'm giving the seamstress some stuff,
because we have an overwhelming
amount of things to do,
and not just that, like,
I think we're all experiencing a lot
emotionally and physically.
I'm exhausted.
[Gary] We all want to make it to
the finale, but we're all really tired.
For me, I'm really focusing on the work.
This is the most important assignment, so
we need to push ourselves until the end.
[♪ vocalist singing]
- [Gary] Tomorrow's the big day.
- Yeah.
Tomorrow, I'm going to show the judges
my concept store.
Left foot back.
The competition's getting so intense.
I've been fighting to win the assignments
so I can get to this assignment.
I've been really looking forward to it.
At least we get to breathe.
What I'm trying to do is pretty
sophisticated,
so I hope they understand that.
I got back everything
from the seamstress.
She did it. She nailed it, actually.
She, like, more than did it.
I'm, like, happy.
So cool. That's what I wanted.
One, two, three, four, five looks.
She helped me a lot.
Look this one, Gary.
Oh, beautiful.
Shiny, shiny, with this one.
Oh, that's wrong.
It's not...
[blows raspberry]
Oh, my God.
Keep focused.
Just keep focused.
Okay, you can do it.
[♪ Raphael Lake/Royal Baggs:
"It Feels Good"]
I am focused on creating really good
standalone pieces,
and I created a print.
It's, like, perfect.
My plan is to finish the leggings,
a tank dress, a t-shirt...
Did I already say leggings?
I want to put basics
to mix and match
these statement ones.
Because at the end of the day,
you need to sell.
Greetings, final three.
- Hello!
- How are you?
We miss you.
Andrea, where are you?
There's so much clothes.
So, tell me what you're doing.
Tell me what's going on.
I'm creating a subway station.
- A subway station, that's--
- A New York train station.
It's like a luxe New York City train car,
and then my logo is in, like, train tiles.
- [Tim] Oh, this is exciting.
- And so, you can board the train.
I love it.
And I'm creating, like,
different personalities.
She's my business exec.
I'm still playing around with her suit.
Perfect.
You remember when Jeremy said,
"You need to do that jean in
every color, in every style"?
- I did it. [laughs]
- Oh, fantastic.
But I really did want to make it
as cohesive as possible.
I am not understanding
the sequins. Help me.
I wanted to add just some sparkle.
I don't see what's special about it.
And I look at your other items, and I see
a very high level of specialness.
This is such a fresh lens on who you are.
It's very exciting,
and it's very inspiring.
- I like what it feels like.
- I do too.
- It's new, and it feels like you.
- Thank you.
- Andrea...
- Hello.
This collection is electrifying me.
I'm overwhelmed by it.
I mean, it's polished,
it's sophisticated. It's certainly you.
And I recognize some earlier pieces.
I felt inspired by this textile,
so I connect them with the other look.
- And everything else is new.
- Yeah.
How are you feeling about
the concept store?
I'm doing a museum concept store.
And I'm going to have an iPad
telling the story of each piece.
I think it's great.
Andrea kind of sneaks up on you.
Like, zero shade to Andrea,
but I just didn't see it.
But then, slowly but surely,
I started to see it, and I was like, okay.
Work, work, work.
- Thank you so much.
- But you've got a good head start.
Hi, Gary. How are you feeling about
the installation that's happening?
My idea was a circular boutique.
- This is different stages of it.
- [Tim] It's beautiful.
And before you walk in,
there will be a video monitor
showing process images with text
above and my logo.
Oh, this is wonderful.
All this kind of research goes into these
prints and all this work,
but then they transfer into these
easy jersey pieces.
Which I love.
What are you using from past--
I was going to use the first assignment.
This, to me, is the gateway into the brand
and into the collection.
That's a perfect statement to
make about that.
Then I've been adding some black pieces.
[Tim] I don't understand it.
It was a merchandising idea.
Black is a retail staple.
You've got to ask yourself,
is it special enough to be with
these other items?
- Right.
- And compared to the other items...
it's snoozy.
Just looks like it's crying out for
an Amish customer.
- Would I go to Gary Graham for a solid?
- Right.
- You have to wow everybody...
- Yeah.
