America's Next Top Model Kicks Off Cycle 16 2/23

The CW's hit series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL returns to the world of high fashion when Cycle 16 premieres on Wednesday, February 23 (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET).

Lending their expertise as guest judges during this high fashion cycle are international fashion designer Lana Marks, model/stylist Erin Wasson, stylist Rachel Zoe, Sudanese model and actress Alek Wek, stylist/creative consultant Lori Goldstein, Italian photographer Francesco Carrozzini, fashion model Sonia Dara, IMG Models executive Ivan Bart, Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani, Brazilian designer Daniella Issa Helayel, and costume designer/stylist Eric Daman ("Gossip Girl").

Fourteen model hopefuls will compete for the ultimate career-launching prize pack
Age: a contract with IMG Models, one of the top international modeling management companies in the world; a fashion spread in Vogue Italia and an additional spread and cover of Beauty in Vogue; and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics.

Tyra Banks leads the panel of judges, comprised of influential fashion editor Andr? Leon Talley and photographer Nigel Barker. Jay Manuel serves as the photo shoot creative director while Miss J Alexander returns as the runway trainer.

"AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL" CYCLE 16 PARTICPANTS

Name: Alexandria
Age: 21
Height: 5' 10"
Hometown: Newport Beach, California
Current Location: Huntington Beach, California
Occupation: Currently unemployed
Favorite Designer: Karl Lagerfeld
Biggest ANTM Fear: Accidentally falling or doing something embarrassing while modeling.
Most Confident About: My drive to never give up on what I want.
Favorite Non-Modeling Activities: Adventures in new places. I love snowboarding, hiking, surfing, cliff-diving, hanging out with my sister and any of my five brothers.

Name: Angelia
Age: 20
Height: 5' 10"
Hometown: Landstuhl, Germany
Current Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Occupation: College student, studying Marine Biology
Favorite Designer: Vera Wang
Biggest ANTM Fear: Getting along with the other models, and not making it past the casting week.
Most Confident About: My unique look.
Favorite Non-Modeling Activities: I love going to the beach and snorkeling in Key West. I also love snowboarding, rollerblading, fishing and swimming. And of course, dancing!

Name: Brittani
Age: 19
Height: 5' 10 ?"
Hometown: Beech Creek, Pennsylvania
Current Location: Howard, Pennsylvania
Occupation: College student, studying English, International Studies and Spanish
Favorite Designer: Marc Jacobs
Biggest ANTM Fear: Living in the house with the other models.
Most Confident About: My walk. The runway is my favorite part of the modeling world.
Favorite Non-Modeling Activities: I love dancing, and any form of artistic expression, including collages, painting and crafts. Also reading, writing and being with friends and family.

Name: Dalya
Age: 21
Height: 5' 9"
Hometown: Clear Lake, Texas
Current Location: Corona, California
Occupation: Currently unemployed
Favorite Designer: A tie between Alexander McQueen and Giambattista Valli
Biggest ANTM Fear: Having the judges misunderstand me.
Most Confident About: I am most confident in my ability to work any runway you put me on!
Favorite Non-Modeling Activities: Hanging with my friends, shopping and reading. But I'm forever in model mode!

Name: Dominique
Age: 23
Height: 5' 9"
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Current Location: Houston, Texas
Occupation: College graduate with a degree in Marketing
Favorite Designer: Stacey Bendet's Alice & Olivia Clothing line
Biggest ANTM Fear: Not knowing what to expect.
Most Confident About: I'm most confident about my walk.
Favorite Non-Modeling Activities: Hanging with family and friends. And you can find me at a local museum, book store or window shopping. I also love to dance and go to the theater when I can.

Name: Hannah
Age: 20
Height: 5'10"
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Current Location: Austin, Texas
Occupation: College student majoring in Photo-Communications.
Favorite Designer: John Galliano
Biggest ANTM Fear: That I might come across as a ditz.
Most Confident About: My personality, my sense of style and my ability to make friends easily.
Favorite Non-Modeling Activities: I love photography, stop-animation and film. I like to write and doodle.