16 new contestant vie to be the winner of Project Runway. But there's a twist: this season they will have to compete as teams. For their first challenge, they are asked to create an outfit that shows their point-of-view using New York City as the inspiration. The teams have $1200 and one day to complete their garments.

In teams of two, the contestants must design fashion-forward prom gowns constructed from Duck brand duct tape. They have less than one day to complete the challenge.

Each of the remaining designers is given five months and $10,000 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, 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.

Tim Gunn and the designers travel to Rome to get inspiration for their Fashion Week collection. Back in the United States, they have five weeks and $9000 to design a 10-piece collection. In the interim, each gets a special visit in their hometown from Tim Gunn. Prior to showing at Fashion Week, the judges want to see a mini-collection of three looks from each designer for critiques and feedback.

In their first individual challenge, the designers take on streetwear. They must use their unique personal experiences and cultures to create impactful looks containing at least three separate pieces. They have $300 and two days to complete their garments.