FNTM Week 1: Rock'N'Roll (Elimination up!)

We need submissions from nebartist, teejayyy, b73142, and kyogre123! After they submit their models showcards and Rock'N'Roll pictures we'll be all set!

We just need Alek Wek's photos and then we're set!

If b73142 doesn't submit Alek's photos within two days, I am going to assume they've lost interest and no longer want to participate in the game. If that happens, who here would be willing to take on a second contestant? The only thing is that the model needs to be POC as we need five women of color to complete the top 13. Tell me who you want to play additionally and I will randomly decide by drawing a name from a box.

if b73142 doesn't send me two photos by the end of the night I am disqualifying them from the game and Imaan Hammam will be replacing Alek Wek. I'm becoming very impatient, especially after explaining things repeatedly to this person.

Alek Wek's replacement has been accepted. I've decided that we need to move forward with this game but I encourage the contestant I am letting go to nevertheless submit rankings weekly whenever it's convenient for them.

I will be posting the Rocker photos and showcards soon!

It's my pleasure to release the photos for the first week! We have an amazing final thirteen. I honestly have no idea who will shine and who will fall. I wonder which girls will rise in the coming weeks and which girls will peak early on. I don't even have a clue who will get eliminated first as the first batch of photos are quite strong. Ya'll did a pretty solid job with the first theme!

So let's jump right in. For the first week of the competition I thought it would be cool for the models to show off their edgy and cool side and be creative as rock'n'rollers. Rock'N'Roll is an area of music that has influenced high fashion for decades and the models were definitely put to the test as they have to be convincing at being hip models. Who do you think looks the most effortlessly cool? Who is the most authentic rock'n'roller? Concurrently, who looks the most fake or inauthentic? Here they are:

Anna: https://s5.postimg.org/5972fas3b/anna_ewers_boo_george_id_magazine_2013_7.jpg
Bianca: https://s5.postimg.org/aynazly9j/biancabalti3.jpg
Issa: https://s5.postimg.org/653jur1rr/image.jpg
Kendall: https://s5.postimg.org/l2c0vrf07/34q9wer.jpg
Catherine: https://s5.postimg.org/xi8qpi8c7/1172e6807e68d15e1d4bfc27a264ba29.jpg
Gisele: https://s5.postimg.org/99it5a7xz/Gisele_Bundchen.jpg
Imaan: https://s5.postimg.org/s83ry7o3b/3326_489174.jpg
Nadja: https://s5.postimg.org/rjuxf9pdj/1257923614_m.jpg
Mica: https://s5.postimg.org/xor16c6uv/Dqsn_FDe.jpg
Karlie: https://s5.postimg.org/chnaibu7r/llo_Y5u_J.jpg
Hanne: https://s5.postimg.org/ldy2m9ktz/The_Cool_Craig_Mc_Dean_Interview_13.jpg
Tian: https://s5.postimg.org/hiuojp1o7/Tian_Yi_in_marc_jacobs_jpg_cf.jpg
Binx: https://s5.postimg.org/imesvnmbb/Vogue_Russia_2014_03_398.jpg

What a lovely batch of photos! I know that there are several that I want to rank first so it's going to be hard for me to put my ranking together! Judges, please PM me your critiques and rankings. I'll post all of our critiques during the first panel. Voting will be open for five days so ya'll have some time. Everyone else can post their rankings (and critiques if they want) in this thread or PM them to me. Voting is open to everyone and anyone, not just the contestants themselves. Once voting is completed, I will calculate the averages and that will determine the callout order. I will be posting the showcards shortly. Only judges will be voting on showcards.

Good luck to all the models and thank you for participating in this game! It's going to be really exciting to see how it all plays out!

Hanne, Binx & Anna are all really close in real life so it's fun to imagine them competing against each other!
Anyway my rankings have been sent! when does voting close? (just curious :) )
Cheekbones like geometry, eyes like sin.

