17 designers start a new season with a goal to reach New York Fashion Week and become the winner of Project Runway. For their first challenge, the designers are asked to incorporate an article of clothing taken from another designer's suitcase into a new garment of their own. They have access to additional fabric, but just five hours to finish their looks.

The designers are divided in teams of six and must design a trendy six-piece collection for Fall. They have $1,000 and one day to complete the challenge.

The designers must create a high-fashion look, and a ready-to-wear companion piece, that will feature in a L'Oreal Paris advertisement. They have $300 and two days to complete the challenge.

Each of the remaining designers is given six 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 are given two days to create one additional look to show as part of a mini-collection with two of their existing pieces in order to secure their spot in the final runway show.