I wonder the same things about the background info, funding, etc. and I agree with stsimon about the work being unfinished. They weren't given a focus either, this seemed to be the first season that they weren't given a theme or idea for their collections. It didn't even seem as though they were instructed to have their pieces coordinate either.
Am not a fan of Irina even though she is talented, dislike her attitude and smugness esp toward Nina's comments. Oh well. I hope they all put on a great show.