Poll: Who do you think deserves to win America's Next Top Model?

Cycle 15, Episode 11: Franca Sozzani

Summary
The ladies take an acting class before meeting with editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani, who is also this week's guest judge. Later, they put their acting skills to the test once more in a moving editorial video shoot with Tyra as the director. Two girls head home this week leaving only the finalists to duke it out.

Rubbin' It In
Mop Top (Kayla) won best photo for the second week in a row and decides it's time to rub it in the other girl’s faces. This is the type of shit I'm not down with. You notice how Giraffe (Ann) never rubbed her five wins it in anyone's face. Take a note, ladies, because sometimes bragging early on in the episode spells disaster later.

In general, the girls are becoming more catty these days. I think it's a combination of PMS-ing and the fact that there are only a couple of weeks remaining. It's time to get the gloves off and fight for the title of America's Next Top Model!

Casper (Chelsey) turns the cattiness level up another notch or two when she chastises Giraffe (Ann) for not studying up enough on the fashion industry:

"I live in Idaho. There's no fashion there! There's more fashion in Texas than there is in Idaho!  If you're passionate, you make time!" – Casper (Chelsey)

To the camera, she reveals that she believes Giraffe (Ann) is just "coasting through" the competition. Whoah! Talk about Jealous Bitch Radar comin' on! Look girl, just because the judges love Giraffe (Ann), doesn't mean you gotta assume she's not making an effort during the photo shoots.   Regardless, Giraffe (Ann) is steppin' up her game and now feels comfortable telling the other girls to 'bring it!'

3-2-1 … Acting!
Miss J certainly knows how to make an impression!Miss J explains the importance of knowing how to act: "When you go to castings, personality is key. And if you want to be successful, you have to feel the emotion a designer wants and be able to deliver a personality so that people will book you – which means make a first impression." Miss J is basically telling the girls to fare bella figura!)

The girls are given an acting lesson by Acting Coach, Barbara Terrinoni. She teaches them how to project their voice, to express various emotions, to create a persona. Basically, she teaches them to exude confidence.  Sadly, Giraffe (Ann) does the worst. She really needs to improve on this quickly, or she will not be able to win ANTM.

Challenge
The girls meet editor-and-chief of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani and must impress her with their personality. Andre Leon Talley, wearing his favorite sequined man cape and embroidered top hat, lurks in the background watching Franca interact with the girls. Although he discusses Franca's impressions of the girls, ultimately, he will decide who the winner will be based on his observations.

Ann is nervous going into it because she sucked so poorly during the acting lesson by not projecting her voice properly:

What the clip shows is that Ann has it within her to project confidence and present herself well. Right now, speaking like that feels silly and fake to her. Soon, though, she can make it more authentic, and gradually she will learn when to wear this strong persona (ie. at castings!!).

Challenge Winner
Casper (Chelsey) is the challenge winner and she picks Mop Top (Kayla) as her friend to share the win with. Andre Leon Talley accompanies the pair to Santa Maria delle Grazie for a private viewing of Leonardo Da Vinici's L'Ultima Cena (The Last Supper). After getting worked up over the painting because of her Catholic upbringing, Casper (Chelsey) sheds a tear and gets a hug from Andre, who is dressed like Inspector Clouseau.

Meanwhile, Blockhead (Jane) and Giraffe (Ann) make the best of it back at the house by drawing their own version of The Last Supper, eating Chinese food and drinking vodka. Way to make the best of it girls! I'm lovin' their positive outlook! I really appreciate how these two are getting along so well – like real pals!

Later, Casper (Chelsey) and Mop Top (Kayla) bask in luxury in a 7-star hotel located inside La Galleria Vittorio Manuela. While the ladies are pampered, drinking champagne and eating amuse bouche, their cohorts are having fun at home reading Tyra mail!

Photoshoot: Motion Editorials

Ann lurches through her runway walkMr. Jay welcomes the contestants to a gorgeous villa in Verona, Italia, the location of their next photo shoot. However, there's a twist. Rather than a standard photo shoot, they will be directed by Tyra in motion editorials in order to bring their photo to life. What I want to know is – how do they show this in their modeling books at castings? Do they bring a DVD? Do they bring a DVD player? What the dealio? Anyway, the bigger twist on this shoot? Two people will be eliminated after this week's judging. We're going to the finals, biotch!!! It's time to bring it!

The ladies wear hot couture and work with Vogue Italia stylist Valentina Seraa. They portray "wonder" in a huge room with a gorgeous alfresco ceiling, flip their hair around, create shapes from their silhouettes, catwalk, pant their name, and fondle a hedge.

They all were strong at moments and weak at others. Casper (Chelsey) did the best overall out of all the girls, and had an amazing runway walk. Giraffe (Ann) had a terrible catwalk but managed to be sexy in front of the camera. Blockhead (Jane) worked her face but didn’t give enough raw emotion. Mop Top (Kayla) had a hard time fitting a lot of the dresses and also didn’t know how to best work the angles of her face.

