Ep. 8 - Brutality Reigns Supreme

Brutality reigns supreme!  It KILLED me to see both the lovely Tara and the cute and quirky Tia go.... But I know both these girls can have strong careers in the business if they choose too.  Tia was one of my personal faves... Not a conventional beauty, but I did like her for her strong editorial qualities...and her endearing personality (even though she may have driven some of the girls nuts with all her chatting!)  I almost see her as a possible TV personality.....she really is fun.  Tara of course is just plain beautiful...but maybe that's her problem:  Her beauty is a little plain...and while she can look dynamic in photos, I just never felt her confidence shine through.  Still, she's a sweetheart, with a killer body....and will undoubtedly work a lot if she cares too....

Being left with two such polar opposites as Sinead and Rebecca is daunting to say the least!  We really have our work cut out for us....  Sinead's a beauty girl.  Rebecca is editorial.  I can't say that this final runway challenge will be easy for Sinead..... She really doesn't have to height, or the walk.  But I'm excited to see if she can pull it off.  As for Rebecca, well, she's pretty much a constant delight-always surprising us with what she can do in front of the camera.  Now we'll have to see if really can shine out there on the runway.  I wouldn't say this final challenge is the ultimate test....But it all helps.  I must say I adored Rebecca's Cover Girl shot.  Sinead's was great too.....but much more conventional, of course.  One of these girls is a true original.  One is a safe bet.  Which one will become our next top model is anyone's guess!!! Stay tuned.....

Ep. 7 - Looking For Outstanding & Unusual Qualities

Well, the cover shots were all pretty amazing alright-I have no doubt that each and every one of these girls has the potential to have a successful career in this business-if they can "pump up" the dynamo quotient.  I especially loved Rebecca's shot-though it was more Italian Vogue that Fashion Magazine.  That girl really does have an extraordinary look.  I also though Tia really rocked, pulling off that retro look with such ease.... No question she's got what it takes too. But we're a little worried that her hips just aren't the right proportions..... Stupid, eh??? But that's the ruthless fashion world for you.  She'd better be a size 4, or she could run into trouble. Tara's shot was good as well..... very pretty..... but I still feel that Tara's a little too much of a blank slate.  Her beauty, strong as it is, may not be "memorable" enough for Top Model material.  Then there's Sinead-a gorgeous girl to be sure.  But is she too commercial????  I just don't see her as being "unique" enough, as gorgeous as she is.  It's almost as though I've seen her "look" too often before.  Cori...well..... Cori is heartstoppingly beautiful.  But again, I'm not sure how unusual her look really is.  I want to see someone outstanding-someone unusual-someone memorable.  Which girl can really deliver??????  Well, since Cori still seems a little too fragile to send out into that big scary fashion world.... And since her dynamism is yet to shine through in her pictures, guess it has to be Cori that goes.  So sad.  She really seems so sweet.  That's what kills me each week:  Having to "axe" these stunning girls, one by one.  But that's what this competition is all about.  Let's just hope they're all learning something along the way.  Actually, how can they not be?  Now it's up to each and everyone to take what they've learned, apply it, and show the world they can all succeed as models, whether they're Canada's Next Top Model...or not.

Ep. 6 - For the record...

Sometimes, these decisions are just too excruciating to make!  Thank GAWD that we managed to hold on to both Tara and Tia.... I've grown so fond of both of them.  Tara still needs to give me some more personality though...And as for Tia.... Well, I'm almost afraid that she's got TOO MUCH personality for some.  Still, I think her quirky qualities could bode well for her. 

I want someone MEMORABLE to win this competition!  I'm a little weary of just plain pretty.... I want someone who can rock the runways of Europe!  It was so cool having Nigel as a guest judge and photographer this go ‘round.  The photos he took were awesome.... But now that NO ONE was asked to leave... things are going to heat up even more.  I just pray that all these "potential" top models pull out all the stops and give us what we're looking for..... or at least what I am looking for:  A girl with the all-round talent to show the world just why Canadian models are so incredibly hot!!!!!!  Oh, and just for the record - Cori is adorable.  Gorgeous in fact.  Perhaps the best "face" in the competition.  But the tears are going to have to go..... I appreciate sensitivity.  Heck, I often end up crying myself!  But if she's as "weak" and "vulnerable" as she appears, I can't imagine her surviving in the wilds of the fashion world.  So toughen up, Sweetie.... In this business, it's truly all about survival of the FITTEST - and I don't mean that in the "physical" sense!!!!!

