Oh, thank you so much for helping me with these flyers, Spike.
I am so lucky you just happened to be walking past the boutique.
Yeah…
right…
Just happened to be walking pa-ast.
Whatcha got here?
Lost dog?
Balloons for sale?
Guitar lessons?
'Сause I found one. I need some.
And yes, I am interested!
No-ho-ho-ho-ho-how.
It's a call for submissions:
fashion contest I am organizing
a showcase for aspiring young designers.
Oh, wow!
What an awesome idea!
Thank you.
I remember how difficult it was to break into the fashion industry when I was starting out.
That's why the winner of the contest will get to debut the line
in the Carousel Boutique.
So selfless…
So generous…
I've also managed to get esteemed fashion critic
Hoity Toity
and iconic fashion photographer Photo Finish
to come to Ponyville and judge the show.
A-and…
Wait until you hear who else will be a judge.
Countess Coloratura?
Sassy Saddles?
Spike?
No-ho-ho-ho-how.
The third judge
for the Carousel Boutique's
couture de future fashion contest
is none other than
Applejack!
What?!
What?
What?!
You already said that, darling.
I know.
But I had to say it again, because that's how confused I am.
You want me to judge a fashion show?
I'm sure Rarity has her reasons.
And once we hear them all of this will make sense.
I admit, Applejack is an unorthodox choice.
But it's precisely what makes her an inspired choice.
See? Now it all…
Still doesn't make any sense.
Hoity Toity has expertise in fabric and stitch work.
Photo Finish has an artistic eye for shapes and colors.
But sometimes we designers forget about practicality.
That's where you come in.
I think I might be a little too practical.
My closet is nothing but twenty versions of this hat.
Which tells me you're a pony who knows what she likes.
Besides, a judge must be honest,
and you are the most honest pony there is.
Ask anypony, they'll tell you.
Let me try.
Excuse me, have you ever heard of Applejack?
The most honest pony there is?
Sure have.
See?
So, what do you say?
Well, if I'm being honest,
I don't think I'm the right pony for the job.
Fashion's just ain't my bag of oats.
I do understand your hesitation,
but before you saying "no"
sleep on it?
Sure…
I guess I can do that for you.
Yeah, I know, Big Mac.
I was just as surprised as you are.
I mean, can you imagine?
Me?
Judging a fashion show?
I'd do it.
It sounds like fun game to see all those pretty outfits.
Well, you are the exception in our family, sugarcube.
You know about that kind of stuff.
I'd be as useful as burning oat on zap-apple tree.
Although…
Rarity did say I just had to focus on practicality.
She already has expert for the…
fashion-y stuff.
But I still wouldn't know what to say.
Come on, Apple Bloom, you're doubling our workload here.
Sorry.
I wanted to wear a signature hat like yours, but…
it's making it hard too see.
That's because it's not like mine.
You don't need a fancy scarf to keep your hat on.
Now you can see.
Wow.
That is a lot better.
Thanks, Applejack.
Sure thing.
You know what?
I am gonna help Rarity judge her show.
I think my sensible everypony-take-on fashion
is exactly what the pony community needs.
Rarity, I thought about it some more,
and if you still need me,
I'd love to be a judge.
I just knew you'd come around.
I, Photo Finish,
have arrived.
As has Hoity Toity.
It's wonderful to see you.
Kiss.
Thank you all so much much for doing this.
We missed you at miss Pommel's debut in Manehattan last week.
Miss Pommel is showing?
I thought she was still making costumes.
You haven't heard?
Everypony who is anypony is talking about it.
Oh, my,
absolutely stunning!
It sure is great to hear miss Pommel is doing so well.
Who is this who speaks?
This is Applejack.
Another one of the judges.
So, judge…
What do you think?
Wow.
That is just… wow!
These are clothes?
The photo is upside down.
This is…
She looks like a disco ball!
Did… did they have to roll her down the runway?
I can't believe anypony would actually wear this!
Am I right?
Oh, my!
I faint!
