NBC's "FASHION STAR" CHALLENGES THE DESIGNERS TO CREATE SOMETHING FOR ALL SIZES AS Six Designers are Purchased From Last Friday Night's Show

Purchases from Retailers Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Express Totaled $440,000

Demand Continues with Previous Episodes' Convertible Men's Hoodie Jacket in Gray at Macy's and the Sheer Maxi Dress in Snakeskin at Express Selling Out This Week

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - March 25, 2013 - In the third episode of NBC's reality competition show "Fashion Star" from Friday, March 22 (8 - 9 p.m. ET), the contestants were asked to create garments that work equally well for any body type. While some designers appeared to struggle with that challenge, others developed designs that hit the mark with the retailers. As a result, six designs were purchased by the retailers, which pledged a total of $440,000.

Online demand for the fashions continues. The first episode's Convertible Men's Hoodie Jacket in gray at Macy's (from designer Brandon Scott) and the Sheer Maxi Dress in snakeskin at Express (from designer Johana Hernandez) have now sold out.

This week, designers worked with two different sized models across the size spectrum to create a piece that would work equally well for both figures. Mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos were hands-on with their team members, going shopping for fabric and providing insight on color, fit and finishes. Designer Silvia Arguello earned kudos from Macy's buyer Caprice Willard for her Coatdress, and Amber Perley won a buy from Saks with her Lace Sheath Dress. Meanwhile, Hunter Bell and Cassandra Hobbins received buys from Erika DeSalvatore at Express for their creations.

Designer David Appel was among the designers who did not receive bids and was sent home.

The purchases made on the third episode were as follows:

MACY'S
(www.macys.com/fashionstar)
Silvia Arguello's Short Sleeve A-Line Coatdress and Shift Dress were purchased in black, and will retail for $99.00 and $119.00.
Brandon Scott's Long Sleeve Colorblocked Chambray Men's Shirt was purchased in gray, and will retail for $69.00 and $79.00.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
(www.saksfifthavenue.com/fashionstar)
Amber Perley's Lace Sheath Dress was purchased in coral, and will retail for $240.00.
JesseRay Vasquez and Garrett Gerson's Colorblock Short Dress was purchased in blue/black, and will retail for $240.00.

EXPRESS
(www.express.com/fashionstar)
Hunter Bell's Peplum Dress was purchased in leopard print, and will retail for $78.00
Cassandra Hobbins' Geo Tunic was purchased in soft ivory, warm stone and cayman blue, and will retail for $39.90.

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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