Cycle 15, Episode 2: Diane Von Furstenberg

Location: Venice Beach, CA

Opening Credits

Yes, it’s the same song and intro style as past cycles.  There’s no mixing it up here.  But we all know Tyra has to use and re-use her opening a minimum of 5 cycles before she will consider re-doing it.  Personally, I think they are pretty cool. I’m not sick of these yet.

Time to make it hot!

The House

Can we just talk about the house for a minute? The location is SICK!! Right on the beach!  

"Oh my god, it is like a glass palace!  I live in a mobile home, so this is brand new to me." – Mo' Chocolate

"My favorite part about our house is the runway right in front of the window." – Chelsey

Giraffe (Ann): Self-Proclaimed Weirdo

I loved the moment on the balcony when Serena (Chris) and Giraffe (Ann) take some time to get to know each other better. They seemed liked they were being very genuine.  No drama here, just good times.

Serena (Chris):    After this, we gonna find you a man!  You laughin'!  I’m fo' real! I got some homeboys. What's yo' type?

Giraffe (Ann):    Hobos are kinda hot.

S [in diary room]:    Anne’s different.

S:     What’s the oldest you’ll go to?

G:    [after some thought]  Sixty.

S:     What kinda man do you want?!

G:     He has to be a warlock. And he has to spit fire. And he has to know how to make sushi.

S:     You gon' be single.

Challenge: Runway Show for Diane Von Furstenberg

Can I just say – HOLY CRAP!  Walking in a Diane Von Furstenberg runway show as the first real challenge – WHAT?!!  Not to mention on a runway that is 4 stories in the air – WHAT?!?!  ANTM is really raising the bar here!  This would normally be on the level of a final challenge!  Also, the models also must do their own hair and makeup before the show! They are really forcing these girls to step up or step out.

The Js and models barely visible from below the 4-story high runway
The J's open the show - but how can you even see them from up there??
The runway from the model's perspective. Of course, it HAS to be glass!
View from the crowd of Giraffe (Ann) strutting her stuff
Re-Run (Kacey) right before she gets on the runway without her glasses

Tyra's Rules for Winning: Follow them if you wanna stay on top

Rule 1) The bitch always loses.  Don't be a bitch. Don't gossip.  Don't talk about people behind their backs.  Once Anamarexic (Anamaria) breaks this basic rule, she pulls out the pin in the grenade that will send her back home.  It's just a countdown until the end ... tick tock tick tock...

Anamarexic (Anamaria) Trash Talking Highlights

"All of these girls are my competition now. I’m more high fashion. I’m more versatile.  I'm not like a small town little girl.  I guess it's my New York attitude, but I think I'm fuckin' awesome."

"All the girls here to me don't really have, like, the potential to, like, continue this to the next level. So I don't need to worry about these girls. They are nobody to me."

"The other girls, to me, had, like, a busted walk. So, I'm not even paying attention. Like really."  [Then guess who fell off the runway at the end? That's right: Anamarexic (Anamaria)!]

"I mean, they're pretty girls, but they're just small town American girls. I wouldn't look twice walking down the street.  Like, I'm not trying to be mean you know, it's just true."

Photoshoot: Teen Bullying

Goal: To show how one word does not define who you are as a person. 

Mr J was once a "Band Geek" but didn't let the word define him. He is now a Creative Genius!

In the photo, Mr. J wants the models to "show how you have shed that negativity [of the 'bully' word] and that you are a strong, empowered person.”   Deborah Anderson, the photographer, explains that she wants the girls to "reveal who you really are inside through your eyes and through body language."

Whenever Tyra does this kind of shit (imbuing the photo shoot with a PSA-style message) it feels like she is taking left-over content from her talk show and using it in Top Model.  On the plus side, this experience may help reduce drama in the house by bringing the girls closer together and making them vulnerable in front of each other.

Mop Top (Kayla): Out & Proud

"There has never ever ever been a lesbian win ANTM. And I would love it so much if I could just be the first one." –Mop Top (Kayla) 

During the photoshoot, Mop Top's (Kayla's) issues with being bullied because she is "queer" really touched a nerve.   It’s sad that in 2010 people cannot be open about their sexuality without fearing people will see them differently, that they might lose friends and family, that their safety could be jeopardized.  Haven't we evolved past this narrow-minded thinking? 