So funny.
Oh, gosh…
I didn't mean to make her faint.
Oh, don't worry about it, darling,
it happens all the time.
Besides, that dress did look a bit like a disco ball.
Although, miss Pommel is making the point,
that no matter what we wear,
it is a costume of some kind or another.
I have no idea what you are talking about.
And that's okay.
Let's go meet the designers and help them get ready to the show!
Designers, welcome!
Today you will work on your designs,
and we, judges will offer our guidance and advice
as you prepare for tomorrow's big show!
Lily Lace, tell us about your inspiration.
You guys, this morning on my way here I heard a bird singing
literally the most beautiful song I've ever heard.
And I wanna to capture not so much the bird's song, exactly,
but more like how the wind carried the birdsong.
Powerful yet the same time fragile and delicate.
Next up, meet Starstreak!
I'm not interested in what's already being done.
Only what will exist…
in the future!
Tomorrow's fashion belongs to those who hear it coming!
I am Inky Rose.
You have a very focused vision.
A strong sense of what you want, it's good!
Applejack, you've been rather quiet.
What do you think?
Well… it's a lot of black,
it's kinda… depressing.
How's this?
Makes a world of difference.
Maybe to fashion experts like you.
But to ponies like me it's still black.
And I'm not sure how you wear singing birds or the future.
I don't think they liked what I had to say.
Oh well, that's why you here.
Fashion needs a healthy dose of practicality now and then.
Are you putting holes in the clothes
on purpose?
That's to create a distressed look.
More like an old and tattered look.
When a pony's old clothes get holes in them,
they don't wanna go the store and buy new clothes with holes in them.
Okay, yes, not a very practical choice.
Fashionable…
but not practical.
Simply stunning!
Sure, it looks pretty,
but that's a lot of fabric.
With the way it drags behind
it'll be covered in dirt in no time.
Thank goodness I'm here.
Otherwise, we would've had holes in clothes
and dirty dresses.
But of course, no look is complete without mane and make-up.
So… when are you gonna do your mane?
It's already been done
You know what?
I think we have given to designers enough guidance for today.
Let's… let them finish their work.
Can't wait to see what y'all do for the big show tomorrow.
I literally don't know why she…
… at least… sense…
…show and offended…
Hey, Applejack, on your way home?
How's the first day of the contest go?
Great!
At first, I didn't think I'd be much help,
but thank goodness I stand on.
Without me they'd be doing all kinds of crazy fashion-y things.
Hey, Rarity! Applejack says the contest is going great.
Good thing she's there, huh?
Yes of course,
some of her thoughts are tough to swallow.
But hopefully her candor will help the designers
achieve the best designs possible.
You seem a little stressed.
Wanna try?
Music is very relaxing.
Sure.
Much better.
I can meet my goals.
Today is a fresh start.
Good morning everypony!
Time for final adjustments before the show!
If buttons could convey sadness, you've done it.
To me, they convey waking up an hour early just to button them all.
And that's if you could reach most of them.
Is this better?
There you go!
Now, when it's cold you just slide it on you and you're set.
Like a poncho.
Poncho?
I attached each feather individually…
It took me for literally ever.
You used hoof-crossed double over stitches!
They're perfect.
Who cares if it's stitched perfectly?
You don't need feathers on your head.
My little sister tried to add some flair to her hat,
and guess where it got her.
An extra hour of work picking apples off the ground.
The good start but it needs more.
No.
Yes!
I go with this one.
No, this one.
Something it's funny?
What?
On, no, it's just…
I mean… those belts look the same.
That one completely changes the look.
This one complements it.
You're kidding, right?
Is everything okay?
They're having a heated debate about those two belts.
Both good choices.
No!
There is no choice!
They are the exact same belt!
This is so silly!
Fashion is ridiculous!
You don't mean that.
I do.
I'm sorry, but that's my honest opinion.
Well, I never would have come
if I knew we were going to be insulted.
We go.
No, please, come back.
If they're out, I'm out too.
