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"Make Me A Supermodel" refines the idea of American beauty
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Are models always beautiful? It’s a valid question and one that people in the beauty industry get asked a lot. However, there is no simple, clear-cut answer. It all depends on how we, as individuals, look at beauty and many of us approach it from very different angles. This year, as I’ve reviewed the CW’s "America’s Next Top Model" and Bravo’s "Make Me A Supermodel," one thing became clear. Beauty on the outside can sometimes be a curse. It can lead to an inflated ego that might belie the soft soul and beauty underneath. Let’s examine the remaining contestants "Make Me A Supermodel" to see where they stand in my personal opinion. Amanda is undeniably cute, with an edgy all-American girl look. She’s a mother seeking a better life for herself and her children. So far she’s played the game without resorting to undercutting others of making uncalled for snide comments. Instead, she’s succeeded with a good work ethic and a willingness to absorb what she is being taught. Branden is kind of quirky and fun. He’s not classically handsome but there is something about his personality that draws the eye to him and gives him a cocky edge. He appears to have the makings of a good model if he can keep his ego in check and not resort to backbiting. CJ remains a mystery. If one examined the inner beauty that she exhibits the picture wouldn’t be very pretty. She threw a fit during her makeover and then made certain everyone knew how mad she was. Her lousy attitude almost got her canned last week. It begs the question, "is this an image of beauty we want young girls to remodel?" Colin is shy and seems a bit lost and confused. No one other than him is convinced that he really wants to be a model. He is undeniably handsome but there seems to be little to see beneath the exterior. He keeps landing in the bottom three because he isn’t exhibiting any progress. It will take a major break through for him to continue in this competition. Gabriel flaunts his body on camera without much modesty. If he were anything but a model I might find that shocking. However, the truth is that models have to be willing to undress and dress in front of other people as well as cameras. It’s the nature of the profession. Still, one has to ponder what drives him to be such an exhibitionist in front of millions of people. Jonathan, so far, appears to be a man with class and polish. He works hard, helps out other struggling competitors and doesn’t engage in name-calling. He listens to his mentors, does what he is told, and improves week after week. Jordan made enemies quickly by winning two challenges in a row. While she was hurt by the negative reactions of her peers, she didn’t resort to slinging mud back. So far she has treated everyone with respect and offered a hand of friendship to a lot of people in the house. She commands the runway when she walks but needs to strengthen her photographic work. Kerryn, like Colin, is shy and tends to fade into the background. Timid at first, Amanda choosing her to accompany her on a recent "go see" was just the shot in the arm the model needed. She now believes her dream could be within her grasp. She still needs work but she certainly can’t be counted out. Laury is undeniably beautiful, strong, and intelligent. She has a lot to offer to the modeling world and to young girls who might see her as a role model. She endeavored to break out during this week’s competition. While her photos were better, they still haven’t garnered her the respect that she needs. Mountaha seems to fluctuate from week to week. One week she commands the catwalk but doesn’t take a good picture. The next week her photo is dynamite but her runway work is week. She will have to find an even keel if she hopes to make it through and take the title. Salome started off strong, winning the first photo competition and doing well on the runway. Last week, she fell in the middle of the road. This past week, she tumbled toward the bottom. It is possible that the reality of the modeling world is just beginning to sink in. Can this Amish maiden make it work for her? Sandhurst also started strongly in week one. His photo was outstanding and his catwalk one of the best of the night. Last week, he slipped from grace. This week, he found himself precariously close to the bottom. While his ballet training certainly helps with his walk, he’ll have to rely on more than that in order to take home the Supermodel crown. Shawn remains forgettable. The minute he leaves the television screen I find that I can’t remember anything about him or how well he did in the competition. Capturing attention and holding it is crucial to any model, but imperative for supermodels. He may not have the goods. We’ll have to wait and see. None of these models are what one might consider classically beautiful. In fact, it is their quirks and imperfections that make them interesting and fun to view. Exterior beauty can be created with the right makeup and clothes. Today’s most beautiful models must learn to rely on what they have inside to make their impact. In that respect, there is possible beauty in all of us.
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