Project Runway: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Project Runway Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Let's Start From the Beginning
Jul 16, 2008
The 16 new contestants are introduced and face their first challenge. The designers are asked to create a look using only materials purchased from a grocery store. They have $75 an
Grass Is Always Greener
Jul 23, 2008
The designers are asked to create a cocktail dress, using environmentally friendly or conscious fabrics, with their models as their clients. They have $75 and one day to finish the
Bright Lights/Big City
Jul 30, 2008
The designers are tasked to create a look inspired by the nightlife of New York City. They have $100 and one day to complete their designs.
Rings of Glory
Aug 6, 2008
The designers must create a women's wear look for the 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies. They have $150 and one day to complete their designs.
Welcome to the Jungle
Aug 13, 2008
Brooke Shields gives the designers their next challenge, to make an outfit she will wear on her television show Lipstick Jungle. They pitch their ideas to Shields, who chooses half
Good Queen Fun
Aug 20, 2008
Former contestant Chris March returns to give the designers their next challenge: make an outfit for a drag queen. They have $200 and two days to complete their designs.
Fashion That Drives You
Aug 27, 2008
The designers are asked to make an outfit from the spare parts and raw materials of a Saturn hybrid car. They have four minutes to collect their materials and one day to complete t
Double 0 Fashion
Sep 3, 2008
The designers are taken to the offices and design showroom of fashion living-legend Diane von Fürstenberg. Their challenge is to create a look for her Fall 2008 collection, inspire
What's Your Sign?
Sep 10, 2008
The designers are paired up with eliminated contestants and asked to create an avant-garde garment inspired by one of their two astrological signs. They have $250 and one day to co
Transformation
Sep 17, 2008
The designers are assigned recent college graduates and are tasked to give them a fashion makeover to help them enter the workforce. Each designer was to gear their look to their c
Rock N' Runway
Sep 24, 2008
The contestants are given the task of designing for each other, inspired by different genres of music. They have $150 and one day to complete the challenge.
Nature Calls
Oct 1, 2008
The contestants head to the New York Botanical Garden to design an evening gown inspired by nature. They have $250 and two days to complete their dress.
Finale: Part I
Oct 8, 2008
The remaining designers are given two months and $8000 to design a 10-piece collection, plus a wedding gown, for Fashion Week. In the interim, each gets a special visit in their ho
Finale: Part II
Oct 15, 2008
In the conclusion of the finale, the remaining contestants pare their 12-piece collections down to ten. Then they present their lines to industry insiders at Fashion Week.