...and to stay in this competition.
I'm feeling discouraged.
Time's running out,
and I just made this piece
that's not doing what
I need it to do.
Oh, God!
Alright, everyone, some business.
You have until tonight
to hand over any work that you
have for your two seamstresses.
You'll have two hours tomorrow.
And I have to share with you...
Sorry, I get a little emotional.
I sometimes question,
do we have the right final three?
Yes, we do.
Aww!
I couldn't be... more proud.
Truly.
Okay, I'll see you tomorrow night.
- [Tim] Take care.
- Bye!
Tim really motivates me and inspires me to
do the best collection of my life.
[♪ vocalist singing]
- Hey, Meghann!
- Hi!
So, are you ready to see an update?
Yes!
- This is your subway.
- Oh, nice!
It looks like subway tiling.
Oh, my gosh.
You nailed it. Thank you.
Andrea, I have a black dress,
but Tim thinks it's too Amish-looking.
- Maybe you can look at it.
- Okay.
I have a lot of respect for Andrea, and,
you know, obviously, there's competition,
but we have a natural rapport.
The black is flattering, it's just that...
- It's too covered.
- It gets a little conservative, yeah.
I mean, it does look like
an Amish dress, but...
I like Amish dresses, though.
That's one of the problems.
Okay. Alright.
But Tim is not going to be there,
and I need them.
Okay, so, here's where we're at so far...
- Oh, wow.
- It looks good, right?
Yeah, I love it.
It looks like a gallery.
I have another request.
I want to have, like,
this kind of water bottles, glass.
I need to do a whole store experience.
Can you confirm me how many shelves,
please, for the shoes?
I love to offer the total look.
Very cool.
- Okay, you ready?
- I'm ready.
Okay, the graphic's not up, but the barn
tower's up, like the base of it.
And so, here...
Oh! That's amazing!
Yeah, that looks great.
And I was thinking, what about if we did
the mirror right here...
I see! Yeah, that's so smart.
That's so smart.
Meghann is understanding
where I'm coming from
and what I would like to happen.
That made me feel better.
[♪ vocalist singing]
I've always been so insanely focused,
including in this competition.
But tonight,
my mind is a little bit of a mess.
I'm feeling really burnt out.
I'll see y'all in the morning.
[phone ringing]
Hi!
Hello!
[speaking Spanish]
I miss you a lot.
You miss me a little, don't you?
[man] We miss you a lot.
Mami.
[mother] Hello!
This has been an amazing growing process,
as a person, as a professional.
[mother] Yes, life-changing opportunity.
I'm doing this for all of you too.
[man] Bring the million dollars here.
Million dollars! Let's do it!
[all laugh]
I miss my family a lot, but they give me
all the energy that I need,
and I know they are proud that I'm here.
Aww.
[♪ vocalist singing]
[Andrea] Ekene!
Big kiss! Mmm-wah!
He's so silly.
He looks like me. He looks
like he grew. [laughs]
I miss my family,
and it's getting really hard.
My child is, like, growing,
and he's doing all of these things,
and I'm not there to witness it.
But I'm here with a purpose, and I want to
make sure that all of this is worth it.
I am exhausted.
I'm so close, it's just a lot more to go.
It's a marathon.
My husband is super supportive,
and my mom is too.
They're both my cheerleaders.
But I don't want to share
that I'm doing well here.
I feel like they would feel my
disappointment if I'm disappointed.
And I want them to enjoy knowing that
I haven't come home yet.
Well, we're gonna hope I don't
come back anytime soon, so...
- [mother] Love you, dear.
- Love you. Bye, Ekene!
I have to make this happen.
I didn't leave my family to not win.
I'm super excited about my concept store,
but someone is leaving home tonight,
and that kind of stresses me, because...
all three have worked very
hard to be here.
It feels like-- It kind of feels like
our life is just like--
It's changing by the second,
and it just-- it's a lot to kind
of process emotionally.
I'm proud of myself, I'm proud of my work.
I think I'm proud of myself, like,
the personal journey.
I don't know when I became a crybaby.
I just don't understand.
I'm okay.
At the last minute,
I'm just trying to bring this dress
and make it more special.
