Season 9 of the fashion-themed reality series kicks off.

The designers will work with unconventional materials bought from a pet shop. They can use everything from bird seed to hamster bedding and training pads.

The designers will work in teams of two to create looks larger than life. Their creations will be worn by professional stilt walkers in an first ever outdoor runway walk.

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 when 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 the guest judges.

The designers wake up to find New Balance clothing set out for them and are instructed to put it 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! Erin Wasson serves as guest judge.

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,

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 our into the city to tell the story of what truly inspires them.

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 - they will be designing for their significant others! Actress Malin Akerman serves as guest judge.

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 a look that will establish them as image-makers.

Create a modern look inspired by 70s fashion. Guest judge: Olivia Palermo

Exotic Birds serve as the inspiration for this week;s LlOreal Challenge. The designers must really step up their game when Tim reveals that during judging they will go head-to-head with one other designer putting one in the top and one in the bottom during judging. Francisco Costa serves as guest judge for this challenge.

The judges want to see their visions as designers so they challenge the contestants to create a mini-collection. Actress Zoe Saldana serves as guest judge.

Tim Gunn travels to the homes of the finalists to check on their progress.

The designers prepare to show at fashion week; an intense debate arises at the final judging.