In the series pilot, up-and-coming model Raina Marinelli is deemed the new It girl during New York Fashion Week, stealing the spotlight from veteran model Sonja Stone, who's been out of the country for unknown reasons. Meanwhile, Iowa native Chris Andrews arrives in New York City and gets his first taste of the modeling world.

Chris plans to quit modeling and leave New York until a phone call from Claudia persuades him otherwise; Marissa seeks revenge after Sonja steals a Versace campaign from her; secrets from Raina's past are revealed when Marissa brings Raina's brother to a party hosted by "Project Runway" judge Nina Garcia.

Sonja deals with the repercussions of a risqué photo when it's released to the public. Elsewhere, Claudia books Raina and Cole for a major campaign, but Raina's preoccupied with family drama as she finally faces her father. And Raina's brother, Alex, finds himself in trouble with the Russian mob.