Judging from Episode 507’s guest Judge Rachel Zoe and Heidi Klum’s reactions to Korto’s design, we knew this seatbelt coat appealed to stylish women who like high-end fashion. What we didn’t know was that this nifty little coat would  be a huge hit with the fans too, and would lead  the auction with the highest bid (beating Leanne’s winning design by more than twice the amount).

The current bid on Korto’s coat is an astonishing $1,001.10.  This number is so high, that some people are even speculating that either Ms. Zoe  or Heidi might be bidding. ( We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything!) We loved the looks from this offbeat challenge and think that any of these pieces would be a great  to own.

So don’t miss your chance to take home a piece of the runway. Bid now- and send us your best guess on what you think the final bid will be!

In honor of the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Olympics this Friday, the designers were challenged to create a warmup look for the Olympian’s version of the red carpet. Korto won with her sleek white warmups. The judges thought her high-waisted pants and mini vest had what it took to make the cut. If you thought another designer should have won the gold, don’t worry because you can always bid on your favorite Olympic look in our Episode 504 Auction. And make sure you watch the 2008 Olympics starting this Friday!

And, stay tuned for a closer look at this week’s designs tomorrow… we have them all in the office right now!

After handicapping tonight’s epsiode around the office, our coworkers were surprised with Kenley’s win. But her look was definitely daring and unique … though we must admit that we thought Leanne’s cute separates would be the one to beat. Can’t decide which one you like the best? No worries - you can buy all the designs in our Episode 503 Auction - which has just begun! Happy bidding…

On The Cutting Room Floor…

I am always amazed during the audition process how, with all the talented applicants, Tim Gunn and the other judges are able to whittle down the designers each season to a mere 15 or 16 candidates. This year is no exception. I must say that as I watched the runway hopefuls, I was overwhelmed by the amount of talent and creativity each designer had.

Many of the hopefuls including Andres and Mitzi discussed how they knew at a young age they wanted to be designers. Mitzi even explains how she hated dolls, but loved Barbie and Ken and making outfits for them. All of which goes to show that a lot of our early interests play a big part in our career choices. I can still remember playing “job” with my sister where we worked at what I now I believe was a publishing company. I was an author and she was my illustrator. Twenty-two years later, here I am: an editor and a blogger.

It was also amazing to see designers in their home studios and learn about their local clientele. You can definitely see a shift in the more laid back Bohemian vibe of some of the looks from Grant and Judy, Scotha and Beth from San Francisco, to the more dressed up looks of Kristina from Chicago.

Keep these names in your mental Rolodex, because you never know when one of these hopefuls will sew their way to the top! Watch the videos now and decide for yourself whether each hopeful should have been voted in or out!