Mop Top (Kayla) was clearly affected by the bullying in her past. She even had to change schools because it got so bad.  She admitted to Tyra how difficult it would be to see this word written on her body because that was the same word which caused her so much pain.  By choosing her power word as "free," Tyra was right to say Mop Top (Kayla) was "taking the power back."  It was a touching moment, and I struggled to hold back my tears.

The only potential downside to Mop Top (Kayla) as a contestant on the show is that it now gives Tyra leeway to create a PSA-style photoshoot about homosexuality in a future episode.  Don't be surprised if Tyra has a "Don't Ask Don't Tell" shoot.  Tyra loves to combine tough social issues with current political topics.  With Lady Gaga stepping in the ring, Tyra will likely jump on the bandwagon too.

What We Learned

1. Diane Von Furstenberg is President of the CDFA
2. CDFA = Council of Fashion Designers of America
3. Colon vertebral = spine in French

Final Thoughts: Can a Model be Too Thin?

Anamarexic (Anamaria) on her body: "I like being thin"  ... "I'm on a calorie-restricted diet. That's how I keep my weight in check. Being a model, that’s how I feel it should be."

With that, Anamarexic (Anamaria) was the first to go home. Too tall and too thin – isn't that the definition of a model??  It's hard to believe the fashion industry could deem anyone "too thin."  After all, this is the same industry that places an ad with a model whose  head looks like it's bigger than her waist (thanks, Photoshop!). 

I agree with Tyra and applaud her sending Anamarexic (Anamaria) home because she was projecting an image that she was hurting her body. Had Anamarexic (Anamaria) admitted she was unhealthy and asked for help, she would still be in the competition. However, she felt she was doing the right thing as a model (role-model), by maintaining an under-weight body (i.e. skeleton). 

Anamarexic (Anamria) defended herself at panel saying: "I like my body. Honestly. I like looking in the mirror and seeing my abs." 

However, as Diane Von Furstenberg explains, "As the President of the CFDA I say, 'Beauty is health, and if you’re not healthy you lose your beauty.'"

The sad thing is I don't think that Anamarexic understood this important message.  Upon leaving, she said: "If I get told by multiple agencies that I'm too thin, then we can do something about it."  She doesn't seem to have learned anything from the experience.

  Anamarexic's (Anamaria's) emaciated body and cocky attitude ultimately sent her home

Cycle 15, Episode 1: Welcome to High Fashion

Location: The girls travel from Los Angeles to Palm Springs via bus – how classy.  Well, at least it was a private charter bus.

New Prizes

Tyra is really hooking this group up.  Not only do they get a Vogue Italia COVER, but also TWO fashion spreads!!!  WHAAAAAAT!!!! ANTM has really upped the ante this season! Not to mention the $100K contract with Cover Girl Cosmetics and the fact that the winner will be represented by IMG Model Management.  Holy WHAT!!!!

All I can say is, these girls need to give great FACE and be super editorial to win this cycle’s prize!  Tyra has certainly taken ANTM to the next level!

Challenge: "Runway Walk" for Cynthia Rowley

Goal: Stand out against your own type within the industry.

The girls are grouped into industry types and don Cynthia Rowley clothes for an impromptu runway walk judged by the J’s.  First up, the Quirky girls -- my favorite!

Quirky

From left to right: Tumbleweed (Rhianna) / Giraffe (Ann) / Jordan / Jersey Shore Angelina look-alike / Uma (Lexie)

The girls stomp hard down the runway.  Jordan in particular has quite an angularness to her when walking. Check out how crooked her body is compared to Giraffe (Ann) for example.

 

Jordan works the end of the runway hard – posing so much Ms J says someone should give her a stripper pole.  He appreciated the group so much, that he had to do an impersonation (below).

Jordan (center) still posing hard while Jersey Shore look-alike Angelina (second from right) decides the photographers have had enough and heads back. Meanwhile Uma (Lexie) (far right) looks disgusted at Jordan’s posing and takes a second to observe the horror in action.

Ms. J impersonates Jordan's runway stripper moves

Sexy   

From left to right: Chester (Esther) / Re-Run (Kacey) / Feminem (Sara)Chester (Esther) shows her mad skills hiding things.  Check out those elf-like ears!

