"Germany's next Topmodel": Heidi's Lagerfeld homage ends bitterly for male model

"I don't know her." In 2009, Karl Lagerfeld (1933-2019) didn't say a friendly word about Heidi Klum (51) on a TV show. It's all the more remarkable that the model mom is dedicating her first men's catwalk of this year's "Germany's next Topmodel" season (Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:15 p.m., ProSieben or Joyn ) entirely to the German designer legend. For the 48 models, it's about moving into the model house. One promising male model is hit particularly hard after the glamorous Lagerfeld show.

"He would turn in his grave"

Right at the beginning of the episode, Heidi Klum pays homage to fashion czar Lagerfeld. He is "the greatest designer of all time," says Klum from off-screen. That is surprising. While he was still alive, the designer banished Heidi Klum to the absolute sidelines of fashion during a TV show in 2009: "Heidi Klum? I don't know her. She's never been to Paris, we don't know her." Klum admits: "It's no secret that he wasn't my biggest fan." Candidate and fashion expert Eliob (29) grins in remembrance of Lagerfeld and the upcoming fashion show: "If he knew that now, he would be turning in his grave." But Klum calms things down: "Whatever he thought of me: I was and still am a big fan of his work. It is an honor for me to celebrate him and his artistic legacy on 'GNTM'."

Chris' motto: Make grandma proud

In order to put Lagerfeld's spirit in the right light, Hun Kim, creative director of the "Karl Lagerfeld" brand, dresses the male models in the latest creations. The models are supposed to absorb Lagerfeld's spirit on the catwalk and, if possible, merge it with their outfits. Who will do this best? For some of the models, it will be their catwalk debut, including Chris (23) from Düsseldorf. He found his way into the fashion world through his grandmother and her fashion boutique in the Bergisches Land. By taking part in "GNTM", he wants to give her back some of her positive influence and make her proud.

Marcel (27) from Hamburg thinks he is several steps ahead of Chris. He thinks the outfit with an original "GNTM" bathrobe is "surreal and crazy": "The bathrobes are the symbol of 'GNTM' and mean: you have now arrived." Head designer Kim fits him in a shoulder-free glam outfit that has already made it into "Vogue". After the test walk, he elicits an "awesome" from the designer and receives applause.

From the bank counter to the catwalk is Pierre (22) from Vienna and Samuel (23) from Cologne. Pierre wants to be a role model for his two younger brothers (3 and 5). He was diagnosed with a tumor in his knee and had it removed through surgery. But he doesn't let that stop him: "If I had to choose between the catwalk or the bank counter, I would have to choose the catwalk." Banker colleague Samuel (23) is not only eye-catching for his striking tattoos. He also has a physical handicap. In 2019, he was attacked with a knife at a birthday party. A long scar along his abdominal wall still bears witness to the incident and the life-saving operation. He went to great lengths to make it onto Heidi's catwalk. "I'm proud of my scar now," says Samuel, "I'm fulfilling a dream on 'GNTM'."

Between A-level nervousness and final dreams

Ryan (22) presents himself as extremely self-confident and successful on social media. Behind the facade, however, he has some self-doubts, which mainly relate to his appearance. He began to develop a receding hairline at a young age. That's why he decided to have a hair transplant six months ago. Before the catwalk, he still gets nervous "like before his school exams" - in contrast to Felix S. (29), a drag artist and DJ from Vienna. He has already walked in Vienna and has a lot planned. Felix admits that he has never done his own laundry. His mother does that for him. He wants to be "at least in the top ten" on "GNTM." A good start for him: He is allowed to close the fashion show. Marcel is chosen as the "First Face" and show opener. His dreams of the final are also growing.

faux pas as an opener

Shortly before the show, supermodel Eva Herzigova (51) encourages the male models. She is at Heidi's side as a guest judge. She had a particularly close relationship with Karl Lagerfeld. She has also known Heidi for ages. "I'm happy for her that she's had so much success with the show." The show begins with a small faux pas by Marcel: When he casually tries to take off his blazer, one hand gets caught in his sleeve. Is this a threat to his progress? Chris also seems nervous and withdrawn: "He's in his own bubble," says Eva Herzigova. The two bankers Pierre and Samuel, on the other hand, deliver coolly.

"He steals my heart"

Ray (30) was able to win over judge Naomi Campbell (54) last time. He quickly gained a following from Heidi and Eva Herzigova. When he showed off his washboard stomach again, he believes "that it wasn't just Heidi who liked the fact that I showed myself shirtless." Eva Herzigova observes: "Just look at the way he walks, as if he's saying: I know I can do it." She is just as impressed by skater Moritz (18). His youthful look is a hit with the judges: "He steals your heart," says Herzigova. Felix from Vienna is the last to perform a convincing walk and the famous Lagerfeld pose with two hands on the lapel. "He's great," says designer Hun Kim.

Bitter decision for show opener Marcel

The decisive vote for entry into the model house has a few surprises in store. The biggest - and unfortunately negative - concerns Marcel. Before the decision, he already imagines his future path on "GNTM": "Because you opened the walk, you're already a step up." And adds: "Of course I want to move on and become 'Germany's next top model'." Competitor Gabriel (23) also believes that Marcel is "150 percent" through. Marcel's reaction is not only disbelief after Heidi and Eva announce their verdict: the entire group is eliminated. It's over for Chris too: "I remembered you as a beaming guy from last week. Today I found you extremely lame," says Heidi. Curly-haired Kevin (24) was the most convincing this time: "My jaws and others dropped. That was great," says designer Kim. And Eva Herzigova agrees: "You did a great job, really great!" Next week we will be going to the model house for the first time.

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