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 designers have to create an extravagant stage look for Christina Aguilera, which should catch the attention of the audience from far away and also look chic on video from very close. They have $300 and two days to complete their designs.

Each of the remaining designers is given 10 weeks and $9000 to design a 12-piece collection for Fashion Week. In the interim, each gets a special visit in their hometown from Tim Gunn. Back in New York, the designers are given a final challenge of creating a thirteenth look for their collections.