16 new designers arrive in New York with an eye to being named champion of Project Runway's 15th season. At the launch party, they are given their first challenge: use the party's spirit, aura, and vibe as inspiration (and the decorations as materials) for an outfit of their choosing. They have one day to complete their looks.

The designers must create an outfit to flatter all body types, with the winning look to be sold by JustFab.com. They have $150 and one day to complete the challenge.

The designers are asked to create a look that transitions from daylight to blacklight on the runway. They have $200 and one day to complete their garments.

The designers are challenged to create a swimsuit and an accompanying coverup. The looks are to be inspired by Heidi Klum's swim collection, and the winning outfit will be reproduced and sold as part of the collection. They are also asked to design the fabric they will use. They have $100 and one day to complete their looks.

After attending a press cocktail party at Elyx House, the designers are challenged to create a luxurious cocktail dress inspired by the venue. They have $300 and one day to complete their garments.

The designers are whisked away to Universal Studios Orlando to recharge their batteries. There, they are asked to create a streetwear look for the urban jungle, using the Skull Island: Reign Of Kong ride as inspiration. They have $200 and one day to complete the challenge.

During an inspirational trip to Austin, Texas, the designers must purchase their garment materials from a farm supply store and a music & barbeque venue. Back in New York, they must use these materials to create a high fashion look. They have $500 and two days to complete the challenge. Later, they are given an additional $200 to create a corresponding look using conventional materials.

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.

Working in pairs, the designers must use men's fabrics and styles to create a fashion-forward Fall outfit for their female models. They have $100 per team for supplemental fabric and one day to complete the challenge.

The designers are tasked with creating their own fabric to make an on-the-go look for friends and family of the Project Runway crew. They have $150 for supplemental fabric and two days to complete the challenge.

The designers are asked to create an avant-garde look inspired by Shopkins Shoppies characters. They have $300 and one day to complete the challenge.

The designers must use safety materials to create runway-ready looks that "do not conform to the rules." They have one day to complete the challenge.

The designers must create looks inspired by "Warrior Women" — women who have battled breast cancer. They have $250 and two days to complete the challenge.

The runway is converted into a Winter Wonderland as the designers are tasked with creating a winter-themed look. They have $400 and two days to complete the challenge.

Each of the remaining designers is given $10,000 to design a 10-piece collection in less than three months for Fashion Week. In the interim, each gets a special visit in their hometown from Tim Gunn. Back in New York, they must choose two of their looks to show the judges in order to secure their spot in the final runway show.