Michael Kors challenges the designers to create an outfit for a woman who is always on the go. They have $150 and one day to complete their looks.

15 new, and one returning, contestants begin the battle to win Project Runway's twelfth season. This season incorporates some new changes including the "Tim Gunn Save," the anonymous runway show, and a $4000 spending account allowing the designers to set their own challenge budgets. For their first task, the designers must create an outfit that shows their point-of-view using parachute materials. They have two days to complete their looks.

Eighteen designers have made it through the application stage, but the judges need to pare down the group to fifteen contestants. Later in the workroom, they learn that a designer from a previous season will join them. For their first challenge, the designers are asked to create a Spring look from the provided fabrics that will give the judges a preview of their Fashion Week collections. They have one day to complete the challenge.

The designers must fashion a look for Heidi Klum to wear to the Emmy Awards. They have $250 and one day to complete their garments. After a disastrous client consultation, they are given an additional $100 for another trip to Mood.