Expert Panel: SNOB Style’s Erika Stanley on Bravo’s The Fashion Show

Today, SeenON! caught up with the oh so adorable Erika Stanley of SNOB Style to dish about  our favorite looks from The Fashion Show. But, as you know, it’s not all sugar and spice with this girl - she’s not afraid to tell it like it is! Read on as expert stylist Erika Stanley tells us what really should have been in the cards for this week’s episode.

SO!: Do you think Merlin’s fate would have changed had he drawn a different tarot card? Do you think the meaning  behind his tarot card weighed into the judges’ decision?

ES: I don’t like Merlin, but I thought his interpretation of his card was really smart. His silhouette is perfect for someone who travels a lot – I can’t believe it even had a passport pocket! If he had drawn a different card, I think there would be a different story. And, yes, I think it’s really interesting that one of the two desingers that chose the “traveling” card left. 

SO!: Merlin scolded some of the other designers for playing it too safe in their designs. Do you think they played it too safe or is Merlin too extreme?

ES: I completely disagree with Merlin. Anna created a piece that’s my favorite so far this season and it was anything but safe. Reco could have done a typical suit, but he went with something so much more interesting. What I do think the designers need to find is a balance between making their pieces sellable and wearable. Fern brought up this point last night when critiquing James Paul - he has a creative mind, but he needs to find that balance. He needs to think about the bigger picture and scale his ideas back. I think they’re keeping him because he’s original and they want to see what he can do.

SO!: The judges seemed to like the color scheme and concept of Merlin’s garment, but were overwhelmed with the functionality and “busy-ness.” How do you think Merlin could have successfully edited his design to stay in the competition?

ES: Merlin could have scaled back with the belt. I though his sweats had a great color concept, but he needs to simplify the design. Merlin should have let one piece do the talking (like that amazing coat) and let the other pieces complement it. I feel like the different parts of the ensemble were having a loud conversation instead of letting one piece speak.

SO!: Johnny drew the same card as Merlin. Do you think he’s next to go home?

ES: Nope, I think James Paul is next. You don’t have to go home, but you have to get the heck out of here, James Paul! He’s really young and not quite getting it that he has to listen. He’s so stuck on the draping – I couldn’t believe that in his homage to Pucci last week, he was draping! It’s like, “What are you doing?! Stop with the draping!!!”

SO!: Do you agree with the top two designers and the bottom two?

ES: Well, I completely agree with the winners. That cup dress Anna made was stupid sick!!! It’s by far my favorite piece yet. It’s something you can definitely wear to a garden party. However, I thought Daniella’s ensemble was hideous! She really should have been on the chopping block with James Paul. Daniellla bothers me so much because she’s overconfident and definitely not as good as Reco. I mean, that comment about the other kids playing with blocks while she was drawing in kindergarten? Give me a break! It’s not like she was doing arithmatic or writing a novel.

Make sure to check out Erika’s all new SNOB Style website here!

Can’t get enough of The Fashion Show? Click here!