Germany's Next Topmodel Cycle 1 is the first season of Germany's Next Topmodel (often abbreviated to GNTM) that aired on German television network ProSieben. The show started airing on January 25, 2006 with twelve girls in the competition. 18-year-old Lena Gercke came off as this season's winner. IMG Models manages the winner and also managed first runner-up and second runner-up for one year.
The first season copied many photo shoot ideas from America's Next Top Model, especially from the first season. It has also gone with almost three episodes with a double-elimination for the models. The show was hosted by top model Heidi Klum.
Out of over 11,000 applicants, 32 girls aged 16 to 22 had come to see if they had what it takes to be Germany's Next Topmodel. For their first challenge, the young women had to prove themselves by modelling their favourite outfit out of everything they had packed in their own suitcase. Drama ensued when 19-year-old Andrea discovered that she did not know the combination to her suitcase and had to make a frantic call to her mother.
In the end she had to borrow an outfit from another competitor. Many of the girls fudged their measurements on their application forms. The judges narrowed down the competition to twenty girls.
In the next challenge, the 20 prospective models were taken by bus to a mine in the Walsum region of Duisburg. They had to put on a fashionshow in front of an audience of miners. The girls were shocked by the setting (and the outfits) but eventually would do what it took to succeed. Bruce Darnell, their catwalk coach, cried with joy at their success. Eight more girls were eliminated, leaving twelve to continue in the competition. Heidi then announced that they would be going to New York.
Luise Mikulla created a lot of drama because of her fear of flying. Once in New York the girls had their first runway training with Bruce on a skyscaper. The girls met up with Heidi at the Victoria's Secret show and got to try out the most famous catwalk in the world.
The first photoshoot took place at night on a rooftop in the freezing cold. Russell James shot the models in Victoria's Secret's lingerie with a view of the New York Skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. For their first challenge, the girls were given $100 each to find a second-hand outfit for themselves to wear to the Victoria's Secret Show. Jennifer Wanderer was chosen as the winner by Gisele Bündchen. Wanderer and friend Mikulla got to watch the big show.
Andrea Lichtenberg was eliminated because of lack of expression in her photos. Anne Mühlmeier also failed to impress the judges.