From left to right: Loser #1 / Loser #2 / Re-Run (Kacey) / Feminem (Sara) / Chester (Esther) Here the Sexy group reveals how difficult it can be to get the timing right when walking with other models.  Some girls get to the end of runway before others.

Strong Bone Structure

Mop Top (Kayla) (left) walks against Blockhead (Jane)

Both these girls give strong face! Mr J comments, “Boy, your girls are lookin’ meeeean!" 

Blondes

From left to right: Emily / Casper (Chelsey) / Anamarexic (Anamaria)Casper (center) thinks she has the best walk of her group. The J’s seemed to agree.

Brunettes

From left to right: Loser #1 / Rich Bitch (Vanessa) / Another loser / Soup Coola’ (Terra)Where is Serena (Chris)? Is it just me, or is she not in any of these groups?  I would assume we would have seen her in the Brunette group or even the Sexy group, but alas, I can't find her.  Is she group-less??

Obligatory Girl Drama

If you’ve watched ANTM before, you know there are some unspoken rules about the competition.  In this segment, we see some girls violating the “no gossip” rule. A big no-no!!

It all starts when Re-Run (Kacey) accuses Jordan of not wanting to be in the competition.  I can understand how upsetting it would be to learn a contestant may not be fully invested in the competition and to also know she could potentially take your spot on the show.  However, Re-Run (Kacey) doesn’t go about addressing this concern in the right way.  Instead of taking Jordan aside and privately asking her if there is some kind of misunderstanding, Re-Run (Kacey) starts shit talking in front of the whole group.  What’s worse, she does so based on hearsay from fellow contestant, Uma (Lexie), who is also treading dangerous waters by involving herself in gossip.

Re-Run (Kacey) happily puts Uma (Lexie) in the awkward position of explaining the situation to the whole group.  Uma (Lexie) relates how uncomfortable that was:

"Kacey didn’t want to ger her hands dirty, but she wanted drama and she got it at my expense.  I feel like I was a pawn of Kacey’s.  I don’t trust her for a second." – Uma (Lexie)

Although Uma (Lexie) doesn’t have to share the gossip in front of everyone, she does – thus toeing the line of the unspoken Tyra Rules.  For participating in the drama, Uma (Lexie) gets strikes against her – just not as many as Re-Run (Kacey).

The girls believe Jordan doesn’t really want to be there because she stated previously that she is “anti-consumerism”.  While this is a bit illogical considering her potential profession, it doesn’t necessarily mean that she doesn’t want to be a model.  However, Uma (Lexie) jumps to this conclusion and then begins spreading the gossip.  Now, thanks to Re-Reun (Kacey), the whole group is involved and making judgments about something that may not even be true.

The only thing this situation achieves is now Re-Run (Kacey) has her days numbered.  As soon as she became involved in meaningless gossip and started drama with the entire group, she pulled her own “grenade pin.”  Yes, folks, the clock is now ticking for Re-Run (Kacey).  These are the consequences you suffer for breaking one of Tyra’s Rules.

Personally, the best part of the whole drama was the way Ritch Bitch (Vanessa) chimed in and brought it all to a quick close.  After Uma (Lexie) and Re-Run (Kacey) finished spotlighting Jordan and making claims about who wants to be there more, Ritch Bitch (Vanessa) slammed them both saying:

"Maybe you could spend your time focusing on how to become a better model instead of focusing on her. I’m just sayin’..."  – Ritch Bitch (Vanessa)

Wow!! For the first time ever, someone finally voiced how I feel about all the BS drama!  Focus on yourself rather than the other girls – ‘nuff said!!  I have to give Ritch Bitch (Vanessa) props.  Even though she is spoiled, she said exactly what I have been wanting someone to say EVERY time there is drama.  You go girl!

The best part is the look on Jordan’s face afterwards! You can tell she really enjoyed that moment!

Jordan (seated, right) feels the love after Rich Bitch slams Uma (Lexie) (center)

Oh! The Responsibility!

Tyra takes the selection process seriously -- especially this cycle.  Prior to interviewing the girls, she notes: "This girl that wins this cycle will be a name in the fashion industry. So we have to make sure that the girl we chose, we are behind her 100%.  Because it’s not just the public liking her, it’s the whole fashion industry, and our reputations and names are on her."