One by one the final thirteen models file into the judging room. The judging room is very Grecian and classical in its architecture style with arches hanging above and behind the model platform and behind the judges table. The ceilings are very high and alongside the walls are a series of arcades that add elegance and give the room an ever stronger feeling of expansiveness, as if the judges and models are within a temple. The colors upon the walls are very neutral allowing for an emphasis on the exquisite architecture. Two gorgeous judges sit at a long stone table, an empty spot between them. Facing the models is none other than our host, Tyra Banks. A spotlight shines upon each model when Tyra greets them.

“Hello models. Welcome to your first panel. Let’s meet the judges.

Our first judge is high fashion icon and an old rival of mine, Naomi Campbell. She is fierce, strong, and beautiful.

We also have the amazing Ashley Graham. She is model who is changing the industry and showing people that curvy girls can be high fashion, too, and not just commercial. She is iconic in her own right. And also very beautiful and stunning.

So let’s see what our prizes are for this competition. I must say that they are phenomenal! The winner of the cycle will receive a campaign with Prada, and not just a campaign but an ONLY GIRL campaign. She will also receive a cover of and an only girl fashion spread in Vogue Italia and a beauty contract with Lancome Paris. So this is the ultimate prize package and we need a model who can prove she is worthy of it because this is going to jumpstart your career.

Are we ready to start? Okay. Let’s go!”

Tyra takes her seat at the center of the table in between the other two judges.

“So ladies, on the first week we had you all become edgy and cool rockstars. You all also had a challenge in which you had to create your best showcards. We’ve decided on a challenge winner and she will be granted immunity from elimination. We’ll reveal who that girl is when we announce the callout order later on tonight. So let’s jump right in, lovely ladies!

“Tian, you’re up first.”

The model nervously walks down the runway to face the judges. The model takes a deep breath once she reaches the end.

“You seem a bit nervous, Tian. How do you think the shoot went?”

“I hope I did well. I tried really hard to get into character.”

“Alright, let’s see.”

https://s5.postimg.org/hiuojp1o7/Tian_Yi_in_marc_jacobs_jpg_cf.jpg

Ashley: Kill it girl, I love this pose, like I literally died and came back to just see this picture, one of the best of the round for sure. I love the styling and the clothing, and despite the hunched appearance, your body form makes me want to take a second look at what you are wearing. You are for sure one to watch “I can hold this pose for hours.”

Naomi: You are absolutely gorgeous! Love the make-up, hair, clothes, facial expression and pose! You worked it!!!

Tyra: I like the dynamic pose you’re giving me in the shot but it’s not my favorite shot of the week. It’s quite good but I am not totally blown away. I do think you have an immense amount of potential to grow and I appreciate your commitment to doing a dynamic pose but I am just not totally believing that you are a rock'n'roll girl in this shot. It's like you're trying too hard here for me.

“Alright, next up we have Bianca. Let’s see how you did this week.”

https://s5.postimg.org/aynazly9j/biancabalti3.jpg

Tyra: You did a very good job this week but for me this is sort of middle of the pack. It just didn’t stand out for me in comparison to some of the other girls who had a more interesting rock’n’roll story this week. For me you’re a bit commercial so I really wanna see you push yourself throughout this competition if you make it past this week. Show me that you can be more edgy and avant-garde. I believe in you.

Naomi: I disagree with Tyra. You're not just giving rocker...you're giving high fashion rocker. Love the pose, hair and clothes!

Ashley: This photo is the high end of the middle for me, i like the pose and the attitude but it doesn't feel fresh or give me something new which is what i was looking for, i like the outfit and mixture of textures, "Blondie here I come."

“Thank you, Bianca.” The model thanks the judges and returns to her spot among the other models, appearing anxious and nervous.

“Next up…we have Anna. Please step forward. How did your shoot go?”

“Well, I think,” states the model.

“Let’s see.”

https://s5.postimg.org/5972fas3b/anna_ewers_boo_george_id_magazine_2013_7.jpg

Naomi: I feel like you're telling a story here and I want to know more about you.

