The “Look of the Year” Christchurch scores model contest

Press, 16 July 1986, Page 13

The “Look of the Year” Christchurch scores model contest

In vogue

Paula Ryan

Maree Pannell and Klrsteen Price, directors of the Christchurch model agency, Spotlight, have just successfully negotiated the New Zealand franchise for the “Look of the Year” contest

Inaugurated in 1983 by John Casablancas, of Elite Model Management in New York, this contest attracts more than 65,000 entrants from 27 countries, and is regarded as the most spectacular model contest. Elite is considered the world’s foremost international modelling agency. With more than S3OM a year in gross billings, the conglomerate represents more than 700 models on five continents. John Casablancas is the founder and president of Elite which has international branches in Paris, London, Hamburg, Munich, Milan, Brussels, Vienna, Oslo, and Tokyo. Klrsteen Price, a codirector of Spotlight, is presently in Europe working through Elite on photographic modelling assignments. The contest for ‘The Look Of The Year “86” is open New Zealand-wide to young woman from 15 to 24. It is interesting to note that should it be internationally won by a student still at school, the time is allowed for completion of studies before the prize’s contractual agreements become effective. Both John Casablancas

and Spotlight emphasise that this is not a usual beauty pageant. It is a competition aimed at discovering career-orien-tated, talented young women with the right potential for a highly professional modelling career.

The criteria, therefore, reflects the specific qualities of a top model. Facial and body beauty, style, grace, photogenic ability, a sense of elegance .

and that intangible “something” that spells an unusual personality and inner energy. Entry forms which will be published in New Zealand dally newspapers, must be accompanied by three photographs ... one in bathing suit, one fulllength, and one face shot. A judging panel will select 25 finalists from the entrants. The three photographs of each of these 25

entrants will then be forwarded to a selection panel in New York, which will be led by John Casablancas. This panel will then select the most appropriate ten contenders. Spotlight will host a Christchurch function when a judging panel will select the only finalist This will be held in midAugust, and the winner must be prepared to fly immediately to Italy in the third week of August to prepare for the international final on September 7.

This spectacular final will be staged in the sea resort of Forte Dei Marmi, the Italian Versilia Riviera, which is 50 miles from Florence. It will be televised live throughout the United States, Italy, Canada, and Europe. Judging nominates 15 finalists from 55 representing 27 countries. The final will be spectacularly fashionable because the dressing is to be done by Azzedine • Alaia, one of the most prestigious high fashion “names” in Europe. The directors of Spotlight say they are very thrilled to have secured this franchise, which creates further opportunities for career-minded models. It is an avenue apart from the conventional beauty contests for the young woman who is truly dedicated about such a career.

The eventual winner will receive contracts with

the guaranted earning power of $200,000. This is the biggest contract of its kind in the world. The international final, which has been held in Mexico and Mauritius in previous years, will have a splendid debut in Europe. The finalists will be flown to Forte Del Marmi, and will be staying at the luxury hotels of the beautiful resort. Journalists, fashion editors, and photographers from 30 countries will be covering the event and using the finalists for magazine covers and fashion editorial spreads.

The functions will be attended by a glamorous group of guests, including personalities from the fashion, sports, entertainment, and music worlds. The finalists and the technical crews from the Italian network, Canale 5, and from the American production will be in Forte Dei Marmi during the last week of August until the final gala night The two weeks will be filled with social activities, shooting segments for the television spectacular, disco parties, cocktails, and sight-seeing tours in this most beautiful part of Italy.

During this time, the members of the jury will be Interviewing all the contestants, evaluating their potential throughout the rehearsals and photographic sessions. The last two evenings will be televised live. During the show, numerous international artists will perform. Eventually, after 15 finalists have been selected, the three winners will be announced.

One lucky young New Zealand woman will be there. There is a very water-tight, contractual, eight-page agreement for contestants which ensures their safe conduct throughout the competition. Girls under the age of 18 must secure written parental consent Maree Pannell is excited about the Christchurch agency’s successful negotiation for the franchise. She sees it as a great extension of the opportunities that are available in New Zealand for ambitious and talented young women with the will to succeed.