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.

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.

Each of the remaining designers is given seven 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 outfits, including one brand-new look, to show to the judges for critiques and feedback. They have an additional $250 to create the new look.