Tyra: I love this shot. I love how it’s retro yet contemporary at the same time. You’re really bringing this edgy androgyny and I love the intensity of your gaze. I was expecting you to do something more on the sexy and feminine side this week but here I am seeing something more on the androgynous side and I am very pleasantly surprised. I have a feeling you will be a very versatile model in this competition if you continue on after this week.

Ashley: This was just ok for me, it is androgynous which is a nice touch, but it feels dated and doesn't excite me like some of the others, i feel like this looks like every generic front man from every hair/glam metal band from the 80s, I will admit that this picture has grown on me as the other pictures have come in, so you will be getting a higher placement cause your competition weren’t up to snuff "Man or woman, come back stage to find out"

“Thank you Anna. Next up, we have Binx. Let’s take a look at your best shot.”

https://s5.postimg.org/imesvnmbb/Vogue_Russia_2014_03_398.jpg

Naomi: Pretty, edgy and I love your bone structure. Get it, girl!

Ashley: Nope, a leather jacket and some severe eye makeup does not get you out of the rock round. I can see you will be the androgynous model this cycle and that is ok, but you need some work, compared to some of the other girls I feel you have a lot of potential but just need some more versatility. Those cheek bones though, bottom of the pack but not the worst “Gimme them cheeks”

Tyra: I disagree with Ashley on everything she said. I love this photo. You’re like this androgynous rock’n’roll star from the 80s new wave era. Your bone structure is phenomenal and you’re telling a story with your eyes. There is a passion in your eyes which totally elevates this photo for me. One of the best of the week. Bravo!

“Thank you so much,” says the model gratefully. “I’ll try to impress everyone next time.”

“Thanks Binx.” The model returns to her spot on the platform and standing next to her is Anna. Anna pats Binx’s shoulder gently to comfort her. They’re both relieved that their critiques are over but both worried that one of them could get eliminated very soon.

“Next up we have Kendall. How did your shoot go?”

“I feel like it went quite well. I love rock’n’roll music so this shoot was a lot of fun for me,” states the model.

“Let’s see your best shot.”

https://s5.postimg.org/l2c0vrf07/34q9wer.jpg

Ashley: Yaaas, ok BOOTZ this is what i want, the dress is a little flouncy for me, for rock but you make it work, love the minimal under neath with the volume of the dress, the styling is a bit blah to me but i understand, i would have liked the volume to match the dress, go wild with it, i like this direction "i might be cute but i can kick your ass in these boots"

Naomi: I just love this photo! You are reminiscent of the late Portuguese beauty Soledad Miranda. You are beautiful, high fashion and very mysterious.

Tyra: I don’t like this picture at all. What I am seeing here is a commercial girl who is pretending to be a rock’n’roll star. It’s inauthentic to me and to be honest quite catalogue. You’re a very pretty girl but I am not seeing a high fashion model so I think that if you continue you on you’re really going to have to work hard to be edgy and fierce because I promise you that resting on pretty isn’t going to get you very far with this group of models.

Kendall is nearly in tears after she’s done hearing Tyra’s critique. The model inhales and exhales deeply before thanking the judges and returning to her spot on the platform. A few tears fall from her face. Next to Kendall stands Bianca who notices her pain and sadness. Bianca takes Kendall’s hand for a moment and whispers “It’s okay. It’s okay, Naomi loved it!” as she tries to comfort her. Kendall wipes tears from her eyes with her other hand. While this is happening Hanne is called up next.

“Hanne, let’s see your best shot.” The model appears nervous and awkward in her posture as she stands before the judges, unsure of how they will receive her photo.

https://s5.postimg.org/ldy2m9ktz/The_Cool_Craig_Mc_Dean_Interview_13.jpg

Naomi: You look to mannish for me and in the bad sense!