Oopsie Daisie!
There is a moment during filming where Ann's shirt comes open during filming.  Oopsie!!

Judging

Four girls remain and soon there will only be two – eek! Those who survive will get to walk in a Roberto Cavalli runway show. The ladies show up to judging looking like models. Everyone is wearing blue, except Ann, who is wearing black with a white corset.  Andre Leon Talley is pleased with her look and wants to take her to a party! Way to go, Ann!

"I think this is the first day you have embraced your extravagant uniqueness in this corset. You look fabulous. I want to take you to a party!" – Andre

Casper (Chelsey) impressed the judges with her performance: 

"She was sexy; she was believable; she was raw." – Nigel
“She really wants to be a model. You can see by the effort she put into her movement that she wants to please people.” – Franca Sozzani

  

Blockhead (Jane) received mixed reviews:

"She's very photogenic." – Franca
"She’s got to be taught, 'Express!'" – Andre
"That big face is a million dollar face and she can go far." – Tyra

Giraffe (Ann) also got mostly positive reviews - except for her runway walk:

"I think [she is] unique and very photogenic." – Franca
"That runway walk – it's not usable." – Tyra
"I'm really surprised by Ann! I didn't think that she could do sexy." – Nigel

  

Mop Top (Kayla) also received mixed reviews. The negative commentary does not bode well for her chances going into the finals:

"When I was dressing Kayla, a lot of it didn't fit on her, it was just too big.” – Tyra
“Is Kayla high fashion? I'm not sure."– Andre

Best Photo
GIRAFFE (ANN)!!!!!! Hell YES!!! She's goin' on to the finals!!!!! Holy shit!! The awkward girl might win it this year!!! Way to go, girl!!!!!

Runner Up
Casper (Chelsey) also stays in the competition. The judges love her knowledge of fashion and how she brings that passion out. I’m not crazy about this chica – I'd rather have me some Mop Top (Kayla) in the finale – but she earned her spot.

Heading Home: Blockhead (Jane) and Mop Top (Kayla)

Blockhead (Jane) lacks personality and is forgettable. Tyra recommends she get signed with an agency and pursue modeling because she "she can make a lotta money!" The aspiring model is really excited to find out that with a little more practice, she can have a career in the industry. And I look forward to seeing her gorgeous face!

Mop Top (Kayla) is different and interesting, but she hasn't mastered the angles of her body or her face. The judges recommend she start acting and add this to her portfolio.

"I'm happy of how far I came. I really wanted to win this, but I'm proud of who I am. I'm reppin' for my community. I'm going to keep going and going!” – Mop Top (Kayla)

To Be Deeply Concerned About
Giraffe (Ann)

Girl, I know you got called first into the finale, but you really need to work on your runway walk if you gonna work Roberto Cavalli! Also, comb ya damn hair! She shows up at challenges, at photo shoots, at castings and in front of the judges looking so disheveled. This kind of stuff counts -- especially in the finals. I don't want the judges to say things like, "She doesn't look like a model in front of us." That's a dangerous road to go down, so avoid it altogether by primping beforehand, girl!!

I'm crossing my fingers that the underdog wins this year! I hope Giraffe (Ann) can really improve her confidence (in one week!) so that she can really shine rather than projecting fear. This is really the key to her success in the competition.

Tips for Giraffe (Ann): take a note from a fellow "awkward girl" Bloody Eyeball aka Wheelbarrow (Nicole Fox) who won ANTM Cycle 13. She may be petite and "weird", but she brings a lot of personality and is far from cookie-cutter! The judges loved her and he has really come out of her shell since she won. I'm hoping the judges see potential in Giraffe (Ann) to do the same.

What We Learned
Andre Leon Talley loves his man capes!

Cycle 15, Episode 10: Kyle Hagler

Summary
The girls trudge around Milano for go-see's which include major fashion house Versace.  Later, they head to Lake Como for a photo shoot with Nigel Barker where they are transformed into sculptures coming to life by the intense love of their sculptor. Kyle Hagler from IMG Model Management is this week's guest judge.

La Bella Figura
Tyra mail tells the girls to: "Prepare to fare una buona impressione." The models correctly guess this means their challenge will be go-see's.  However, as an Italophile, I must point out that Tyra’s way of saying 'make a good impression' is not the way Italians would say this. In italiano, if you want to 'make a good impression, you 'fare una bella figura.'

The philosophy of 'bella figura' is a way of life in Italian society.  "It governs behavior, language, customs; it directs the etiquette of business dealings and the machinations of politics," wrote Tracy Wilkinson in an L.A. Times article about the subject.  La bella figura means making the right aesthetic judgments, acting properly, knowing the rules of etiquette, and how to behave in certain circumstances.  According to Celeste Stewart, it is "knowing what is appropriate and when. It is knowing what is of high quality and taste versus what is too cheap." 

