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.

The designers are asked to create a look that embraces elegance, with inspiration provided by the contents of a handbag. They have $400 and two days to complete the challenge.

Working in teams of three, the designers must create a mini-collection of vacation looks that include daywear, evening wear, and beachwear. They have $500 per team and one day to complete the challenge.

The designers must create a high fashion statement look inspired by a social cause they believe in, as well as a printed T-shirt that also portrays that cause. They have $250 and two days to complete the challenge.

With luggage still in tow, 16 new designers are greeted at the iconic TWA Hotel at JFK airport. Paired off, they receive their first assignment: to create innovative jumpsuit and cocktail looks inspired by humanity's continued push into space exploration. They have $400 per team and two days to complete the challenge.

The designers are tasked to create a party cocktail dress using winter holiday decorations. They have two days to complete the challenge.

Split into two teams, the designers must create cohesive mini-collections that pay homage to Cyndi Lauper and her iconic fashion style, including their own accessories. They have $300 per team member for fabric, $200 per team for accessory materials, and two days to complete the challenge.

The designers are asked to create any look of their choosing using their own personal heritage as inspiration. They have $300 and one day 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.