Macy's Picks Local Designer on “Fashion Star”

Barbara Bates' designs chosen on show, available at Macy's

Chicago designer Barbara Bates has managed to avoid elimination every week on the NBC's "Fashion Star," but on Tuesday night's episode was extra special, as her designs were picked up by Macy's.

Macy's buyer Caprice Willard selected Bates as the lucky designer to have her merchandise sold exclusively online and at Marcy's Herald Square store in New York.

Bates' sleeveless printed halter shirt dress ($99) and sleeveless hooded halter dress (tan) were chosen by Macy's, automatically saving the designer from elimination this week. (View and purchase designs here)

The series, hosted by model Elle Macpherson and featuring celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos, gives 14 unknown designers a chance to launch their collections at Macy's, H&M or Saks Fifth Avenue.

Bates has been designing in Chicago for 25 years and owns a boutique in the South Loop.

"Fashion Star" airs at Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC.

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