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.

Designers
The 13 contestants in Season 13 were:

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.


 * 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)