Explanation

The critics misjudged the designs, so you know that the word in the blank must mean the opposite of epitome of high fashion. Choices (B) and (F) give roughly synonymous meanings, but nothing in the sentence supports the idea that the designs were expensive.

Neither defamatory, which means libelous, nor contrite, which means remorseful, is supported by the sentence, so eliminate choices (A) and (C). Both mundane and insipid can mean uninspired or ordinary, so choices (D) and (E) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.