What do Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour, Gisele Bundchen and Constance Jablonski have in common? The obvious answer is, of course, that they’re all heartstoppingly, gobsmackingly, jealous-makingly gorgeous… And tall, and thin and blessed with razor sharp cheek bones, super shiny hair, million dollar smiles etc etc. But more to the point (of this post at least) these ladies all came to fame thanks to a certain modelling competition. The Elite Model Look competition to be precise. Think America’s Next Top Model but, dare I say it, rather more credible. Don’t get me wrong, I love Tyra as much as the next girl. But Elite’s annual competition has produced an array of bonafide supermodels and household names while ANTM, well, hasn’t. With this in mind I was pretty excited to be attending the 2013 UK final last week, not to mention more than a little apprehensive about being in a room full of six foot glamazons who would make even the most confident person feel like an Oompa Loompa. Luckily I had a fabulous Teatum Jones frock for the occasion which, teamed with ankle breaking heels made me feel slightly more statuesque.
I arrived at The Brewery in East London (same venue as the Fashion Monitor Awards) to find the entire place pink lit and already teaming with people. My party pal for the evening was a school friend, tempted along on the promise of free booze and models. Inside I ran into the lovely Alistair Guy and, after a rum cocktail or three, we all squashed up on the FROW to see this year’s finalists in action. As the aspiring models hit the runway I kicked myself (metaphorically of course, those wedges would have caused bruises) for not following the competition the whole way through. There’s something bizarrely enjoyable about watching ridiculously good looking teenagers battle it out to be the next Cindy Crawford. I soon learned that after being picked from nationwide auditions the young hopefuls had just come from a rigorous week of “bootcamp” style training… Next year, I am SO stalking the early stages!
Female Runner Up and Winner of the Colgate campaign
Male Winner, Ross Trevillion
Female Winner, May Bell
One of the most enjoyable things about watching America’s Next Top Model, X Factor or really anything involving egos and competition is picking your personal favourites. On this occasion I was delighted when one of my top two girls, the exquisitely ethereal May Bell, was awarded the female title. The male prize went to 16 year old Ross Trevillion who, despite looking unbelievably cocky, I had to admit had serious presence on the catwalk. Once Crystal Renn (yes, really) had announced that May would be jetting off to Shanghai for the global final there was a stampede back to the bar where champagne was already being poured in preparation for the after party.
May & Ross celebrating at the after party
You’ll no doubt be shocked to hear that I didn’t stick around this time but I think it’s a pretty safe bet those who did weren’t feeling too fresh the next morning!
Love Ella. X
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