NBC'S "FASHION STAR" TURNS UP THE HEAT TO SHOWCASE MUST-HAVE SUMMER GARMENTS

Six Designers Win Bids on Last Friday's Episode - As Commitments from Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Express Total $470,000

Sell-Outs Since Last Friday Include Silvia Arguello's Short Sleeve A-Line Coatdress at Macy's, Daniel Silverstein's Bodycon Mesh Cutout Dress in Black/Nude at Macy's and Cassandra Hobbins' Geo Tunic in Soft Ivory and Cayman Blue at Express

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - April 1, 2013 - In the fourth episode of NBC's reality competition show "Fashion Star" from Friday, March 29 (8 - 9 p.m. ET), the contestants were tasked with creating a "must-have" garment for summer. While some teams worked well together, others found it challenging to agree on a cohesive look. Six designs were purchased by the retailers for a total of $470,000.

Sell-outs for this past week include the second episode's Bodycon Mesh Cutout Dress in Black/Nude at Macy's (from designer Daniel Silverstein), along with the third episode's Short Sleeve A-Line Coatdress at Macy's (from designer Silvia Arguello) and the Geo Tunic in soft ivory and Cayman Blue at Express (from designer Cassandra Hobbins).

This week, designers worked in teams, with each group selecting their own theme from the options of "Pool Party," "Tropical Vacation" and "Summer in the City." Designs included beautiful caftans and rompers as well as flowy summer dresses and shorts. One contestant was glad he heeded his mentor's advice while another contestant veered off course from her group's plans - heading back to the fabric store with a drastic change of plans. Designer David Appel was among the designers who did not receive a bid and was sent home.

The purchases made on the fourth episode were as follows:

MACY'S
(www.macys.com/fashionstar)
Hunter Bell's Short Sleeve Tie Front Caftan Dress was purchased in both solid and printed versions, and will retail for $79.00.
JesseRay Vasquez and Garrett Gerson's Hi-Low Empire Dress was purchased in both printed and colorblocked versions, and will retail for $99.00.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
(www.saksfifthavenue.com/fashionstar)
Silvia Arguello's Smocked Dress was purchased in white, and will retail for $495.00.

EXPRESS
(www.express.com/fashionstar)
Johana Hernandez's Strapless Jumpsuit was purchased in bisque, black and printed versions, and will retail for $98.00.
Brandon Scott's Men's Aztec Printed Short was purchased, and will retail for $59.90.
Cassandra Hobbins' Halter Maxi Dress was purchased in blue & white tie-dye print, and will retail for $118.00.

Hosted by fashion journalist Louise Roe, "Fashion Star" gives 13 young designers the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize of launching their original collections in three of the nation's largest fashion retailers. The "Fashion Star" format was developed by Ben Silverman of Electus (NBC's "The Biggest Loser," "The Office," and "The Tudors") and 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 Elle Macpherson, Ben Silverman of Electus, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth of The Magical Elves, Rick Ringbakk of 5x5 Media, and EJ Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions. Electus International will retain all international distribution rights.

For embeddable clips and full episodes from "Fashion Star," please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/.

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