A Model Life is a reality television series hosted by modelPetra Němcová. The series debuted on July 13, 2007 on TLC in the United States. It follows six young models from around the world as they move to New York City and try to earn a modeling contract with NEXT Modeling. There were no weekly eliminations.

Hopefuls

Lucia Dvorska, 18, the sweet fan-favourite from Slovakia, started modeling at the age of four. She has blue eyes, a curvier body (deemed a little "pear-shaped" in the first episode by a now very unpopular judge) and an affecting smile. She shows a lot of potential and the best client etiquette from the beginning, overcoming some insecurities. Lucia is the only one with a "normal" BMI.

Abigail Fox, 16, the charming doll-face "princess" from England, is generally quiet and pleasant, but sometimes lacks self-confidence. She can play a total of five instruments, including the flugelhorn. She is overwhelmed easily, but is serious about modeling. She won a UK modeling search in 2006.

Angelika Oatway, 19, the melancholic musician from Los Angeles, stated that she didn’t want to model initially, despite a lot of people telling her she should, because she thinks it is “superficial�. Her stepmother convinced her to go, saying it could be a platform to helping others. She considers that "what should be beautiful in magazines or the media is false." In one episode, she complained to client Diane Smith about an outfit she thought didn't suit her, and fought with one of the judges for a solid five minutes.

Beatrice Bererra da Fontoura, 16, the endearing klutz from Brazil, has been modeling for two years. She calls everyone "baby" and has trouble remembering three-digit numbers. She wore ankle socks with her swimsuit on a go-see, and despite her vivacious nature, consistently tends toward the "vacant look."

Michelle Godin, 20, from Florida, initially had a very short haircut and was apprehensive about the dramatic makeover, of which she later heartily approves. She does not believe in meals, and has the honour of being "Most Irritating Ingrate". She is obsessed with punctuality and in one of the episodes when all the girls need to go to a casting, she leaves without them saying that she doesn't want to be late.

Valerija "Valeria" Erokhina, 17, the so-called "baby Petra" from Australia, is new to modeling, but improves steadily in all areas. Russian-born Valeria is sophisticated, genuine and energetic.

Weight issues

True to what will soon be reality in the modelling industry, the girls are sent to nutritionist and trainer Greg Joujon-Roche to talk to them about the importance of health. He has them write down everything they ate that day, and Michelle reveals her daily diet to be cereal, French fries and soda. Actually, she asserts that she usually eats a lot more than that when Greg calls her on it, but her BMI proves to be the lowest he's ever seen. Greg says none of the models ate enough nor did they have any essential fats or proteins, demonstrating the importance of nutrition professionals in the modelling biz, though odds are, some of them already knew they were not eating well.

Ten minutes further into the episode, judges Stephen and Tammy are commenting on Lucia's pictures, and then procceed to make it clear that the one way she can really improve is by losing weight. She accepts their admittedly practical advice, even though she was just commended on her BMI.

Conclusion

Michelle goes to the London firm, where her pics were well-received and the Miami firm loved Bea's shoots. Valeria, Lucia and Abigail fly to the Bahamas for the last photo shoot and excel almost effortlessly. Petra sees a lot of potential in them, and all three are given $100,000 contracts and Joanna Coles from Marie Claire says she wants the girls to represent the international image of Marie Claire in an editorial, mentioning that they all look like they eat. Angelika is reprimanded for her unpleasant attitude. Though Angelika says she "knows what she's doing," Petra does not want a model that reflects poorly on the agency, and Angelika is sent home to LA.