On a grander scale, it represents a code of honor.  "Maintaining the honor of the family, ensuring that it’s members always appear honorable, is paramount. Dishonoring the family, bringing about public shame, is the opposite of bella – it is the brutta figura," explains Wilkinson.

So, now that we have had our micro lesson on Italian culture, we will find out which model makes a bella figura and which makes  a brutta figura during their go-see's!  In bocca al lupo, ragazze!

Challenge: Go-See's in Milano
The girls arrive at IMG Model Management, and Tyra gives them a quick lesson on structuring their portfolio, even sharing tips on what not to do.  Two IMG Model managers inform the ladies they have four "go and see" appointments around Milano – one of which is with fashion house Versace.  WHAT WHAT!!  Diz-amn, ladies! You best make la bella figura for Versace!!  To get to their casting locations, they can use public transportation or their own two feet. With only four hours to complete the challenge, this will prove to be tough!

Blockhead (Jane) and Serena (Chris) team up together right away and head to Versace first.  Casper (Chelsey) and Mop Top (Kayla) pair up as well.  Meanwhile, Giraffe (Ann) follows behind like a lost puppy.  Within 15 minutes, Blockhead (Jane) and Serena (Chris) find their way to Versace – good job, girls! Their secret formula? They asked for directions. Wise move! The other trio, however, don't fair as well.  After 40 minutes of walking, they are totally lost and frustrated. When they finally arrive at Versace but must wait until their cohorts are done before they can be seen. Wah wah. More waitin' and frustratin'. 

Che Cosa Pensa Versace?
Angelo Azzena representing the Versace fashion house gave his professional opinion on the ladies: 

Blockhead (Jane): "Very fresh. But she has to work on the walk. It's not very good."

Serena (Chris): "The fit was a little bit-a not very good. Not for what is the trend at the moment. Looks like a model from the eighties."

Casper (Chelsey): "She is a very good fit and I like it. Her look is a little bit two seasons ago."

Mop Top (Kayla): "Beautiful face, fresh. Good for editorial but not for show."

Giraffe (Ann): "She's very good. Not in the walk, though. But perfect because she's tall and perfect body, perfect body. I would book Ann for print and shows."

In the end, only Casper (Chelsey) makes it to a second casting. Good thing she did because they liked her and said they would book her for runway.

The rest of the girls head back to the agency with only one go-see under their belts. Sadly, while walking, Serena (Chris) injures her foot/ankle by stepping on it wrong.  After walking for 3-4 hours on cobblestones wearing flat sandals with absolutely zero support it’s no wonder her feet couldn’t take it anymore!! Both Mop Top (Kayla) and Giraffe (Ann) get disqualified for arriving late. Too bad. Giraffe (Ann) could have won since she booked the Versace job!

Challenge Winner
Casper (Chelsey) wins and gets a Versace jacket. Sweet! Her past modeling experience gave her a leg up. She was the only one who had ever been on a go-see before. She didn’t do amazing, but at least she figured out how to navigate Milano. Finally, she achieved her goal of impressing the judges.

What I don't understand is why none of the models asked the people at their first go-see what would be the best way to get to their next location. They obviously are not from the area, and since they have interacted with the woman at the front desk already, why not trouble her briefly on the way out? If she’s too busy, then you can ask a stranger on the street, but why not start with someone who might be more willing to help you? I just don't get it!  Also, what about buying a better map? A metro guide? A Tom-Tom? Finding an enamored Italian ragazzo to lead you around the city?  Seriously, has no one thought of this shit before or is it just not allowed in the ANTM rules?

Photoshoot  
 
The girls head to the breath-taking Villa Erbe Estate at Lago di Como for a photo shoot with Nigel where they are transformed into statues that have come to life thanks to the love of the hot male sculptor who created them.

What I find really interesting about this shoot is that because the girls all have the same basic look, the focus shifts to the strength of posing and emotion in the face. Without any distractions from clothes or makeup, the playing field becomes leveled.  Now, the judges can see who really stands out.

Overall, the girls do well, but not all. Blockhead (Jane) struggles during her shoot and ends up in tears because she feels like she blew it. Mr. Jay advises her to not strive for perfection or over-think things. Hopefully, she can find a way to a lifeboat because her ship is sinking fast. Serena (Chris) also struggled, but only because of her foot injury. Mr. Jay said it best: "The problem with Chris' shoot was as it progressed you could see pain took over and she was trying to just get through it."

DAMN, the modeling industry cuts you no slack, man! If you're injured – tough shit – you just gotta pose it out!  What sucks is that even if the photographer knows you are injured, he doesn't care! He'll assume you don’t give a shit rather than understanding you're in severe physical pain.

