Manila – Filipino Stephanie Retuya emerged as first runner up to Jessica Amornkuldilok of Thailand, who was adjudged as the first ever “Asia’s Next Top Model. The competition’s finale was aired on Sunday and was held in Singapore.
Asia’s Next Top Model is the region’s adaptation of the original hit TV series America’s Next Top Model, a fashion-themed reality television show broadcasted in over 100 countries around the world. The Asian version aims to give young Asian women a chance to hit the international world of modeling and bag the prizes at stake in the contest. Asia’s Next Top Model started out with 14 candidates from different Asian countries that included Japan, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.
During the finale, the three finalists – Amornkuldilok, Retuya, and Kate Ma of Taiwan, made a TV commercial shoot for Canon and posed on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar magazine. Retuya, according to the judges, did well in the TV commercial. However, she failed to get the judges’ nod in the magazine cover shoot.
The finale episode also included the runway show for Singaporean designer Frederick Lee. America’s Top Model host and creator Tyra Banks also graced the finale of the Asian version and praised Retuya the runway challenge. She however said Retuya failed to deliver in the magazine cover shoot, apparently losing the chance to bring him the title.
The 23-year-old Retuya is a part-time model who has only started modeling early last year. The Philippine Fashion Week Holiday Premier was among the ramps Retuya has walked already.
Asia’s Next Top Model is hosted by Nadya Hutagalung. Fashion director Daniel Boey, fashion photographer Todd Anthony Tyler, and model Joey Mead King mentored the model hopefuls.
Aside from being the first Asia’s Next Top Model Amornkuldilok S$100,000, modeling contract with Storm Model Management and a 3-month working trip to London. The winner will also have a chance to appear on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, a chance to become the new face of Cannon IXUS’ 2013 campaign, and a brand new Subaru XV.