After auditions in New York, Houston, Miami, and Los Angeles, the 16 contestants being considered for this season's cast were given six yards of plain white muslin, $20, and one week to create an outfit that best represents who they are as a fashion designer. After arriving, the 16 contestants find that only 14 positions were available in the Parsons workroom and thus two will be eliminated at the runway judging.

Tim Gunn takes a group of fashion industry professionals in search of the next great designer. They interview thousands of applicants, and narrow them down to the 15 contestants for the third season of Project Runway.