Tyra: I think it’s wonderful that you’re so androgynous and I think that there is definitely a place for you in high fashion. I know that you just came out as intersex and I think that’s so beautiful. You are truly a role model for many intersex people who often feel silenced and ostracized in this society due to societal expectations and about the gender binary. So bravo for being so courageous, Hanne, and for representing intersex individuals. I think that rock’n’roll comes naturally for you at since that seems to be your aesthetic anyway. Even in front of us you look like a punk rocker. This photo is very cool and I like that you make rock’n’roll look so effortless. Very good job!

Ashley: Ohhh skirt, I see you. It reals too preppy to be rock to me, but she still looks like a rebel, I am under whelmed by this picture, I don’t feel anything when looking at it, she isn’t forcing me to wear those clothes unlike someone like Bianca is doing. Not your best work “I totes skipped school today”

Hanne thanks the judges and returns to her spot among the other girls. She and Anna exchange sweet glances that convey a sense of solace and support.

“Next up…Issa.”

The model struts down the runway and greets the judges sweetly before they view her picture.

https://s5.postimg.org/653jur1rr/image.jpg

Naomi: This photo puts me to sleep! Additionally, I feel the clothes are wearing you!

Ashley: disappointment was the first word when i saw this, i do like the sunny and cher throwback, but as i said to others it doesnt wow me, i do not like your facial expression at all, i think i know what you were going for but it comes off as you sniffed sunny too much after he smoked a bowl, the outfit is throwaway forever 21, and the pose is ok, after your show card, i expected more "I got you the munchies babe"

Tyra: I like that you’re telling a story with this picture. I do like that it’s Sonny and Cher throwback but I am not wowed by it. I feel like you could’ve taken it a step further but here you’re sort of just resting on pretty. I would’ve liked more intensity in your eyes. It just looks like you’re trying too hard to be effortlessly cool. I do think you outshine the male model and I love your unique face. I think you have a lot of potential but this photo just doesn’t stand out in this bunch for me. It’s very middle of the pack.

Issa sighs deeply after kindly thanking the judges. Facial expressions of nervousness and despair are hard for her to hide after she’s heard the critiques. She’s even slightly trembling as her nerves seem to be overcoming her now but she still remains in her spot trying to be strong and face whatever may come to her at the end of the elimination ceremony.

“Next up…Imaan.”

Imaan appears before the judges, seemingly calm and collected.

https://s5.postimg.org/s83ry7o3b/3326_489174.jpg

Tyra: I like this picture a lot. I am digging the pose and attitude but I feel like you could’ve played up a more rock’n’roll eccentricity and androgynous aspect which would’ve elevated it for me. There is an intensity in your facial expression which I love. Overall it is very good! The camera obviously loves you.

Ashley: I do not like this picture at all, I hate the pose but most of all I HATE the hair, if you want to go natural and wild do it up, not this semi tamed birds nest she is trying to rock. The clothes are cool and save the photo a tiny bit for me, but other than that this thing is just flat and not appealing to me at all, “careful she's fainting from not having hairspray”

Naomi: Don't like it! Your eyes look tired, too posy and that hair is a hot mess!

“Thank you kindly. I’ll take what ya’ll have said to heart,” says Imaan sweetly before returning to her spot on the platform. The model tries to stay strong in appearance and be strong but it’s very clear she’s quite nervous as well.

“Up next is Miss Karlie! How did you think it went?”

“I had a great time doing the shoot. I wanted to take a risk and I hope it paid off!” says Karlie excitedly.

https://s5.postimg.org/chnaibu7r/llo_Y5u_J.jpg

Naomi: While the photo is pretty...it just doesn't fit the brief. Sorry!

Tyra: I feel like you’re sort of half way there. The hair is 80s metal rock’n’roll but the outfit is more 80s Manhattan socialite. This is a fun and exciting and playful high fashion photograph but I’m not reading it as a rock’n’roll photograph.

Ashley: The first thing I said was ‘This is rock?” I think it is a little too high fashion to be considered rock, there is no attitude in the face, the hair looks great, the pose is cliché but I still like it. So overall I think this is a great shot…..for another challenge, it misses the mark on the theme and I have to penalize you for that “Spinning wheel of hair doom spin jutsu”

Karlie sighs deeply and sadly. Her nerves have started to catch up to her after hearing the critiques. She thanks the judges and returns to her spot among the other models, fearing that her fate in the competition will end tonight.

