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 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 have to create an outfit from materials obtained at a party supplies store. They have $100 and one day to complete the challenge.

The designers must each create an outfit to pair with a unique, avant-garde Philip Treacy hat. They have $150 and one day to complete the challenge.