THE REMAINING CONTESTANTS DESIGNED "HIS AND HERS" COMPLEMENTING GARMENTS AND FOUR DESIGNERS WON PURCHASES ON FRIDAY'S EPISODE OF "FASHION STAR"

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - April 29, 2013 - In the eighth episode of NBC's competition show "Fashion Star" (from Friday, April 26, 8 - 9 p.m. ET), the remaining six contestants were presented with a challenge to create a design and alter it to complement both a man and a woman. Designers Silvia Arguello, Cassandra Hobbins, Daniel Silverstein and JesseRay Vasquez and Garrett Gerson all won purchases from the retailers. Designer Hunter Bell was not purchased this week.

This week's challenge presented obstacles to the designers who were pushed way outside their comfort zones. In developing their complementing "his and hers" designs, the two pieces were to reflect each other yet differ in fit and style to accommodate both genders. Emotions ran high and nearly every contestant was brought to tears as the fashion show approached. Despite scoring a purchase from Saks Fifth Avenue for her sheer top, designer Silvia Arguello was sent home.

The purchases made in the eighth episode were as follows:

MACY'S
(www.macys.com/fashionstar)
JesseRay Vasquez and Garrett Gerson's Sleeveless Shirtdresss was purchased in both chambray and red geo print versions, and will retail for $99.
Cassandra Hobbins Ankle Zip Pant was purchased in both bark and blue versions, and will retail for $79.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
(www.saksfifthavenue.com/fashionstar)
Sylvia Arguello's Sheer Top was purchased, and will retail for $265.

EXPRESS
(www.express.com/fashionstar)
Daniel Silverstein's Denim Romper and Men's Denim Jacket were purchased, and will retail for $69.90 and $88, respectively.
Cassandra Hobbins' Men's Plaid Pant was purchased, 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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