Hawaii contestant Ivy Higa was "auffed" last night from the fashion reality show "Project Runway," but former Honolulu Community College student Andy South made a strong showing, finishing in the top three.

The challenge for designers in Episode 9 was to create a high-fashion runway look to be used in a L’Oreal advertorial in Marie Claire magazine. The designs had to take their inspiration from L’Oreal’s Studio Secret eyeshadow duos and their various finishes: bright, metallic, matte and crystal.

Designers were surprised by a second task to whip up a ready-to-wear design in the same vein.

Higa, originally from Kailua-Kona but now living in New York City, had been struggling in recent episodes of the popular cable program, and her electric blue gown and dress failed to impress the judges.

For a complete episode recap and photos, read Nadine Kam’s Fashion Tribe

blog at http://blogs.starbulletin.com/fashiontribe.