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.

Divided into teams of three, the designers are tasked to create a mini-collection that shows a sneak peek into the future of fashion using models transformed with special effects body modifications. They have $750 per team and two days to complete the challenge.

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 whisked away for a camping trip and challenged to create high fashion "survival chic" looks using unconventional materials. They have two days to complete their garments.

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 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 an over-the-top performance piece inspired by Elton John and the movie "Rocketman." They have $700 and two days 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.

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.

For their next challenge, the designers must collaborate with local accessory designers to create a stylish runway look and a brand new accessory. They have $400 for fabric at Mood, an additional $250 for notions at Hai Trim & Feathers, and two days to complete the challenge.

Working in pairs, the designers must create innovative avant garde looks highlighting one of the most trendy and complicated of materials — faux fur. They have $500 and two days to complete the challenge.

For this assignment, the designers are each teamed with an up-and-coming hairstylist for a head-to-toe fashion collaboration. They must create a runway look inspired by their stylist's hair design. They have $500 and one day to complete the challenge.

The must create editorial looks specifically inspired by internationally renowned model Coco Rocha. They are tasked to show their artistic range by delivering not only the perfect garment, but the perfect photograph to show it off. They have $800 and two days to complete the challenge.

For the last challenge, the designers must create a look showcasing their brand's point of view in the next wave of fashion. They have $750 and two days to complete their garments.

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 present their work at Fashion Week and a winner is crowned.