The season received critical acclaim including an Emmy nomination for outstanding competitive reality series.

As his prize for winning the competition among 12 designers, McCarroll won $100,000, a mentorship with Banana Republic to aid in developing his own fashion label, and a feature of his work in the American edition of ELLE magazine.

Original airdate: December 8, 2004 Designers used plain white cotton jersey to build a garment that conveys "envy."

Original airdate: December 15, 2004 Designers created a holiday dress to fit with Banana Republic's current line.

The winner was the designer who received a mention from New York Post reporter Richard Johnson on "Page Six," the newspaper's gossip column.

Original airdate: February 2, 2005 Designers redesigned the uniform worn by United States Postal Service workers.

Original airdate: February 9, 2005 Designers created a dress for Access Hollywood reporter Nancy O'Dell to wear to the Grammys.

Original airdate: February 23, 2005 The final three designers—Jay, Kara Saun and Wendy—were visited by Tim Gunn at their homes to show the progress of their collections.