Okay, when Nina started out the season by blogging that they wanted the designers to express who they were with fabrics instead of food, I understood where she was coming from. I get that the show is trying to be to fashion what 'American Idol' is to the music industry as far as successful post-show contestants, but three weeks later, I can feel my jaw dropping into a yawn. The guest judges have been amazing -- S. Jess, what took you so long to shrug and giggle behind a judges' card at Michael Kors' pithy quips? And speaking of quips, the gavel gang is sharper than ever. Heidi's "pooing fabric" comment was classic. But the designs have been so safe.

Even though the collar on Sweet P's shirt was crazy and Carmen's look was better suited to Dirk Digler -- thank you, Michael for the 'Boogie Nights' reference -- at least some forward-thinking design peeked through, albeit accidentally.

Note to the PR Powers that Be: Mix it up, quick! Sure we want fabulously wearable fashion, and finding out a hot football star is self-conscious about his butt is priceless for so many different reasons, but in the inimitable words of Britney Spears -- Gimme More. Challenge these designers to create outside the pattern. From their bios we know they're capable of sketching and sewing a saleable look. But we want to get psyched about the next Alexander McQueen, the next Marc Jacobs, the next Donatella Versace. If it takes flowers or food to get us there, then let the projects begin.

Am I the only one who wants to see a model wearing one of the designer's a la carte on her sleeve?

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