S02E08 - Work Horses And Show Ponies

After getting the go-ahead from Kelly, Whitney and Roxy fly down to Miami to get everything ready for the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion show. Whitney quickly sizes up the competition (one of the other designers worked at Vogue!), but Roxy refuses to feel intimidated. "You worked at Teen Vogue!" she points out, reassuringly. Although Whit warns this could be "competitive," Roxy encourages her friend to embrace the challenge. This is a chance to separate ourselves from Kelly, she tells Whitney. But are they ready to step out on their own? Back in New York, Joe Zee gives Olivia one last opportunity to prove herself to the magazine. Her mission? Score an exclusive interview with Zac Posen at the premiere party of his new Target collection. Olivia promises to get the goods this time (after all, she and Zac are friends!) but not before Joe reminds her what's at stake: "You gotta deliver if you wanna keep your job," he warns. Otherwise, Louise Roe (Erin's impressive new find) is ready to "take your place." Over in Miami, Whitney and Roxy (and the other Gen Art designers) gather at the Catalina Hotel for a model casting. After a quick meeting with the event producers, it's time to pick models for the Unveiled cocktail party the following night. Whitney chooses Erica, a pretty brunette, to represent her line, but then spies another designer trying to move in on her model! Whit and Roxy immediately jump into action, staking their claim on Erica -- and telling the designer, Romina, she'd better find someone else. Looks like these girls can take care of themselves! Later that night, Olivia, Joe and Erin attend the Zac Posen Target Collection Party at the New Yorker Hotel. While Joe stresses about the interview, Olivia mingles with the crowd, posing for photographers and socializing with fellow guests. Fortunately, she knows how to mix business with pleasure. Before the end of the night, Olivia pulls Zac aside for a quick on-camera chat. Delighted, Joe showers Olivia with praise, telling her "this is why I hired you!" Back in Florida, Whitney and Roxy head to Koko & Palenki, a chic Miami boutique that's sponsoring the Gen Art show. After a quick look around the store, Roxy and Whitney tell the staffers they think Whitney Eve would be a perfect fit! Impressed by what they hear, Pamela (the owner) and Shari (the stylist) agree to check out Whitney's clothes that night at the cocktail party. ("Nailed it!" Roxy whispers on her way out.) Meanwhile at ELLE, Erin is watching a tape of Olivia's Zac Posen interview with ELLE's editor-in-chief, Robbie Myers, and editorial director Keith Pollock. Unlike Joe, Robbie's not exactly blown away by Olivia's on-camera presence, hinting it's all flash, no substance. (There are two kinds of people in business, she tells her staffers. "Work horses and show ponies.") Erin then shows Louise's interview tape from the Badgley Mischka show ("She's great," Keith admits) and asks whether Louise might have a future at ELLE.com. Robbie tells her it's ultimately up to Joe -- "I trust Joe," she says. "I stand behind him." That night, Whitney and Roxy join the other designers at the Shore Club for the Unite Unveiled Party. Pamela and Shari are there, as promised, but another designer (Romina!) is competing for their attention. Once again, Whit takes charge, walking over to greet the ladies (and offering to put them in touch with her showroom). Watch out, Romina -- Whitney's not going down without a fight! The next night, Whit and Roxy arrive backstage for the Gen Art Fresh Faces show -- and find everything in complete chaos. Missing models, clueless event planners ... what would Kelly do?? Fortunately, Roxy and Whit scramble to get everything ready -- and, somehow, the show goes off without a hitch. In the audience, K&J reps Pamela and Shari are very impressed -- by Whitney AND Romina's lines. Back in New York, Louise Roe swings by Erin's desk at ELLE after a chat with EIC Robbie Myers. Erin's thrilled (but not surprised) to learn Louise and Robbie hit it off -- but her happy reverie is interrupted by Olivia, who cuts in to introduce herself. To Erin's surprise, the girls immediately get along -- Olivia turns on the charm, offering to show Louise around and even agreeing to meet her for lunch. (You know what they say -- keep your friends close ... and your competition closer!) Over in Miami, Whitney watches the K&P staffers congratulate Romina -- and decides to march over and join the conversation. Pamela and Shari admit they liked both lines -- but, in the end, they decide to purchase some looks from Whitney Eve! Congratulations, girls! Kelly Cutrone couldn't have planned it better herself.