NBC'S "FASHION STAR" CONTESTENTS COLLABORATE IN PAIRS TO CREATE TWO SEPARATE PIECES FOR ONE COMPLETE LOOK

All Seven Remaining Designers Win Bids on Last Friday's Episode as Commitments from Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Express Reach $775,000 Sell-Outs Since Last Friday's Show Include Hunter Bell's Short Sleeve Tie Front Caftan Dresses at Macy's, JesseRay Vasquez and Garrett Gerson's Hi-Low Empire Dresses at Macy's, Johana Hernandez's Strapless Jumpsuits at Express -- and Both Cassandra Hobbins' Halter Maxi Dress and Geo Tunic in Warm Stone at Express

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - April 8, 2013 - In the fifth episode of NBC's reality competition show "Fashion Star" on Friday, April 5 (8 - 9 p.m. ET), the contestants were challenged to work in unexpected pairs with teammates to develop separate pieces that form one cohesive look. All seven designers were purchased by the retailers with a total commitment of $775,000 -- however in a competitive twist, only the pair with the highest total sales was given immunity and everyone else was up for elimination.

Sell-outs for this past week include the third episode's Geo Tunic in warm stone at Express (from designer Cassandra Hobbins), along with the fourth episode's Short Sleeve Tie Front Caftan Dress at Macy's (from designer Hunter Bell), the Hi-Low Empire Dress at Macy's (from designers JesseRay Vasquez and Garrett Gerson), the Strapless Jumpsuit in bisque, black and printed variations at Express (from designer Johana Hernandez) and the Halter Maxi Dress at Express (from designer Cassandra Hobbins).

This week, the intensity continued to build as the designers worked in pairs to create unique yet marketable separates. Glamour magazine's Fashion Development Director Susan Cernak visited the Design Studio to lend advice and insight to the contestants. While some teams were able to overcome their differences and accentuate each other's strengths, others struggled to work together and still remain true to their own individual style. Contestants Daniel Silverstein and Hernandez won immunity with their combined bid of $355,000. The remaining designers were up for elimination and Brandon Scott was sent home.

The purchases made on the fifth episode were as follows:

MACY'S
www.macys.com/fashionstar
JesseRay Vasquez's and Garrett Gerson's Mixed Media Polo was purchased in black, ivory and navy versions, and will retail for $59.00.
Cassandra Hobbins' Menswear Suit Blazer was purchased in bronze, grey and navy versions, and will retail for $99.00.
Brandon Scott's Menswear Suit Pants were purchased in bronze, grey and navy versions, and will retail for $59.00.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
www.saksfifthavenue.com/fashionstar
Amber Perley's blouse was purchased in both white lace and stripped versions, and will retail for $280.00 and $265.00, respectively.
Daniel Silverstein's Short Sleeve Top was purchased in both sequined and white/black versions, and will retail for $198.00.
Johana Hernandez 's pencil skirt was purchased in both sequined and black knit/leather versions, and will retail for $220.00 and $175.00, respectively.

EXPRESS
www.express.com/fashionstar
Hunter Bell's Snap Pencil Skirt was purchased in both black and orange versions, and will retail for $49.90.
Silvia Arguello's Soft Modern Pant was purchased in both black and bright orange, and will retail for $69.90.

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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