Cecilia Motwani

20 designers must go in front of Heidi, Michael, Nina and Tim to make a case why they deserve one of the 16 coveted spots this season. Once they are chosen, the 16 designers barely have a chance to celebrate before being awoken at the crack of dawn with one of the toughest first challenges in the series' history. Tim arrives at their apartment to wake the designers up and tells them to grab their bedsheets and come as they are. Their PJ's and bedsheets are their fabric for the first challenge! Actress Christina Ricci serves as guest judge.

The designers wake up to find New Balance clothing set out to for them and are instructed to put in on and meet Heidi and Tim at a track and field center to hear about the latest challenge. There they learn they will be competing in teams to design a piece inspired by Heidi Klum for New Balance sneakers but in order to be crowned team captain, they must win a different kind of race--on foot! Model Erin Wasson serves as guest judge.

The designers quickly realize they are in for a tough challenge when it is revealed the Nina Garcia is their client! The stakes are raised as Nina tells them she will wear the winning look to an important industry event. Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, Joanna Coles and actress Kerry Washington serve as guest judges.

The designers are broken into teams of two to create a design that's larger than life--their models are stilt walkers! In the first ever outdoor challenge, the runway show is held outside in New York for all to see. Kim Kardashian serves as guest judge.

Tim Gunn travels to the homes of the finalists to check in on their progress before they head back to NY.

The designers become students for a day when they are partnered with art students from the Harlem School of the Arts to create a piece of art that will serve as the inspiration for their next garment. Kenneth Cole serves as guest judge.