The designers are divided into teams of two and asked to create a fun and fashionable look inspired by Californian surfwear. The have $50 and two days to complete their looks. Later, the designers are given the additional challenge of creating an avant-garde companion piece to their surfwear outfit. They receive an additional $200 for the second look.

The designers must create an eye-catching look to be worn at a fashion industry event by their model/clients. They have $100 and one day to make it work.

The contestant are asked to use Los Angeles Times newspapers as fabric to create their looks. They have three minutes to grab materials and one day to complete the challenge.

For the final challenge before Fashion Week, the designers go to Los Angeles's famed Getty Center, where they are to draw inspiration from any location in and around the center and the museum to create their looks. They have $300 and two days to complete their outfits.