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.

Each of the remaining designers is given five months and $10,000 to design a 10-piece collection. In the interim, each gets a special visit in their hometown from Christian Siriano. Back in New York, they must choose three outfits to show as part of a mini-collection in order to secure their spot in the final runway show, including a newly created eleventh look. They have $400 to create the new look and complete their collections.

In the conclusion of the finale, the remaining contestants ready their collections for the runway. They have $300 and four days to finish their looks. Then they present their lines to industry insiders and the judges in order to be crowned the winner.