In the premiere episode, sixteen aspiring models find themselves in the heart of New York City, competing for $100,000, a modeling contract with New York Model Management, and a fashion pictorial in Cosmopolitan magazine. The models are immediately thrown into their first photo shoot of the competition, where they are challenged to create an intimate moment as they dangle high above New York City in a plexiglass box. For their first elimination catwalk, the models meet the esteemed panel of judges: model scout and manager Marlon, model Jenny Shimizu, photographer Perou, and renowned fashion designer Catherine Malandrino.