Season 13

***Top Designer Season 13*** is the thirteenth season of the television show *Top Designer*, appearing on Lifetime. The season began airing on February 11, 2016 with 13 designers competing to become "the next great American designer."

Returning as judges are supermodel Karolina Kurkova, fashion designer, Alexander Wang. Anne Slowey was replaced with Marie Claire creative director, Nina Garcia. Tim Gunn returned as a mentor to the aspiring designers.

Aldo was the exclusive retail sponsor for Top Designer's 13th season and has merchandised the accessory wall with an assortment of products.

This season introduced the "Tim Gunn Save", where Tim Gunn could save an eliminated designer from leaving the competition.

An online vote was held to bring back a designer from the previous season, Season 12, as a *redemption wildcard*. The fans could vote for the designers who hadn't reached fashion. On the first episode of the season, it was revealed that Ashlyn Self had received the most votes, and she would join the competition.

## Episodes

### Episode 1: The Judges Decide

*Original Airdate:* February 11, 2016

For the Episode 1 challenge the 13 designers were given a trunk of six random fabrics and tasked with creating a look that would represent their spring collection if they made it to New York Fashion Week. Each designer was allowed to barter and exchange fabric with the other designers. The winner received immunity.

* **Guest Judge:** Julie Bowen

WINNER: **Roy**
ELIMINATED: **Ashlyn**
### Episode 2: Unconventional Movie Nite

*Original Airdate:* February 18, 2016

The designers visit a local movie theater, then must produce a look from unconventional materials found in the theater and on a movie set. The designers worked in teams of 3 to create a cohesive mini-collection.

 Blue
 Purple
 Green

* **Guest Judge:** Garance Doré

WINNER: **Cathy**
ELIMINATED: **Jason**
### Episode 3: Welcome to the Future

*Original Airdate:* February 25, 2016

The designers use their past memories to create a look for the future and can be photographed in Marie Claire Magazine in the next 20 years.

* **Guest Judge:** Anne Fulenwider & Amanda de Cadenet

WINNER: **Roy**
ELIMINATED: **Coleman**
### Episode 4: A Suitable Twist

*Original Airdate:* March 3, 2016

This was the Red Robin Challenge. The designers must revamp men's vintage suits to create looks for the modern woman. Since Roy won the last challenge, he got to choose his suit first. Then he got to choose every suit for every person.

* **Guest Judge:** Bethany Mota

WINNER: **Donita**
ELIMINATED: **Bryce**
### Episode 5: The Kurkova Challenge

*Original Airdate:* March 3, 2016

The designers fashion a look for host Karolina Kurkova to wear to the Emmys. Helaine decided to withdraw from the competition and Bryce returned to take her spot.

* **Guest Judge:** Lindsey Vonn

WITHDREW: **Helaine**
WINNER: **Cathy**
ELIMINATED: **No One**(Cathy was originally eliminated, but was saved by Tim Gunn.)
### Episode 6: Rock The Wedding

*Original Airdate:* March 10, 2016

The designers working in pairs to create unconventional wedding dresses and reception looks.

* **Guest Judge:** Dita Von Teese & Chiara Ferragni

WINNER: **Louise**
ELIMINATED: **Donita**
### Episode 7: Priceless Runway

*Original Airdate:* March 17, 2016

Pieces of Chopard jewelry inspire looks.

* **Guest Judge:** Caroline Scheufele

WINNER: **Cathy**
ELIMINATED: **Bryce**
### Episode 8: The Rainway

*Original Airdate:* March 24, 2016

The designers create avant-garde styles that must stand up to the elements, particularly rain.

* **Guest Judge:** Caitlin Fitzgerald

WINNER: **Roy**
ELIMINATED: **Sheena**
### Episode 9: Muse on the Street

*Original Airdate:* March 31, 2016

The clothiers seek their muse in the form of a complete stranger found on the streets of New York City. Here, they must convince the muses to undergo makeovers while creating looks for them.

* **Guest Judge:** Asha Leo & Michelle Monaghan

WINNER: **Danilo**
ELIMINATED: **Louise**
### Episode 10: Who's In & Who's Out

*Original Airdate:* April 7, 2016

The competition heats up when a challenge determines which contestants will go to Fashion Week. Dual challenges include a street-inspired look and refashioning a losing look from previous weeks. Included: Eliminated designers return to the workroom.

* **Guest Judge:** Shay Mitchell

WINNER: **Cathy**
ELIMINATED: **Christal**
### Episode 11: Finale, Part 1

*Original Airdate:* April 14, 2016

In Part 1 of the two-part Season 13 finale, the designers head to Rome with Tim Gunn for inspiration and to shop for fabric.

* **Guest Judge:** None

ADVANCED: **Danilo**, **Cathy**, **Roy**
ELIMINATED: **April**
### Episode 12: Finale, Part 2

*Original Airdate:* April 21, 2016

In the conclusion of the two-part Season 13 finale, the still-standing designers present their collections at New York Fashion Week, after which the winner is named.

* **Guest Judge:** Emmy Rossum

WINNER: **Danilo**
ELIMINATED: **Roy** (Runner-Up) and **Cathy** (2nd Runner-Up)