20 new designers audition in front of Heidi, Tim, Michael, and Nina. The judges then pare the group down to the 16 contestants of season 9. The next morning, the designers are given the challenge of transforming a bed sheet and the pajamas they are wearing into an outfit of their choice. They have one day to complete their garments.

The designers are tasked to create an outfit using materials found at a pet supply store. They have $300 and one day to complete their looks.

The designers are paired up into teams of two and must create outfits for professional stilt-walkers. They have $500 and one day to complete their garments.

The designers must create a look for Nina Garcia that she can wear to work in the day and to an industry event at night. They have $200 and one day to complete the challenge.

After a race to determine team leaders, the designers are split into groups of three. The challenge is to create three looks to wear with sneakers from Heidi Klum's new line for New Balance. The winning look will be sold as part of this collection on Amazon. They have $300 and one day to complete their outfits.

The designers are each paired to a young art student with whom they must create a painting. The challenge is to design an avant-garde look using that art piece as their inspiration. They have $300 and two days to complete their looks.

The designers are split into two opposing teams to create a five-look mini-collection. They must also design their own fabrics and create a multimedia fashion show to showcase their looks. They have two days to create their garments.

The designers must create a new look for their client's significant other. They have $200 and two days to complete their outfits.

Split into two teams, the designers are asked to create outfits for up-and-coming band The Sheepdogs. They have $300 and two days to complete their looks.

The designers must create an outfit comprised of separates and inspired by the 1970s. Later, they are asked to create a single-piece companion look to their outfit. They have $150 and two days to finish their garments.

After being paired up, the designers must create a high-fashion runway look inspired by birds (an owl, a raven, a cockatoo, and an Amazon parrot). However, the pairing are not meant to be teams but will instead be competing head-to-head. Later, they are asked to create a second complimentary outfit. They have $600 and two days to complete the challenge.

The designers must create a three-piece mini-collection showcasing their range, using New York's Governor's Island as inspiration. They have $500 and two days to complete the challenge.

Each of the remaining designers is given five weeks and $9000 to design a 10-piece collection for Fashion Week. In the interim, each gets a special visit in their hometown from Tim Gunn. 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.