Gary, awesome.
That's what you needed to do.
Yeah, I got to save this dress.
The last assignment,
I just did some painting on the fabrics,
and the judges really loved it.
So, I hope they respond well to this.
Guys, we have 30 minutes
before we have to head out.
[Andrea S.] I want to impress
the judges with my concept store.
But I am worried,
because Andrea has a very cool concept.
She has a subway. It's different.
Am I missing something?
When the judges take my train,
I hope that they see
that I am inclusive, and I'm authentic.
That is the essence of my concept store.
I worked really hard
on the concept store.
I really want the judges to feel like
they're walking into a storybook.
I hope they see my vision
and understand it.
[groans] I can't get in.
[Andrea P.] I feel like today
is anyone's game,
and it's really up to the judges to make
this very, very hard decision.
They ultimately are deciding who's going
to make it to the final two.
- Let's do it, y'all.
- Let's do this!
[Andrea P. exclaims nervously]
[♪ Wizardz of Oz: "Million Dollar Life"]
I see them!
[Andrea P. laughs]
I'll see you guys later. [laughs]
sh**t! Oh, yay!
Oh, good job!
[squealing] Good job!
So beautiful.
Yes!
So cool.
Wow.
We're a step away from
the one million dollars.
I worked really hard
on the concept store.
Pretty cool.
And then I'm just, like,
really excited about the text I wrote.
And even though probably no one's going
to understand this, all this stuff...
[laughs]
It has nothing to do with
buying a cute top.
Ah! I'm pumped.
It looks like the most luxe,
magical train car ever.
Pay attention, you got stuff to do.
[♪ "Million Dollar Life" continues]
Let's unpack these beauties right now.
Who knew that I had to really, like,
screw off the arms?
Getting to the finale has been the goal,
and I am really stressed out.
I'm making sure that this is
absolute perfection.
I want to make sure the judges have
all their senses engaged,
because you need to create
a desire to buy.
So, I make sure I have my shoes,
my belts, the perfume.
I put water.
I put the whole experience in one place.
Everything counts.
Uhh! [bleep]
I'm not feeling 100% about that black
dress,
and I'm thinking maybe
I should leave it out.
You're making really important
aesthetic decisions in seconds,
and at the last minute,
I decided it's not going to work,
it's not going to sell them.
Ow, my-- my hand's stuck!
I did it.
I want the judges to feel my vibe,
feel my new designs.
I hope I can win this one.
I mean, it's emotional seeing
my concept store materialize.
I made a really intense,
concept-driven space that had
a lot of meat and potatoes in it,
but I don't think all of it came across.
I am just very critical.
[♪ vocalist singing]
Oh, wow.
It feels good to see things get done
the way that you want them to,
and not having to sacrifice, 'cause...
I've been, like-- I've had to
sacrifice a whole lot
just to kind of get the things
that I really want.
And I kind of feel like people like me
don't always get opportunities
like this, and--
and I-- when you're, like,
without resources, to have to create
the resources on your own,
you don't get to create stuff like this.
It just-- it's a lot. [laughs]
It's a lot.
[♪ vocalist sings]
I'm so excited to see, finally,
the concept stores.
You know, they had only two days
to make additional looks.
Wow.
Christine, glad you could join us and see
what our designers have put together.
I'm excited to see how they
bring it all to life
in a store environment as well.
I bet they're so nervous.
Especially when they see you,
they must be so nervous, they're like,
"Oh, my God, it's Christine?"
So, how about we split up?
Do you guys want to start here,
and we'll start from there?
Yeah, we'll see you
guys in a little bit.
See you in a little bit.
[♪ vocalist singing]
[Jeremy] Let's see what Andrea's
got up her sleeve.
Is this her smell? Oh, wow!
Got her own little scent in
here. It's a vibe.
[Jeremy]
So, this is looking like a real store.
[♪ vocalist singing]
Gary Graham's world.
"Gary Graham is a site-specific,
multidimensional operation."
See, this is-- for me,
you lost me already.
- I'm like... [snoring]
- [laughs] It's a little cerebral.
I do like the moving imagery.
I think that livens up the whole space.
