Fashion Star (season 1)
The first season of Fashion Star, appeared on NBC beginning on March 13, 2012 with 14 designers competing to become a "Fashion Star". The season was presented by Elle Macpherson. Celebrity mentors were Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and John Varvatos. The buyers were Caprice Willard for Macy's, Terron Schaefer for Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nicole M. Christie for H&M. Designers. Source: Episodes. Episode 1: Pilot. "Original Airdate:" March 13, 2012 In their first challenge, the designers will be asked to design and create their signature items. After an exhilarating trip down the runway, the retailers  will make on-the-spot decisions as they vie for the right to purchase and exclusively carry the work of the up-and-coming designers each week. Episode 2: Who's Your Customer. "Original Airdate": March 20, 2012 The clothiers hear the demands and needs of their customers. They are given a retail space and then must decide whether to showcase their customers' favorite pieces or go with their own choice of designs. Episode 3: Here Comes Summer. "Original Airdate": March 27, 2012 The remaining 12 designers look into the future to create a summer trend for their brand. First  the designers meet with trend reporters from Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue to learn the fashion summer forecast. For the challenge, the designers must create a look that incorporates the summer trends. Some will win big, while others will miss the mark and leave the mentors wondering who they are as a designer. The winning creations will be available online immediately and in stores the following day. Episode 4: High-End Appeal/Mass Market Appeal. "Original Airdate": April 3, 2012 The designers present two variations on a look: high-end couture and mass market. Episode 5: Living Department  Store Window. "Original Airdate": April 10, 2012 The designers are faced with the challenge of using live models in a blank window space to feature their collections. The window will come to life on the "Fashion Star" stage. The designers who do not get bids from the retailers will find themselves on the brink of elimination. Episode 6: Out of the Box. "Original Airdate": April 17, 2012 The remaining designers are challenged to expand their brands by creating clothes outside of their comfort zones. A women's designer struggles with how to properly construct a men's garment. Meanwhile, one  of the designers adds a sexy edge to his collection. In a twist, the mentors and buyers will not know whose designs they are watching as they bid on their favorite pieces. Episode 7: Mentor's Choice. "Original Airdate": April 24, 2012 The remaining designers are paired off with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos. This episode the mentors must decide what each designer will create. Episode 8: What's Your Campaign? "Original Airdate:" May 1, 2012 The designers are tasked with creating a brand campaign for their collections. Celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John  Varvatos work directly with the designers to provide insight into what makes a successful imaging campaign. Episode 9: Buyer's Choice. "Original Airdate:" May 8, 2012 In one of the biggest challenges of the competition, the buyer from Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue ask the designers to create a piece for their store that they believe is missing from each of the designers' collections. In a twist, it is discovered that receiving a purchase from the retailers does not necessarily ensure the designers' safety from elimination. In the end, three designers who fail to impress the retailers will  be sent home. Episode 10: Finale. "Original Airdate:" May 15, 2012 The remaining three contestants are tasked with creating separate showcases consisting of three garments for each of the retailers. The designer that can meet the needs of Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue will be named America's first "Fashion Star" and receive a capsule collection in each of the stores.