I didn't have much to say.
What needed to be said about NTM (Asia) had been said. And last week's episode didn't rustle up anything surprising to warrant a post.
The finale of the series, just shown tonight, was also unsurprising. The results were expected, and even hinted by Nadya last week when she warned Kate that her chances of winning would be abysmal if she did not buck up. So really, it was a battle between Stephanie and Jessica.
I predicted Jessica winning the competition weeks ago. But I did not expect her age to be an issue that needed to be raised, especially since the producers obviously set the age criteria of the competition. Bringing it up at the end, especially in front of Tyra Banks, only showed that the production may not have thought things through. It was almost like, OOPS you are good but you may be too old. But hang on, YOU put me here. If you get my drift.
Allowing Jessica a chance to explain her 'late start' in the business, was an obvious attempt at tugging at the viewers' heartstrings, and a soft landing for the producers' seeming oversight. The clear winner was Jessica but pushing her through 'in spite' of her age had to have some cushioning.
Truth is, age for an Asian model may not be such a big factor. I remember walking around Ground Zero in New York and screeching in delight when I spotted an ad featuring a model from Singapore's local fashion hey days in the 80's, Nora Ariffin. I could not have been more proud, especially when I learned she was featured in a Bobbi Brown book. The concept of being past one's prime does not seem to have the same meaning for Asian models.
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| Nora Ariffin |
And so if Tyra Banks really wants to know what makes our girls special, she just needs to see how our girls can remain gorgeous for a very long time. Call it Asian genetics.
The finale was unexpected in other ways.
For one thing, it would have been more interesting I suppose to have it all done in Hong Kong, where the girls traveled to in the previous week. I suspect though their deal with Resorts World Sentosa included a finale at their newest attraction. Did no one think it was odd to stage a fashion show where Frederick Lee's divine collection had no connection to the fish in the backdrop? Or that the judges were standing next to a fence that served as a division between the girls and them?
I did enjoy seeing the 'loved ones' appear in the episode. Strategically, their appearance would have made a stronger story arc and impact if they had turned up either in the last episode or a couple earlier. Traditionally in reality TV programming, the appearance of the relatives are meant to give the contestants a second wind in the race to the finish line. Having them right at the end, AFTER the challenge, just seemed like a waste.
Still it was nice to know that Kate's brother was super gorg that spoke no English. Nothing like a hunk from Brazil that looks semi Asian that can't speak English. With those looks, you don't need words. The boyfriends of the the other two contestants give hope to lesser mortals that they should not give up hope as they too can have gorg model gfs.
Looking at the finale episode, with Tyra sitting next to Nadya. I could not help but feel a sense of vicarious pride. Nadya was beaming. Flawless skin. Perfect diction. Confident. Poised. Immaculate.
Tyra is of course, Tyra. And she is great. And maybe she didn't travel with her hair people, and her weave was showing her roots, but there was a marked difference between this gorgeous supermodel and Nadya. The latter held her own. And it showed.
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| Gorgeous Nadya in a Kebaya |
Nadya also made a huge cultural and fashion statement by wearing a beautiful lace Kebaya for the finale. I was unprepared for this, and my jaw dropped to the ground. Whether it is the stylist's or Nadya's choice, the outfit was sublime. It didn't need to be loud, it didn't need to have a plunging front and back, it just needed Nadya wearing it.
One thing I did think was a misstep during judging was the absence of Daniel Boey in the panel. Now, I am not someone who cuddles up next to him for a job. And those who have been following my writings will remember that I do have issues with favoritism by some of the judges. But I do believe that casting Daniel was a smart move. But in the end, reducing him to a Jay Manuel sort of position was not.
It just seemed like there was no more space for Daniel after the sponsors and special guest took up 3 chairs. Was the panel crowded? Yes. Was a representative from Storm and Harper's Bazaar necessary? No.
The series was inconsistent from the start about who was supposed to be on the panel. One would think that the people who had been there throughout the journey of the contestants would have been best suited to judge them in their final hour. Tyra was just icing on the cake.
I started out the post saying that the finale was unsurprising. Well I guess that is not entirely accurate. What was expected, the winner, should be still hailed as appropriate, considering Jessica never played house politics, was consistent, hardworking, helpful and a great representative of an Asian model when she gets to London. And who can deny her after she dropped the coat to reveal the back of the dress during the catwalk. I mean, seriously? She did what a model should be doing. SELL THE FRACKING DRESS!
As expected as her win was, her closing statement was, well a pleasant surprise.
"If you love it, you can do it."
Now isn't that a pearl of wisdom you can keep in your pocket.