So, I can see the judges
through the window.
They didn't read any of the text.
Okay, fine.
But one thing I noticed is they're not
really picking up the garments
and looking at them.
They're just-- you know,
it's kind of very serious, very serious.
The environment feels of
a different time period.
I kind of wish there were a little
more modernity in it as well.
- Yeah, something a little bit more "now."
- Yeah.
I don't think the whole thing was, like,
jiving as spectacularly as I wanted.
Ooh, here we go.
This is what I'm looking for,
that Instagram-able moment.
I always think this is so important,
having that camera moment.
She really is showing you her
whole retail world.
Cute.
- Hello!
- [Jeremy] Well, hello!
Hi!
So, show us around your world.
Tell us a little something.
Okay, so, you need to think
about the smell, the lighting.
Everything counts.
And it's all about the five senses
that you have to be aware of.
I take care of the customers as well,
like, I make them feel like
they're at home.
Well, I like how he mixes the fabric
and creates a classic shirtdress,
but yet there's something
very special about it.
Yeah. I love how this translates
onto just a regular t-shirt.
Yeah, I love this too.
- Hi, Heidi.
- Hi, Gary.
- Hey.
- It's nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
- I'm Christine Beauchamp.
Oh, hi, Christine, nice to meet you.
Having Christine Beauchamp in my store is
really important to me.
Christine is the president,
and she has to really, you know,
enjoy my clothes, or like them,
or think they're going to sell, I mean,
that's really the bottom line.
So, I've been really interested in how to
kind of connect the process.
You know, there's the dress, but then,
there's also all the work that goes
into the research,
and everything can be
translated into a print.
- And that's the idea.
- Gary loves a story.
[Winnie] I'm really excited to go into
this store right here.
I want to see some gowns, some dresses...
- Ooh!
- Some sheer.
- [Jeremy] Fancy things.
- [laughs]
It's so cute. I love this.
The only thing I would say is it feels
like a window display we're in,
than fully a store.
- For sure.
- That's the only thing I would say.
Well, she made the jeans
I told her to make.
- She did listen.
- She did!
- Oh, my God.
- And look how cute they turned out.
Take that pattern, go crazy with it,
'cause you have a winner there.
It is beautiful.
It turned out to be a really cute jean.
She listens.
Hello, ladies!
- [Heidi] Hi.
- Welcome.
I'm thrilled to be in your store today.
- Thank you so much.
- [Heidi] Looks arty!
Wow, I love the glamor.
Some sparkle and shine.
I put the most iconic pieces
on the mannequins
to show up, like, a little bit of story.
I mean, you can see immediately
who this girl is, right?
[Christine] Sexy, glam, a little edgy.
There are a lot of pieces.
[Heidi] I would buy that right now.
Really made the clothes the hero
of this environment.
- Very feminine, glamorous.
- Great separates.
I feel like I want to be shopping.
All of the different kind of shoes.
[Christine] I love the accessories.
It kind of shows you, as the customer,
"Okay, this is how I'm supposed
to wear this."
You have a very clear point of view.
- You can tell who your customer is.
- Life is a runway every day.
You can use shiny pieces
any time of the day.
If you feel confident in your own skin,
you can use them, so...
that's the message.
Welcome to the Pantora train.
We have had so much fun on your train.
We even had so much fun on this
whole ride with you.
We're in love watching you continually
grow and expand...
You're listening and paying attention to
the things that we're saying
but still keeping everything true to you.
I really felt like the importance of this
entire competition
is not to show you what I have done
but really is to show you what I can do.
- [Jeremy] I agree with you.
- And so, here's lots of bright colors.
[all laugh]
I love that you put your culture into--
our culture-- into this whole experience.
That gives me life.
The green, the black, the gold.
And now you know I'm Jamaican. [laughs]
Bam bam bam.
- Booyaka!
- [all laugh]
Oh, wow. It looks super beautiful.
It's cute. I like it.
Heidi and Christine get who is
my customer.
Bye!
I want every woman of the world
feel confidence
and glamorous and sophisticated.
- Hi, Gary.
- Hi, Winnie. Hi, Jeremy.
