EASTERN PROMISE
Starring all-new faces and with a fresh judging panel of industry greats, Asia’s Next Top Model returns for a second season of fashion, theatrics, and model behaviour. By Evanna Ramly
It’s the second season of Asia’s Next Top Model— and the talents continue to amaze
As America’s Next Top Model wraps its 20th season, talents closer to home prepare for round two of Asia’s Next Top Model, an original production from Fox International Channels shot in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Nadya Hutagalung returns as host and head judge alongside model mentor Joey Mead King. “We have a great cast this year,” says Hutagalung, who welcomes catwalk coach Adam Williams and fashion photographer Mike Rosenthal to the 2014 judging panel. “It’s a very nice energy that we have.”
Williams echoes her view of the show’s upbeat spirit. “The viewers can look forward to a whole new colour in this new season. There’s a new energy, there’s a new vibe, there are a lot of new tricks, and a lot of exciting places to visit,” he enthuses, adding that the girls have impressed the judges beyond belief. “They have grown so much already and I’m really excited for people to see how inspiring all of these girls really are. I find hard work, dedication, and big dreams inspiring, and these models have it.”
This year, 16 model hopefuls from 12 countries compete for exciting prizes: a Subaru XV, a contract as the face of TRESemmé’s 2014 campaign for Southeast Asia, a cover and fashion spread in Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore and Malaysia, a three-month modelling contract with Storm Model Management, a load of cash, and of course the coveted title of Asia’s Next Top Model. Desirable delights, no doubt, but what’s it going to take to convince the judges? “We’re looking for a triple threat,” says King. “A model who can do commercial and runway, and is a perfection in print.”
Working closely with the girls on photo shoots, Rosenthal knows just how determined they are to be the chosen one. “It’s wonderful to see them grow, to take advice and direction and be able to process it and make it their own,” shares the photographer. “It’s been a great experience. This season is going to be bigger, more exciting, more polished, and just really beautiful.”
Of course, it can’t be all sunshine and rainbows. King reveals, “There’s going to be a lot of drama. I understand how it feels for a young model wanting to make her way. Being the big sister, I have to give tough love. I feel for them as one would for a protégé but at the same time I have to be tough for them to learn; otherwise, they’re not going to survive in this industry.”
It’s an education vital for all in fashion. “The show’s going to change the industry by giving expert advice on how successful shoots are produced. An ideal picture is so much more than a pretty face and a pretty dress—it should conjure up an image,” explains Williams.
“Season one was a real eye-opener. Although [the winner] Jessica Amornkuldilok was such a natural, she really did improve over the whole season as a model. By the time she stepped onto our set for the cover shoot, she was a bona fide professional – amazing to work with,” recalls Kenneth Goh, BAZAAR’s Creative Director for fashion and beauty who is once again a guest judge—this time, he will be joined by Natasha Kraal, the Editor-in-Chief of BAZAAR Malaysia—and will lead the girls through a photo-shoot challenge. “With season two, I expect only better and better, and now with everyone knowing and wanting to be Asia’s Next Top Model, the judging will only get meaner and tougher! Watch out for the catfights next year!” Asia’s Next Top Model will be on Star World from January 8