Sixteen talented designers from all walks of life arrive in New York City for the ultimate fashion competition. Their first challenge is to create a look inspired by one of the four judges' "Fashion First" photographs. They have $250 and two days to complete their garments.

The designers are tasked with creating bold, editorial head-to-toe looks using a single print. They have $250 and one day to complete the challenge.

Inspired by the legendary Dapper Dan, the designers are asked to create their own take on luxury streetwear. They are provided high-end fabrics and have one day to complete the challenge.

For their next challenge, the designers must create their own female video game character with a functional and fashionable look. They have $300 and two days to complete their garments.

The designers must create an over-the-top performance piece inspired by Elton John and the movie "Rocketman." They have $700 and two days to complete the challenge.

Visiting Christian Siriano's own store and atelier for inspiration, the designers are asked to create dream dresses for the real women who keep New York City moving: a postal worker, a sanitation worker, an emergency medical technician, a police officer, a ferry deckhand, and a teacher. They have $300 and two days to complete the challenge.

The designers are tasked to create a big, bold look to showcase in an experiential runway show. They have $500 and two days to complete the challenge.

The designers must create a look that reinvents the classic tuxedo in a modern way. They have $600 and two days to complete the challenge.

The designers are asked to elevate tie-dye into a runway-chic look using fabric they create. They have $175 and one full day to complete the challenge.

For this challenge, the designers are paired up with an athlete competing in the Summer 2020 Olympic or Paralympic Games and they must make them their dream outfit for a victory night celebration. They have $400 and one day to complete their garments.

The designers must create an avant-garde look that is anything but ordinary for a showing at one of New York City's newest landmarks, The Vessel. They have $600 and two days to complete the challenge.

Each of the remaining designers is given five months and $10,000 to design a 10-piece collection for Fashion Week. In the interim, each gets a special visit in their hometown from Christian Siriano. 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.

In the conclusion of the finale, the remaining contestants ready their collections for the runway. They are given an additional $400 to spend at Mood to finish their looks. Then they present their lines to industry insiders at Fashion Week.