I didn't get into fashion to design boring utilitarian clothes.
I want to create elegance and drama
And this is literally the opposite of…
I mean… I can't even…
Yeah. No.
What?
I was just being honest!
Stop everything!
There is no show!
Take it all down!
Rarity, what's going on?
Is everything okay?
No!
It is the opposite of okay!
The judges have quit, the designers have dropped out,
the show is canceled!
All my good intentions squashed!
And it's all Applejack's fault!
Why are you mad at me?
I was just saying what I thought.
And isn't that why you wanted me to be a judge?
For my honesty?
Of course,
but you said fashion is ridiculous!
But it's my opinion
and I'm not gonna lie!
Come with me!
Oh, Rarity.
What a nice surprise!
Hello, Strawberry Sunrise.
This is Applejack.
I was wondering if you could tell her how you feel about apples.
Don't like 'em.
What? Why?
They're crunchy, they're sweet, they're delicious.
They're not strawberries.
You're right.
Apples are better than strawberries.
Only if by "better" you mean "better at being disgusting".
You better apologize!
Oh, I am sorry,
but you're actually bite into the the most tasteless mealy worm-filled things.
What?
Applejack, why are you so angry?
It's just Strawberry's honest opinion.
What's wrong with that?
Well, that's fine if she doesn't like 'em,
but if she knew how hard we work to make our apples perfect
maybe she wouldn't be so mean about…
Oh boy.
Doesn't feel so good, does it?
Nope.
No, it does not at all.
I am so sorry, Rarity.
I got so carried away with being honest
I guess I didn't think about how I was making others feel.
I'm a real rotten apple.
I appreciate that, Applejack.
That means a lot.
I just wish you'd realize it before you've ruined the fashion show.
I need to get some of these.
It's the only way to travel.
What are you doing?
Canterlot is that way.
Yep.
But you are not going back to Canterlot yet.
Hey!
What is she?..
I don't know.
Run.
I can't…
Listen, y'all.
I thought I was just being honest when I said all those things.
But somepony helped my realize
I was actually being hurtful.
So for that I apologize.
So, you don't think fashion is ridiculous?
Well, I…
I still don't understand it,
but I appreciate how much it means to y'all
and how much hard work you put into it.
I also know this contest is important to Rarity.
So, what do you say?
Well, I'd hate to have come all this way here
and not see what you can do.
If they're judging, we're in.
Under one condition, literally.
Anything.
Untie us.
Show's back on, fellas!
And then Applejack found me and told me to distract you for an hour,
but the hour's up. Ta-daa!
But, but… but… how?
They were all leaving.
This was all coming down.
You can thank Applejack,
she literally did it all by herself.
I don't think that word means what you think it means,
but I did boost my tail,
because I know how much this means to you.
Thank you, Applejack.
The start now!
First up: Lily Lace!
Starstreak!
Inky Rose!
And now it's time to vote.
I am drawing to the beauty and drama of fashion,
and nopony does drama better than Lily Lace!
So, I vote for her.
It means sooo much to me
I literally can't even…
Simplicity is the keynote of true elegance.
That is why I vote for Inky Rose.
You've made me so…
happy.
Fashion is the art!
I, Photo Finish, vote for Starstreak!
Wonderful to hear, darling.
Well, it all comes down to you, Applejack.
Can you believe it?
After everything that's happened
Applejack is the deciding vote!
This is so exciting!
Well, Applejack?..
Lilly Lace's clothes go here,
Inky Rose's will go there
and Starstreak's there.
Sorry, but I couldn't pick just one.
They all did great and in my opinion
they all deserve to win.
And I agree.
I told you your perspective will be beneficial.
Is this one of your new designs, Rarity?
It's… The form is…
reminiscent of…
I mean, it contours up images of…
Well, I mean…
Oh, that?
No, I totally messed that one up.
It's ghastly, horrid, absolutely terrible!
Oh, thank goodness.
'Cause in my honest opinion…
it's awful.
You're right, you're right.
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