Judging & Elimination
Mop Top (Kayla) didn't book the job on her sole go-see, but her photo impressed the judges:

"[She's] one of the best posers in the bunch." – Nigel
"This is one of the best things we've ever seen of Kayla." – Andre Leon Talley

Casper (Chelsey) was challenge winner this week but received mixed reviews from panel:

"I don't feel 'model', I feel 'beautiful woman'." – Tyra
"She was actually very good. I would rebook her." – Nigel
"Chelsey offers a lot of possibilities...she could kind of do anything." – Kyle Hagler

I gander Mr. Hagler's comments will spur her the furthest in this competition. Tyra is looking for versatility, and that is exactly what Casper (Chelsey) offers.

We all knew going into this that Serena (Chris) would be in the Bottom 2. The judges comments solidified this fear:

"If this were just about a woman being a statue, fantastic. But that wasn't the assignment" – Kyle Hagler
"She could be the next Wanda Sykes. But not a high fashion model." – Andre Leon Talley
"For me it felt like [she was] just over it. Like [she]'d signed out." – Nigel

Giraffe (Ann) found out that Versace Couture would hire her—YES! She is the only one they said yes to! However, the judges still rag on her and give her a really hard time:

"When you're meeting people they've got to like you, they've got to connect with you. And that's where Ann fails.” – Nigel
"She has to become more confident in herself. To be commercial, you have to be effervescent." – Kyle Hagler

It seems that our dear friend in a sequined man-cape was the only one really supporting Giraffe (Ann):

"[She] did not give Nigel what he wanted but [she is] giving HIGH FASHION!! She needs to go somewhere and just be told, 'Learn how to convey a personality!'" – Andre Leon Talley

I bet that if Giraffe (Ann) does not win this competition, Andre will take her under his wing and get her into Vogue Italia on his own merit. The man seems to jizz all over himself every time he sees her photo – and for good reason!  The way he acts reminds me of how much he loved Wig Out (Alasia) from Cycle 14.

Blockhead (Jane) is clearly on her period this week. She can't stop crying and breaks down again in front of the judges. However, this ends up being endearing to them because they see she has a soul. Nevertheless, she remains on shakey ground.

"Jane needs a development process. If she really comes out of her shell, she could have a great career. I think she's going to need a little more time than a couple of weeks, honestly." – Kyle Hagler

Best Photo
Mop Top (Kayla) Kyle Hagler thinks she has an international look – good news for her! Versace liked her for editorial work as well.

This sudden burst towards the end is just what the judges like. If she keeps it up, I think she has a great shot at winning the competition. I love Giraffe (Ann), but I'm also rooting for Mop Top (Kayla)!

Bottom 2: Serena (Chris) and Blockhead (Jane)
Blockhead (Jane) takes stronger photos, but she can't bring out her personality. She's been inconsistent and keeps getting the same criticism about not modeling H2T.  She has the opposite problem as Serena (Chris), who has an effervescent personality but took a weak photo thanks to her foot injury. Tyra says the judges feel Serena (Chris) is "less invested." Whatever! Why don't the judges just admit it's because she's been labeled as "too commercial"??

Time to Say Sayonara To…
Serena (Chris)
Oh my gosh, I’m so sad right now! My girl is leaving!  I picked her in our gambling pool because of her personality and that was what propelled her through the competition. She leaves the competition feeling positive about the experience:

"I'm going to continue modeling, acting, singing, I'll do it all.  I'm overwhelmed that I even had the opportunity to be here.  Tyra said I should get me a little sit-com going on, and I don't know how I'm-a gon' do that but this isn't it for me. I'm going to keep going in any direction I can. It won't stop here."

Serena (Chris) really exemplifies a great quote from Rodin: "Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely." She will learn and grow from this. Hopefully, we will see her again soon! Lawd knows that girl can deliver some great soundbites!!

To Be Deeply Concerned About
Giraffe (Ann) & Blockhead (Jane) are both in the danger zone for the same reason: a weak personality.  Tyra emphasized that to be booked again, you need to be memorable. So work on it, ladies!! There are only a couple of weeks left. It's now or never! 

What We Learned

1. Giraffe's (Ann's) sense of direction is so bad she'd get lost in a walk-in closet.

A Photo Homage to Venezia

Well, the girls have already moved on to Milano, but their short jaunt to Venezia left us with many stunning images. So, here is a quick homage to ANTM in Venezia! Buon divertimento!

 

Top Model Gambling: 5 Remain

I have no idea what the current gambling stats are, but I think I have a great shot at winning our gambling pool!!

Guess who has the top 5 models, biotch?!!? That's right!! Patty!! That's why this is Patty's Next Top Model!

So, from here on out, I will lose a model every week. How f-in' sad. But, with 5 girls still in the race, I've done the best I could do setting myself up for success.

Cheers to a shot at winning!