So, how do you want your customer to feel
when they walk into your store?
Well, I want them to feel like they want
to get involved, and also interact,
either, if not with the clothing,
at least with some of the process videos.
If the clothing isn't for them,
then there's something here.
And that something could translate
to a lot of different products.
- We're on a subway.
We're in New York City.
- Yep!
- We're home. [laughs]
We landed at your stop. Tell us more.
I kind of wanted to kind of bring, like,
that prettiness to the subway station
that we don't always get to see.
But there's such beauty in there, and the
beauty comes from, like, the people.
My brand is about community. It's
about inclusivity.
I'm really nervous with
Christine in there.
I know that she has a lot
of feedback for us,
and I know that her opinion is really,
really important for this concept store.
So, she's the around the way girl.
- I know this girl very, very well.
- [Christine] Okay.
She's from the block.
She's the exec. She runs her business,
and she's, like, super bossy.
And then we have the rich girl. I'm gonna
beat her after I win. [laughs]
I love the color. It's a really strong
color, and it pulls everything together.
- Yeah.
- Thank you!
And I love the high-low sparkle matte.
a mix of sort of modern opulence
plus organic nature.
I mean, I'm actually shocked how many
more new pieces you've made.
That's incredible.
Did you see my print? I created
that print, by the way.
If you look really closely, it says,
"...dream in reality."
I've been saying that since
I was 12 years old.
Well done.
I think the judges enjoyed the concept.
I've been an emotional wreck all day,
and I have, like, tears coming down again.
I don't want to cry any more
today. [laughs]
Well, thank you so much for letting us
into your world, Gary.
- Oh, it's my honor.
- Can I buy a safety pin?
- They're complimentary.
- They're complimentary?
- Thank you, Gary. [laughs]
- Thanks, Gary.
Thank you.
If there's anything that I'm gonna
get kind of stuck on,
um...
maybe I didn't-- I don't want
to talk about it.
[groans] Hold on, sorry.
Feel like I'm manifesting
some negative destiny.
I think I have a shot.
[♪ Photronique: "Fast Life"]
Who do we believe is the next
great global brand?
Who has the biggest point of view,
the most variety,
or what we think can sell the most?
I mean, we have three very strong
contenders here.
And I love Gary, but I was kind of taken
too far back in time, almost.
He's kind of still living in
his vintage world, you know?
He had such a vision, though, and a story
in his mind that was compelling.
I'm so intrigued by his world that
he's creating, and all of that.
- That's fashion.
- Personally, I super loved Andrea.
I thought she had a full store,
a lot of glitz and glamor.
For sure, a lot of people would
buy her clothes.
She really created an experience,
a full-blown experience for her customers.
Andrea had such a great story about
going on the subway
and seeing all the beauty and diversity
of New York City.
She showed a very broad range.
I loved Andrea's, but it felt less "store"
and more "display."
See, I liked hers the most.
- Did you?
- I did.
Did you have a favorite?
I may have.
[Heidi] It's going to be hard.
How are we going to eliminate one
person tonight?
- Oh, my goodness.
- [Christine] Aww!
As you see who developed over
the course of the season,
and who has a nice mix of strong esthetic
and design capability,
but also breadth of appeal,
it will be a hard decision.
Good luck.
Thank you so much for being here today.
Thank you. It's good to see you.
- Bye!
- Bye.
Oh, Heidi, what are we gonna do?
- Yeah.
- This is gonna be a hard one.
[Heidi] Ay, ay, ay.
Designers,
we have a very tough job ahead of us.
We have to narrow this competition
down to only two of you.
Two of you will move forward to
the final assignment,
and one of you, unfortunately,
will not make the cut.
This conversation matters more
than ever before.
We want to hear your vision,
we want to see your fight,
because we really want to know who has a
shot of being the next great global brand.
The winner of Making the Cut will
have the opportunity
to have a mentorship with Amazon Fashion,
the chance to sell a collection in
the Making the Cut store,
and one million dollars to take your
brand to the next level.
The winner will also receive
a three-year lease at the ROW DTLA,
free of charge!
How amazing is that?
[Gary] The opportunities
in this competition,
it's bigger than a million dollars.
