“I’m so close I can smell it,” Korto says, and she isn’t talking about Kenley’s attitude. There are only five designers left, and Bryant Park is within reach for three of them. Problem is there are eight models and three have to go. Jerell won the prior challenge so he is first up and chooses to keep his model, Nicole. Button Bag helps Kenley choose next. She changes models, choosing Tipacio. Leanne also changes models, to Karalyn’s surprise. Leanne chooses Tia. Kenley has chosen Joe’s model, so no harm, no foul. But Leanne has swiped Suede’s. Tia looks none too happy about the change, and Suede vlogs that he will have to “kill Leanne.” See, told ya Leanne wasn’t as sweet as she seemed. Suede uses the third person to choose a new model, Xaviera. Korto chooses Katrina, which means models Polina, Karalyn, and Germaine go home. Karalyn looks near tears. Again, the models were not even in the last runway show, so it seems a bit unfair. Oh well. Onward.

Another establishing shot of New York City, which apparently means a city bus and that newsstand with that same Elle cover. At Parsons, Tim is waiting. He tells the designers this time they will design for each other. Button bag appears in Tim’s hands. Suede will design for Jerell. Well, Jerell is an ex-model so there may be a small advantage there. Suede rejoices in third person. Kenley will design for Leanne. Korto will design for Suede. Jerell will design for Kenley. Leanne will design for Korto. Tim tells them the added parameter: they must each design a look inspired “by a specific musical genre.” Too bad Stella Barbarella, Miss Rock & Roll, isn’t here for this, but then again, I’ve heard enough grommet pounding for a long while.

But wait — they can’t choose their own genres. Button bag is getting quite a workout this episode. The genre pulled will be what the person wears, not what they design. Kenley’s genre is pop music. Suede’s genre is punk. Korto’s genre is country. Leanne will wear something hip hop. Jerell is rock and roll. Jerell is the only one happy with the assigned genre. The group will have an hour to discuss, $150 at Mood and until 1 AM the next morning to finish their work. As the designers confer it isn’t clear who is the designer and who the client. Technically, they are all both. Painfully, Leanne, who will be wearing a hip hop outfit designed by Kenley, decides to rap about it. Jerell asks Suede for a cape. He plans to design for “Kenley Spears.” Korto and Leanne are struggling with a country music-inspired design for Korto. Korto snaps at Kenley who tries interrupting her design time with Leanne.