“Next we have Nadja.”

The model appears calm, elegant and sophisticated as she struts down the runway to face the judges. She makes eye contact with Tyra when she is greeted by her and smiles sweetly and confidently.

https://s5.postimg.org/rjuxf9pdj/1257923614_m.jpg

Ashley: my first thoughts when I saw the picture was ‘try hard’ I mean are the tattoos supposed to tell me she is tough? You can show that in your face and pose, I feel this is very inauthentic, even down to the hair, I don’t find that rock, I find that more street style. I don’t like much of anything about this pic to be honest. The pose too looks like she is doing the same thing Gisele is trying to do “Keep tattooing while ill use the restroom im sure its clean”

Tyra: I agree with Ashley here. It’s inauthentic and not a high fashion photo. I was expecting so much more from you because you have such a stunning look.

Naomi: I disagree with Ashley and Tyra. I see strength in this photo. Edgy bad girl, the kind you won't take home to mama! Good job!

“Thank you so much. If I make it another week I promise I won’t let you down,” states the model before returning to her spot among the other contestants. She holds her hands together against her heart, scared of how the night will end.

“Next is…Mica.”

https://s5.postimg.org/xor16c6uv/Dqsn_FDe.jpg

The model smiles nervously when she's greeted by the judges.

Naomi: I feel you have a beautiful face but this picture comes across as a rocker that is getting off her high. It's so-so.

Ashley: Ok I really get the rock vibe from this, which gives you some points, and I like the outfit and location, but that’s about it for me. I don’t find the eye make up appealing at all, but I like that you cant tell if it’s a girl or a boy from the first second. I don’t know I am on the fence with this one “Smize through the crust”

Tyra: I love this shot. One of my favorites in this batch. There is tragedy being conveyed here and you’re telling a story of a fallen rock’n’roll star. Love the androgyny! I am glad you took a risk and did something darker and more mysterious, too. It’s very a poetic shot to me.

“Next is Gisele.”

Gisele looks fierce when she struts down the runway. She smiles at each judge when she greets them happily.

https://s5.postimg.org/99it5a7xz/Gisele_Bundchen.jpg

Naomi: Sorry don't see rocker...more like sexpot and the pose is too contrived!

Tyra: It’s too safe for me. I wanted you to do something more edgy and less sexy. I wanted to see something more poetic from you.

Ashley: This is a bottom photo to me, the others put some effort into their stuff but this feels like you grabbed some heels and shirt in the thrift store next to you, knocked the bike down, sat on it and boom. i love the hair, but thats about it. the fashion isnt getting me, the pose looks like your using the bike as a port a john. and most of all this doesnt say rock to me at all. "Excuse me while i use the facilities"

Gisele thanks the judges and returns her spot. Tears are already forming in her eyes. It’s clear she’s very scared about her fate right now.

“Last up is Catherine. Here’s your best shot.”

https://s5.postimg.org/xi8qpi8c7/1172e6807e68d15e1d4bfc27a264ba29.jpg

Ashley: For me if your going to go edgy at least make sure the photo is crisp, are you trying to sell the clothes? are you trying to sell the make up? i have no clue because i can’t see you, i like the pose though and again another throwback i feel. The scenery is unexpected so that was a nice touch, but i am underwhelmed "You can’t see me, Im invisible"

Tyra: You do glam rocker very well. There is passion if your facial expression. I’m getting a story here from just looking at the overall composition.

Naomi: You come across as a sexy rocker that everyone wants to know more about! Good job!

The atmosphere is already very tense within the room once Catherine returns to her spot among the girls.

“Alright, now the judges need to deliberate. When I call you back I will announce which one of you will be eliminated. Thank you."

The models anxiously and nervously exit the room, each one praying that they won't be the first one cut.