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The girls on New Zealand’s Next Top Model have had seven weeks worth of training now.
They’ve been given some amazing tools – they’ve been taught how to use makeup and walk a runway, they’ve posed for commercials and for the cover of a CD – and I’ll be honest, it’s time they step up to the challenge and start working hard if they want to win.
I’ve been modelling for 25 years and I know this industry like the back of my hand, which qualifies me to talk about it. Although some of the girls have shown a glimpse of that X factor, the trick to being a successful model is learning to be a recognisable face while still being able to make people look at the product you’re selling.
There’s a lot of work to be done.
Arihana has finally started to come into her own, and has produced some beautiful profile shots. She revealed a while ago that she’s self-conscious about her nose, but it’s very regal and now she’s finally embraced it – allowing the team to highlight her insecurity, and improving dramatically for it.
I understand how hard it can be to feel self-conscious about one part of your body – I have a real thing about my butt, and I hate showing it. I remember going to a photoshoot for Elle magazine once, and got picked to model a swimsuit. I thought, why – of all the outfits – did I have to get the swimsuit! No-one else could see what the problem was, but that was my “thing”.
That said, I do think Bianca needs to stop looking quite so surprised every time she gets through. I love her look – it’s very edgy, and both she and Arihana have a style that’s perfect for the European scene at the moment – but it’s time she shows she believes she can do it.
Some may think I’m being harsh, but it’s a harsh business. It’s a stressful world, and whoever wins needs to be able to handle their insecurities. Modelling can be very glamorous, and there’s no doubt it’s an amazing job, but it is based on how you look. Of course, getting a bit of your personality through is great, especially when you have to do shoots like last week’s and dress like a man! But you’ll get work by looking great and being able to sell a product.
Rosanagh has been one of my favourites from the beginning, and if she carries on like this I think she could win.
She has handled a lot of press about her drink-driving charge pretty well.
However, there’s no strong contender to take the title, in my opinion. It’s time for every one of them to pull out the stops and start showing us that they really want this. It’s a great opportunity – I didn’t get half the training these girls are getting – and the winner really should deserve that prize.
