You wanna be on top?
At the MSU’s Next Top Model competition, sponsored by Purpose Organization, 10 girls were put to the test to see if they have what it takes to be a serious model.
3 finalists chosen in MSU's Next Top Model
Horticulture junior and MSU’s Next Top Model contestant Brittney Kee stands in front of the photos she posed for imitating Josephine Baker at the MSU’s Next Top Model elimination round on Wednesday. Kee was one of the three models not eliminated who will move on to compete for the top model competition next week.
Purpose, an organization for students interested in public relations and business, started the competition two years ago. After a yearlong hiatus, the popular competition is back on campus this winter, giving 10 more women the chance to become MSU’s Next Top Model.
“I wanted to bring it back because I thought it was a lot of fun watching it two years ago, and I wanted to see it back on campus,” said psychology junior Breanna Green, host of MSU’s Next Top Model.
Prior to the competition, models were asked to audition before a board of judges and 10 girls were picked for the first round.
“We have a casting call,” interdisciplinary studies in social science junior and Purpose Organization President Brittney Garrison said. “We ask them numerous questions like what are their hobbies, what is their best feature, why they stand out from other girls.”
Contestants participate each Sunday in a theme-oriented photo shoot with the competition’s photographer, advertising sophomore Allan Lovell. The photos are judged Wednesdays and the models are put through a challenge that tests everything from their walk, to public speaking and acting skills.
“I do a lot of shows at State, like the ICONZ Fashion Show,” said family community services senior Maanami Puryear, a contestant in the competition.
Puryear, who is one of three remaining models, joined nutritional sciences sophomore Autumn Prince and horticulture junior Brittney Kee last Wednesday as a semifinalist. Prince, who auditioned after friends coaxed her, said she was surprised to be accepted into the competition.
“I was goofy in the audition, and I had to do the walk like four times,” Prince said.
The models aren’t only judged by the Purpose board. A live audience attends each challenge. Wednesday’s event drew a crowd of more than 50 people, all cheering for their favorite model.
“I have a friend in the competition, so I come to support her,” psychology senior Jamie Thomas said.
Next Wednesday marks the competition’s finale, with the winner receiving a makeover at the Douglas J. Aveda Institute, 331 E. Grand River Ave., a feature in the Iota Successful Women of MSU calendar, a place in the ICONZ Fashion Show and a photo shoot with Lovell to build their portfolio.
“I’m actually excited (to see) who is going to be the winner,” Green said. “It’s not a competition you could call right now.”
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