Just to consider the fact that you can
really focus on your business
the way it's run, just because you don't
have to be concerned
about the expense of rent...
Three-year lease, free of charge,
is like a super gift.
One of you can be Jonny Cota's neighbor.
- [Jeremy chuckles]
- Andrea, let's talk to you first.
Okay.
Hola. I wanted to do a museum
experience.
A fashion exhibition.
I call it the Legendary Collection.
So, it's very important that you play with
the sense of the persons,
because you need also the smell,
you need the lighting.
Every element counts.
I really loved what you did today.
Your pieces shine,
and your pieces cut through the noise.
It really looked like a real store,
because you had all
the accessories there,
because you had the mirror with
the hashtag on it.
The shoes... it kind of really paints
a whole picture of
who you are, what your brand is all about.
It's not only sell clothes,
it's also the experience
you give to the people.
You have to make them feel that they're
a part of a movement.
You had, like you said, a full experience,
and I loved that.
And what I really enjoyed is,
you had your garments laid out in a way
that showed me how to wear your items.
The store is so fully realized,
it really showed
just, really, how much you obviously had
put into your career so far.
Kudos to you.
Thank you so much.
I am...
So I'm ready to go to the next level.
I want to leave a legacy,
worldwide.
I have it in my gut that
I can do big things,
because I'm Latin and I have maybe
another audience that they don't have.
I have big projects for my future
and I want to do it through your lens.
Thank you, Andrea.
I have two amazing designers
to compete with,
but I have everything to be
a successful brand.
I have a story of success.
So, definitely, I should be in the finale,
but I know the competition is tough.
Gary.
- Hi, Gary.
- Hi, Heidi.
Hi, Jeremy. Hi, Winnie.
[Winnie] Hi, Gary.
So, this concept store really is
a physical manifestation
of everything I've been talking about,
a narrative machine,
and what I would like
the customer to come into
is a world of storytelling and interaction
and process and visual imagery,
and I truly believe that what I'm doing
can reshape the retail experience.
And what I was trying to do
with the new pieces
was really show how the prints can
translate to accessible pieces.
I loved going into your world.
It was really exciting to see it as
a physical manifestation.
We kind of hear these stories, and I...
am enthralled hearing you talk about
how you want to reshape retail.
That's a bold idea.
And, you know,
change only happens with a bold idea.
I wanted to see something showing
me that you could
evolve into a little bit more
modern style,
something that would speak to
me personally...
- [Gary] Yeah.
- ...as being 26.
It is every part of my intention to speak
to a younger audience,
because they are the future.
And it's also part of my intention to
create a company
where young designers can come and work
and be creative and experimental.
Your fabrics sing to me.
That is what, for me,
cuts through the noise.
The store was just maybe not as
exciting as the others.
Why I'm here is because I think people
really need to understand
how clothing exists
and how it comes to life.
You want that story that
you're trying to tell
to come out in the garments,
and not just words on the wall.
- Yeah, absolutely.
- Some people won't want to read that.
I really believe that this collection
will really show
what I'm about as a designer.
Also, I don't want to make another
luxury retail store,
and I think the further I go,
I'll be able to really define this idea
and show you more clearly.
Thank you, Gary.
I definitely deserve to continue in
the competition,
because I'm offering something
very different from the other
designers in terms of
really trying to push retail forward.
But I wish I just felt better about
the concept store.
Alright, Andrea.
Concept store first, I really wanted
to create an actual concept.
Like, I wanted it to be a step
further than a store
and kind of take you into a place
outside of a store.
I imagined being in New York creating
a really luxurious train station
and a subway car where it feels
very intimate,
but it's so public.
It was so much fun.
It was thought out, it was personal.
I felt like it felt a little more
like a window display--
gorgeous window display,
I'm not trying to knock it--
maybe even if there was literally,
like, a counter,
maybe it would have just given
me that sensation.
But it was fun, you know?
Maybe I'm being too old-school,
wanting you to have a counter.
You know?
I felt like it wasn't quite complete as
a store, but I loved your looks.
They were so cute.
And, again, you had different looks
that weren't always a repeat
of what we've seen.