Ep. 5 - Decision Dilemma!

Things are getting increasingly tough.  So much potential in all these remaining girls... But so hard to project just who's going to be able to pull it all together before the end of the competition.  I'm really concerned about the gorgeous Cori.  She's such a doll ... so beautiful. But I'd hate to throw her into that fashion "snake-pit"!  It really can be brutal and heartless sometimes, and she seems so vulnerable and meek.  Not sure if she's going to be able to pump it up sufficiently in the remaining weeks.  Then there's the fabulous Mo---soooo smart and sooooo sweet.  And beautiful to, to be sure.  But is her frame really the kind of frame that could make it in the world of high fashion?  She looks a little too athletic to me.  A great body, to be sure.  But if we're really looking for an ALL ‘ROUND girl—one who can do beauty shoots, as well as high fashion runway---and even couture--does Mo really stand a chance?  I'm loving Rebecca, though it might be hard for most North Americans to really "get" her edgy look.  Still, I think she transforms sooooo wonderfully well in pictures.  Then there's the lovely Sinead.  She'd make SUCH a great beauty model, though she claims it's the artsy stuff that she yearns to do.  I also don't think her body is right for high fashion... She's really not tall enough (despite the fact that Kate Moss did make it... but she was a fluke!) and she really doesn't take command of the runway.  Now there's Tara---a glamazon, to be sure.  But besides her amazing body, and rather strong runway presence, is she "memorable" enough?  Is her face striking enough, as beautiful as she is?  And what about the enigmatic Tia?  I love her look---so quirky.  But I wonder if her attitude might work against her a tad.  Still, I do love her personality.  What a character!  I can really see her in the fashion world.  But it's so hard to know what these girls are REALLY like when they're NOT standing before us.  Is anyone too flakey to really make it?  Are they all truly passionate about the business?  We judges can't see what goes on at the house.  That would really help us in so many ways... But c'est la vie.  We have to look carefully at who really doesn't seem to be TOP model material...even though they may have a decent modeling career eventually...  Hmmmm... I'm afraid Mo might have to go, as much as we all love her.  I hate this!  I just hope she keeps believing in herself, because she really is an amazing girl... there's soooo much she could do in the fashion world.  Actually, I hope all our girls realize this.  Modeling is only one very small part of fashion's big picture...

Ep. 4 - Tough Love

One of the most enigmatic things about working on this competition for me is the fact that with each week, I fall more in love with the girls.  As I get to know them all a bit better, I guess that's inevitable, especially with this bunch.  They really are all smart... and articulate... and sensitive.  And their inner beauty radiates far beyond their amazing physical attributes.

"Training" them this week... "preparing" them for the type of media monsters they may encounter should they be successful in suddenly landing in the spotlight as Canada's Next Top Model....was an eye-opener for me.  Until now, I'd only suspected that these girls were smart.  But now, I know for sure!  I was so impressed with how well-spoken they all were and with how they handled themselves in my one-on-one interviews with them.  Tara moved me so much when she talked to me about the irony of having a mother who rather recently went blind-and how she now has to carefully explain to her mother all the wonders of this highly visual fashion arena, so that she can get a true sense of things. No question that this kind of thing has and will continue to make Tara a more sensitive "artist"-and honestly, I think more and more, I want all the girls to come to this realization:  High fashion modeling is indeed an art form, and the more they can appreciate that, the better models they'll be.  I also hope these girls all have the extreme passion for this world that I think is absolutely necessary to succeed.  It's not JUST about winning this competition-It's about a heart and soul commitment that has to be unwavering.  My only concern with some of these girls is fearing that maybe they don't realize just how tough and merciless this business can be.  Do they REALLY love "the art within themselves" enough to stick it out, and plough through the B.S. of the business no matters what?  Unfortunately, toughness counts.