"Our reputations are on the line!" – Tyra

Model Interview Highlights with Tyra and the J's 

When Ms. J first sees Re-Run (Kacey) he compares her to the transgendered Twig & Berries (Isis) from Cycle 11... and rightfully so, don't you think?

Twig & Berries (Isis) from Cycle 11 vs Re-Run (Kacey) from Cycle 15

Tumbleweed (Rhianna) walks in and right away Tyra tells her how much she loves her fashion sense.  

“Some people would say, ‘Has she lost her mind?’ But I say, no, she lost her mind all the way into rightness for me!” – Tyra

After the judges ask where she finds inspiration for poses from, Tumbleweed (Rhianna) responds that nature is her biggest inspiration.  She looks to plants and trees to boost her creativity when posing.  The judges quickly challenge her to pose like a tumbleweed (below):

And with this pose, Rhianna  earns the nickname Tumbleweed!  I must say the girl knows how to get down! Below she shows off her cactus-inspired pose (left) and her broke-down weeping willow.  That one made the judges swoon with delight!

 

Next up we have Mop Top (Kayla) who earned her nickname by showing up with head FULL of curls:

Tyra cannot get past Mop Top's (Kayla's) curls and orders her out of the room to wet down her hair

I doubt we will ever see Mop Top (Kayla) in this sorry state again.  As a result, I'm sure I'll have trouble remembering her nickname and will no doubt end up calling her "Gayla".

Another great moment during the interviews was Ms. J reacting to Chester's (Esther's) large cup size.  Her 30G's made his jaw drop:

Tyra easily shrugs off Mr. J’s concern about Chester’s (Esther's) bust size and her potential inability to fit into sample size garments: “She holds her G’s better than my D’s!”

The next character worth noting is Mo' Chocolate (Kendal) who at the age of 23 admits she is "pure":

Tyra:   I understand that you’re pure.

Mo’Chocolate:   Yes.

T:   Tell me why being intimate with a guy grosses you out or freaks you out.

MC:   I don’t like semen. … I don’t like semen on my hand. I don’t like it.  I’m kinda grossed out about it.

Tyra’s "Say whaaa'?!"’ reaction is, I'm sure, the same as everyone’s at home

The next contestant, Giraffe (Ann), received a huge reaction shot from Ms. J the moment she walked in:

Whether a result from her quasi-unibrow, her extreme height (6'2"), or her tiny waist we can't be sure.  Needless to say, Ms. J's reaction was worth re-watching! 

All of the judges were amazed at how tiny Giraffe's (Ann's) waist actually is:

Ms. J's fingers touch when wrapped around Giraffe's (Ann's) waistCan I just say TEENY TINY?! Holy lord her waist is narrow for someone so tall!

The contestants that entered with the highest energy were the definitely two sisters from Texas: Soup Coola' (Terra) and Serena (Chris):

"Lemme lift tha weave so I can hear ya!" -- Serena (Chris) (right)

And finally, we learn how Uma (Lexie) gets her nickname: 

"I get [compared to Uma Thurman] all the time! ALL the time." - Uma (Lexie)

Obligatory Racial Drama

Emily (Who? All you need to know is she is white and southern) is ganged up on by a bunch of girls who read her diary and accuse her of being racist.  First of all, why was anyone reading someone else’s diary??  Secondly, to resolve the situation--once again--the girls do not aproach Emily with good intentions, but instead with blame and pre-judgements.  It's no wonder none of these girls made the final cut.  Drama drama drama!

De'Yana (center, pink) spits fire at Emily (seated, green chair)The most ridiculous part about the whole scene?  The fact that De'Yana doesn't understand how mean she is being and claims she "doesn't mean to hurt anybody's feelings" despite the fact that Emily is sobbing openly in front of her and apologizing profusely for the misunderstanding.

"I don't mean to hurt anybody's feelings, but this is Top Model and as far as I'm concerned that's one girl down and 32 more to go! ...  If you can't take the heat get out tha kitchen!" - De'Yana

From 32 to 20

Who's out that may we care about / recognize their name:

• Rich Bitch (Vanessa) – (You already forgot who she was, right?)  Guess what? The bitch don't win! Guess what else? She was too commercial anyway! Pageant girls do not make high fashion models.  How else could we tell she was going home? Immediately prior to the cut, she said: "I’m not nervous about [the cut] because I’m amazing."  Brag, go home.
  
