Project Runway

This episode aired prior to the season 9 premiere and shows the casting process of the designers of season 9.

20 designers must go in front of Heidi, Michael, Nina, and Tim to make a case for why they deserve one of the 16 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 wakes up the designers and tells them to grab their bedsheets and come as they are.

This year's Unconventional Materials Challenge lives up to its name when the designers arrive at a pet store. When Tim informs them that they will find all the materials they need inside, they quickly realize that this is their opportunity to show the judges how they can think outside the box. Stacey Bendet (Alice + Olivia) guest judges.

The designers are broken into teams of two to create larger-than-life designs for stilt walkers! In the first-ever outdoor challenge, the runway show is held for all to see. Kim Kardashian guest judges.

The designers quickly realize they are in for a tough challenge when it is revealed that Nina Garcia is their client! The stakes are raised as Nina tells them that she will wear the winning look to an important industry event. Editor in Chief of Marie Claire magazine, Joanna Coles, and actress Kerry Washington guest judge.

The designers are instructed to put on New Balance clothing sets and meet Heidi and Tim at a track and field center to hear about the latest challenge. There, they learn that they will be competing in teams to design pieces 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 guest judges.

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

To the delight of the designers, the HP Create Your Own Fabric Challenge is back-with a twist! With the use of an HP Touchsmart, designers will work in two teams of five to create a cohesive collection. Armed with HP video cameras, they head out into the city to tell the story of what truly inspires them. Designer Rachel Roy and actress Rose Byrne guest judge.

When Heidi introduces nine men on the runway, the designers are stunned. But they quickly breathe a sigh of relief when Tim reveals that the men are not their models. Instead, they will be designing for their significant others! Actress Malin Akerman guest judges.

The designers are treated to a special performance from their new client: an up-and-coming band. Broken into two teams of four, the designers are charged with creating looks that will establish them as image-makers.

For the Piperlime Challenge, the designers are going back in time. The 70's will serve as inspiration for this week's challenge.

Exotic birds serve as the inspiration for this week's L'Oreal Challenge. The designers must really step up their game when Tim groups them into pairs and then tasks them to compete against each other. Francisco Costa guest judges.

The judges challenge the designers to each create a mini-collection. Actress Zoe Saldana guest judges.

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

Things get off to a bumpy start for the final designers as they frantically get ready to show at Fashion Week. With fair warning to step up their game, the designers make every minute of preparation count. Fashion designer L'Wren Scott guest judges, weighing in on who should be the winner during the intense debate at the final judging.

In this "Project Runway" Season 9 wrap-up special, beloved mentor Tim Gunn reveals some of the show's biggest secrets and gives his unedited thoughts.