Liesel says My biggest fear is running out of ideas It’s probably the biggest fear of most designers honestly I can’t believe that someone as successful as Liesel McKay worries about running out of ideas All of her clothes are so creative and she makes jewelry and accessories on top of that It seems like her creativity is never-ending I have the opposite problem at the moment I tell her The show gives us ideas It’s figuring out what to do with them that’s hard Liesel nods Yeah some of them are really out there But I watched the previous challenges and you’re definitely improving It seems you’re connecting with the work more I nod thinking about what Jake Liesel’s son told me about making a connection I think I have Jake to thank for that I admit I came by your store a few
days ago and that’s the exact advice he gave me Does he know you’re my mentor Liesel laughs Yes It was impossible to keep it a secret from him The producers made him sign papers swearing his life away if he breathed a word I can’t wait until everyone knows everything I tell Liesel I hate not being able to talk with Alex about the challenges She’s my best friend from back home Not being able to tell her what’s going on is torture I think I have something that what will put you in a better mood Liesel says with a secretive grin When she smiles she has a dimple in her cheek just like Jake When I spot a giant sculpture of a needle threading a button I suddenly realize where we are the Garment District It’s been on my list of must sees since I first watched Design Diva High-profile
designers walk these streets every day I bet Liesel knew coming here would provide the inspiration I need In minutes we’re standing in front of the fabric store to end all fabric stores Liesel certainly meant it what she said about having something to put me in a better mood The sign in the window says it all Mood Designer Fabrics I can’t believe I’m actually here I gaze at the building imagining shelf after shelf of amazing fabric inside I whip out my phone snap a photo of the store and send it to Alex That’s not breaking the rules After all I could be here on my own no matter what was happening in the competition Shall we Liesel says She holds the door open for me and I follow her into the elevator Mood the elevator operator says knowingly Liesel nods and he pushes the button for the third
floor Minutes later the doors whoosh open and I’m transported to heaven There are rows and rows of fabric in every type of material print and color imaginable Mannequins wearing designs are positioned around the store and there are buttons accessories and thread everywhere It’s like I’m in a design sanctuary I don’t know which direction to go first Liesel seems to sense how overwhelmed I am I could so easily go bankrupt in here she says Promise me you won’t let me spend more than a hundred dollars today I’ll try I say It’s a good thing we’re not allowed to use our own materials for challenges or I’d be working off my debt for the rest of my life Today I’ll just browse Follow me says Liesel And pay attention to