• Emily – (Who? Exactly.)  Racist bitches don’t win. ‘Nuff said.

What's Your Type?

The fashion industry places a lot of focus on type.  When casting a runway show, designers build a show around a pre-selected type.  In the next segment, we see the girls go head-to-head in a photoshoot while wearing Cynthia Rowley clothes.  They must face their direct competition and try to stand out.  Talk about jumping right into serious competition!!  Holy hell these girls have got to bring it from the get-go!  I don't remember previous cycles being this tough!

Chester (Esther) vs. Feminem (Sara)

Feminem (Sara) (right) comes outta nowhere and outshines Chester (Esther), who, in my book, still stands strong

Anamarexic (Anamaria) vs. Casper (Chelsey)

Casper (Chelsey) (right) outshines Anamarexic (Anamaria), who looks ready to faint from not eating for the past ten days

Blockhead (Jane) vs. Mop Top (Kayla)

The two strong competitors show Tyra why they’re here. The judges prefer Mop Top's (Kayla's) (right) hard stare
Uma (Lexie) vs. Jordan

Jordan overtakes the photoshoot and tries her best to interact with Uma (Lexie), even getting a little "sexual" and "in her face."  However, Uma (Lexie) in the black solid top is clearly not feelin' the vibe.

Tumbleweed (Rhianna) vs. Giraffe (Ann)

Giraffe (Ann) (right) tries a look of surpriseI cannot stop laughing at this image!! The two models try to add "energy" to the shoot after Mr. J suggests trying a surprised look.  Umm...try again Giraffe (Ann).  Love ya, but practice ya face, girl!

Soup Coola' (Terra) vs. Serena (Chris)

The sisters work it out like pros in front of the cameraTick tick tick flash!

Mo'Chocolate (Kendal) vs. Re-Run (Kacey)

Re-Run (Kacey) (right) gets servedBoth girls look great, but Mo' Chocolate (Kendal) (right) brings it harder

The Final 14

The aspiring models await to find out whether they will be cast in ANTM Cycle 15

Drumroll, please! It's your Final 14:

1.   Anamarexic aka Auschwitz (Anamaria)
2.   Giraffe aka Lurch 2.0 (Ann)
3.   Denise Huxtable (Liz)
4.   Uma (Lexie)
5.   Chester aka 30G (Esther)
6.   Casper (Chelsey)
7.   Mo' Chocolate (Kendal)
8.   Serena aka Woo Lawd! (Chris)
9.   Blockhead aka Ivy League (Jane)
10.   Feminem (Sara)
11.   Tumbleweed aka Willow (Rhianna)
12.   Re-Run aka Preparation H (Kacey)
13.   Mop Top aka Gayla (Kayla)
14.   Soup Coola' aka Venus (Terra)

What We Learned

1. To make an official ANTM episode, you must relate part of the show to Tyra's early modeling days.
2. Fashion Industry categories are:
   a) Quirky
   b) Sexy
   c) Strong Bone Structure
   d) Blondes
   e) Brunettes
3. Models must know how to stand out against their own type.

Final Thoughts: Jordan's Departure

Ultimately, Jordan's departure shows us you must obey Tyra Rule #1) You must WANT to be in the competition.  Jordan fell victom to the curse of "not wanting to be here."  Whether she did or did not, we will never really know.  The problem remains she led those around her to believe she did not want to be there.

Post interview with the panel she boasted about how she told them: "I'm really against consumerism [and]  materialism and stuff like that."  Earlier too, on the bus ride, she claimed: "Consumerism is the opposite of what I represent."

I'm sorry but if you don't support materialism, why would you enter a fashion contest? The fashion industry promotes materialism and consumerism. If you don't want to participate in that, well, I hate to quote a cliche'd Re-Run (Kacey) but, "If you don't want to be here, go home!"

"American culture is telling [young girls] to fit into the mold; well, I just wanna break the mold." -- Jordan

Jordan's anti-establishmentarianism was apparent from the start and appealing to the judges.  She had a real shot at making it onto the show.  But ultimately, her hubris was her inability to stop gossiping and boasting about herself.  Hopefully she will try out again soon, but I doubt we will see her.

The take away here is: to win ANTM, you must consistently show the judges just how much you want to be a model.