Tim Gunn hosts a behind the scenes look at the cross-country interview process to find the Season 3 Project Runway finalists. Past contestants guest judge in different cities and the fifteen finalists are chosen.
The designers arrive at their New York residence and discover at the welcome cocktail party that they will be designing their first outfit using only materials found in their apartment. The designer who first touches the object gets to use it. The outfit also has to reflect the designer's unique style. Using shower curtains, house plants and bed sheets, the designers construct the outfits for their first runway show. Stacey is eliminated.
The designers are given the task to design a formal evening gown for Miss USA Tara Conner. Each designer has 30 minutes to sketch their design and then they pitch the dress to Tara. Tara chooses seven designs and the designers are paired into two to create the dress. Kayne and Robert's dress wins the runway challenge and Malan is eliminated.
Ivanka Trump guest stars on this episode where the designers take their inspirational lead from a group of tiny dogs. Each designer designs an outfit for both model and canine that reflects a story inspired by each pooch. Vera Wang also guest judges in place of an absent Michael Kors. Katherine is eliminated.
The remaining designers are put to the test when they learn that they will be designing a three piece outfit for Macy's INC line. The designers are put into groups of three and have only $100 to create their outfit.
The designers' next outfit is a modern interpretation of a 'fashion icon'. Icons such as Pam Grier, Twiggy and Madonna are inspirations for these outfits budgeted at just $200. The winner receives a print campaign for TRESumme featuring their outfit and model in Elle magazine. Michael wins for his Pam Grier inspired outfit and Bradley is eliminated for his fashion take on a modern Cher.
Stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe guest judges on this episode where the designers must use materials salvaged from a Recycling Center and $25 worth of art supplies to create their runway outfit. Allison is eliminated.
The eight remaining designers discover that they will be designing for 'everyday women'- their own mothers and sisters. Each designer is assigned someone else's family member and creates a unique yet wearable outfit for the woman. Robert is eliminated.
The designers becomes the models as well in this episode where they are tasked to create unique outfits for the 'international jet set'. After walking the runway in their own designs, they learn that the outfits will be put to the test as they leave immediately for Paris. The outfits are judged again by French designer Catherine Malandrino and Amanda's outfit loses the challenge and has to return to the US.
Still in Paris, the remaining designers get their shot at creating a custom couture gown, but only have 300 Euros and two days to do so. The gowns are judged during a sunset cruise on the Seine River by Catherine Malandrino and then again back on the Project Runway stage in the US. Even though he has immunity, Jeffrey wins the challenge with his bold yellow gown and Vincent is eliminated.
The remaining contestants are instructed to create a signature black and white dress with only $100 to spend and the rule that they must use all the fabric that they purchase.
The final four designers vying for the three spots in the New York Fashion Week show are challenged to create an outfit that expresses their point of view as a designer.
The Season 3 designers of Project Runway re-unite for a reunion special hosted by Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum. Behind the scenes footage is shown and the cast explores many emotional topics. The first Fan Favorite cash award is given to Michael.
Tim Gunn visits the four final designers while they create their twelve piece collection for the final runway show at Fashion Week. The designers arrive in New York a week before their show to finish their collections in a Macy's sponsored work room.
The final four designers each show their 12 piece collection at Olympus Fashion Week in New York City. The winner for Season 3 of Project Runway is revealed.