Project Runway - Season 8

Heidi and Tim greet 17 new designers--the most in series history--and break the news that the final audition is still to come when they are challenged to design a garment from clothes from another designer's luggage with only five hours. The pressure is on as the designers must work against the clock to wow Heidi, Michael, Nina and a special celebrity guest judge, Selma Blair.

The designers meet Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, Joanna Coles for their BIGGEST challenge yet when they are told they are to create designs that epitomize the Marie Claire woman. The winning look will be displayed on a 50-foot billboard in New York. Joanna serves as the guest judge.

It's anything but party time when the designers get their unconventional challenge--to make chic looks out of party supplies. But when the designers' models walk through the doors, the designers learn there is a catch that may push them to their limits. The queen of unconventional fashion--Betsey Johnson--guest judges.

The designers are left scratching their heads when faced with Project Runway's first hat inspiried challenge when they must design garments influenced by the outrageous hats designed by famed British milliner, Philip Treacy, who also serves as the guest judge.

Designers get their first taste at a team challenge when they are split into two teams and tasked with creating a cohesive line to match the hair trends for 2010. Georgina Chapman and Heather Kerzner serve as guest judges.

Designers will select real former bridesmaids--in some good, bad and tacky--bridesmaid dresses and prove that they can be worn again after they redesign the looks. But will they be able to handle the pressure when they have to showcase their work for the public? Designer Cynthia Rowley guest judges.

Project Runway sets sail when the designers get a resort-wear challenge from Michael Kors but when they discover who is actually creating their visions, some designers may want to walk the plank! Actress Kristen Bell serves as the celebrity guest judge.

The designers get a lesson on fashionable politics when they learn about the creation and longevity of American sportswear. Actress January Jones serves as the celebrity guest judge.

The stakes are raised in all directions when the designers are challenged to create a high fashion look, and the winner receives one of the biggest rewards in Project Runway history.

The designers take a trip down memory lane when old photos of themselves pop up in the workroom but quickly are brought back to the present when they are tasked with designing their own fabric and garment to correspond to a memorably time in their lives. One designer reveals an emotional secret that leaves everyone shocked and in tears. Designer Rachel Roy serves as the guest judge.

The designers get an opportunity to create a look for the launch of Heidi Klum's own read-to-wear line. The remaining designers discover they need to enlist some help when Heidi throws a curveball at them. Designer Norma Camalli serves as the guest judge.

The final five designers get treated to a night of luxury in a Penthouse Suite for all their hard work and making it this far. A prominent New York figure presents the designers with the final challenge to determine who moves on to fashion week.

In Part 1 of the two-part Season 8 finale, mentor Tim Gunn visits the four remaining designers in their hometowns to review the progress of their collections.

The thread of Season 8 episodes ends in the conclusion of the finale, which irons out the style trials and reveals the winning clothier.