Eight popular designers from past seasons return to compete for $100,000. The clothiers are Daniel Vosovic, Santino Rice, Jeffrey Sebelia, Uli Herzner, Mychael Knight, Chris March, Sweet P and Korto Momolu. Nicole Kidman makes an appearance. Originally aired between seasons five and six.

After being taken to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for inspiration from famous designers, the contestants are then divided into teams of two. The challenge is to create a high-end signature look worthy of a master collection. They have $500 and two days to complete their looks. The next day, they are given the additional task of creating a second "look for less," using only 10% of the budget for the first garment and inspired by the look being crafted by another team.

The designers are asked to create a look inspired by one of the four classical elements (Earth, Water, Air, and Fire). They have $150 and one day to complete their garments.

Each of the remaining designers is given four months and $9000 to design a 10-piece collection for Fashion Week. In the interim, each gets a special visit in their hometown from Tim Gunn. Back in New York, two designers must compete head-to-head for the last spot in the finale.

The designers have to create a fashion forward outfit representing the strong and practical Marie Claire woman. They have $150 and one day to complete their looks.

The designers must create a fashionable look from a bridesmaid dress. They have $50 and one day to complete their transformations.

The contestants must create their own fabric designs for a look to be inspired by a moment from their past. They have $100 for supplemental fabric and two days to complete their garments.

In the conclusion of the finale, the remaining contestants ready their collections for the runway. Then they present their lines to industry insiders at Fashion Week. Also includes a contestant reunion.

The designers are tasked to create an outfit using materials found at a pet supply store. They have $300 and one day to complete their looks.

The designers are each paired to a young art student with whom they must create a painting. The challenge is to design an avant-garde look using that art piece as their inspiration. They have $300 and two days to complete their looks.

The designers must create an outfit comprised of separates and inspired by the 1970s. Later, they are asked to create a single-piece companion look to their outfit. They have $150 and two days to finish their garments.

In the conclusion of the finale, the remaining contestants ready their collections for the runway. They are given an additional $500 to spend at Mood to finish their looks. Then they present their lines to industry insiders at Fashion Week.

Sixteen new contestants arrive in New York to become the next great designer. Before arriving in New York, they were asked to create an outfit at home that represents who they are as a designer. For their first challenge they must take that look and make a complementary outfit for it. They have $100 and one day to complete their garments.

After being split into two teams, the designers are tasked to create a mini-collection of cohesive looks for the "working woman." They have $200 per team member and one day to complete the challenge.

The designers must create a modern look using fabrics that they create. They receive special visits from loved ones who provide inspiration for their textile design. They have $100 for additional fabric and two days to finish their garments.

Each of the remaining designers is given five weeks and $9000 to design a 10-piece collection for Fashion Week. In the interim, each gets a special visit in their hometown from Tim Gunn. Back in New York, they must choose three of their looks to show as part of a mini-collection in order to secure their spot in the final runway show.