Your clothes, to me, seem the most
polished, going into all the stores.
Just the variety of, like,
street all the way to gown.
You know? There is something
there for everyone.
Apart from that, there was no cash
register, but in terms of, like,
the pieces itself,
I'm just really impressed how good
everything looked
and how ready everything looks.
I've navigated this entire competition
with consistency.
I've showed up as excellent as I could on
every assignment.
I've grown through every assignment.
I've paid attention. I've listened.
I've fought competitively.
I came to win.
And what do you think sets your brand
apart from the other two?
My brand is not just about the fashion.
Like, my purpose is in
the service as well.
I want to make sure that women
feel recognized.
Like, I want to show that there is
community in fashion and that there--
fashion is always, like, displayed as,
like, this catty and negative thing,
like, it's pretty to look at,
but, like, it can also
be pretty to experience.
Like, I want to show all of the pretty
that I have inside of me.
I want to show it in the form of fashion.
- Thank you, Andrea.
- Thank you.
I work really hard, and I've been really
intentional about the way
that I've competed,
and I've shown the judges a level
of consistency
that I don't think anyone else has shown.
[sighs] Designers, two will be moving
forward to the final assignment,
but, unfortunately,
one of you will not be making the cut.
You all did really well,
so this is going to be difficult,
and I think we need a minute.
[Andrea P.]
...like drinks on this break?
Yeah, I need a drink.
[Andrea P. laughs]
I mean, what are we going to do?
How are we going to narrow
this down from three to two?
I literally can't... I don't know.
Andrea, with her shop today...
[Tim] It was fabulous.
She's a businesswoman in front of us,
pitching herself, oh, selling her story.
- [Heidi] I loved that about her.
- Global domination.
- [Heidi] She wants it bad.
- Oh, she wants it bad, like...
But I admire that about her,
that she's not afraid.
She's like, "This is my time right now."
She deserves a spot.
What I love about Andrea is we've seen so
much evolution with her designs.
[Heidi] Her clothes, to me, as a range,
look the most complete.
Here we have Gary. I mean,
you guys love Gary.
[Tim] Yeah.
I-- you know,
I hated having to tell him that,
but, you know, for me,
it was very old-fashioned.
[Tim] He needed to hear it, Heidi.
- I'm going to fight for Gary on this one.
- Oh, good.
Because, of the three,
he, to me, is the one that has
the most unique vision.
And if you want to be a global superbrand,
you have to have a vision that's unique.
I feel like his cuts above the other two,
in that respect.
I've never seen three designers
so neck-and-neck.
- I know.
- I just haven't.
Yeah.
So, what are we going to do?
- Well...
- Makes me feel sick.
Designers, you can come back in.
This was a very tough decision.
There's one million dollars on
the line here.
We did not all agree...
...but we made the decision
that we had to make.
Andrea...
Congratulations, you are today's winner.
Yay!
Thank you.
That also means that one
or more of your looks
will be immediately available in
the Making the Cut store on Amazon.
So happy. Can't believe it.
You will be moving forward to
the final assignment.
Thank you so much.
Finally, I won.
It's my first time.
I was waiting for this moment.
I can breathe now.
Oh, my God. I'm going to be in
the finale. I can't believe it.
I earned it! [laughs]
Before I say anything else,
I want both of you to know
that you are very talented.
You've done really well here,
both of you, from day one.
Andrea...
You're making the cut,
and you are moving forward to
the final assignment.
Congratulations.
The goal was to come here
and make it to the finale.
Like, that was the goal,
so, yes, I'm excited!
I can't wait to show everybody,
like, a full collection.
I cried my way through the last
couple assignments.
It took a lot of work to get here,
so I'm thrilled.
Gary...
You're also making the cut.
You all have shown such distinct
personalities,
determination, passion,
it just wouldn't be fair if we didn't see
all of your collections.
Now, all three of your final collections
will help us determine
who really has what it takes to become
the next great global brand.
Congratulations, Gary.
Have fun in your final assignment.
Thank you.
How do you feel, Gary?
[all yelling and cheering]
[Heidi] Oh, yes! Yes!
Yes!
[laughter]
[♪ vocalist singing]
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