Ep. 3 - The Right Fit

This is getting more torturous by the week, no question.  The big picture here is all about what it takes to make it as a TOP model.  Personality certainly counts for something - something pretty big.  But if that was the only criterion, then Steff would be a shoe in.  She’s one of the smartest, most composed, and seemingly most grounded young women of her age that I’ve ever known.  And of course she’s beautiful, with a knockout body.  But I see her more as a kind fashion editor than top model - I’m still not convinced she has what it takes to make it on the runways of the world, or editorially for that matter.  Gina is drop dead stunning, a real doll.  Do I think she has a great chance of conquering the modeling world at the age of 23?  Not really.  But if it has to be one of them, and I think it does, then I have to let Gina stay a bit longer. Bid farewell to the cool and hip Steff.  Steff - just promise me that this won’t turn you off the fashion world forever.  THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU IN THE INDUSTRY!!!! And one that I assure you will be much more gratifying and enriching than the modeling arena.  Trust me.

Ep. 2 - Potential Problems...

Whew!  Talk about tough…. Incredible to think just how much potential it seems ALL these girls have.  But that being said, sheer beauty alone DOES NOT a top model make…. We’re looking for myriad qualities here, and passion and edge and personality and toughness and spirit are all important pieces of the puzzle.  There’s also the question of the right physical features…. And let’s face it….. While Jacqueline is a stunningly gorgeous young woman, I just don’t think her body says high fashion.  There’s also a major question about Steff’s photogenic ability…. Can she ever appear as beautiful in pictures as she does in person????   Well, one has to go… And because we feel Steff’s got such a strong spirit…..we’re all just dying to see another shot.  So bye bye Jacqueline… I’m sure you’ll be able to work as a beauty model in this industry if you really want it… But I just can’t see you on the haute couture runways of Paris.  And unfortunately, THAT is part of what this competition is all about.  Ouch.

Welcome back!

Can't believe it's already been a year since our last search for Canada's Next Top Model.  Really pumped about the competition this cycle, mainly because the fabulous Jay Manuel's on board.  He knows this competition so well, I'm sure he'll prove to be a great "guiding light" for all of us judges.  And how fabulous is it that my buddies Paul Alexander and Yasmin Warsame are rounding out the judging panel!  They're both going to bring a lot of valuable insight into this process I know... As for me... Well.... Once again, I both relish, and loathe the task at hand.  So often it's like judging apples and oranges.  Not only is beauty so subjective, but you really can't be sure just how well a girl is going to fare out there in the big bad world of fashion!  Okay...so maybe it's not so bad... But it sure can get a little dangerous.  The girls this time out seem to be pretty amazing:  not only beautiful, but personable.  I can only imagine the fun, and potential craziness, that's going to go down at the house.  Everybody's first picture's seemed so strong... except maybe for Steff... But I have faith that she's going to pull it together.  I almost don't really think that it was her fault that this shot turned out so badly.  She certainly seems to have what it takes.  Everyone else really did fare quite well... Beau Nelson's make up was amazing.  And Nole did a great job with the creative direction.... Paul took some killer shots for sure.  I was especially impressed with Cori.  She seems so young, but so capable.... even though she's a little shy.  Almost reminds me of that famous young Australian model Gemma Ward. I can't wait to see how these girls grow over the course of the competition.  I was a bit concerned about Mika though.  As beautiful and exotic as she is, she really does seem a little too mature to be starting a modeling career... I know that the competition is open to girls up to the age of 27... but some ladies that age do look  a whole lot younger than their years.  I'm not saying that Mika looks "old" or anything... But I somehow get the feeling that she's already had a kick at the can when she tried modeling in Hong Kong a few years back.  Although her picture was pretty gorgeous, and she seems to have a great dramatic edge, I really doubt that she'd go the distance in this competition.... So right off the bat, she seems like the obvious one to have to be let go.  It's all so sad of course-I can't stand seeing someone's dreams go up in smoke like that.  But if she's really set on trying to model, hopefully she can try to make things happen on her own.  Jay of course is truly a drama king!  He's so good at what he does, but I know all the girls were freaking and so nervous about hearing who was going to go. And he seemed to be really milking it!  Guess that's why he's such a great performer.  I felt horrible seeing some of the girls cry... And if they're this emotional at this point, can you imagine what is going to be like a few weeks down the road????? Man oh man... this is going to be one heck of a roller coaster... especially since ALL the girls seem so fabulous already.  Can't wait to see how they all evolve....And what they'll look like with their makeovers!!!!!