Catwalks and catfights: ‘America’s Next Top Model’ features guys and girls (Review)

This last season of "America's Next Top Model" featured guys and girls.

Ofiicial show website

This last season of “America’s Next Top Model” featured guys and girls.

Amber Krause, Fashion writer

A modeling competition has entranced television viewers for ten years. Twenty cycles in the making, “Americas Next Top Model,” has brought modeling to the everyday world of fashion followers.

A show that has aired for so long may lose interest in many viewers but not this modeling series. The series constantly reinvents itself to keep viewers wanting more.

The past few cycles has incorporated different themes such as “British Invasion,”“Petite” and “College Edition.” But the most recent season that is the talk of the town is “Boys vs. Girls.” That’s right, men are now involved in the competition.

The group of contestants now consists of both male and female models. It is hard to believe that Tyra Banks, the mother of everything “Top Model” and judge of the show, would bring testosterone to the mix, when the show has relied heavily on its all female cast in previous years.

It’s thought that guys would have no chance but they have done well. The final three contestants consist of two guys and one female, all fighting for a $100,000 ad campaign for Guess as well as a fashion feature in “Nylon” magazine. But don’t worry, ladies; they were not in any way better, for the winner of the 2013 series is Bend, Oregon’s Jourdan Miller.

Judging is consists of a three- part decision. First, they complete mini-challenges such as group photo shoots and fashion coordinating. Next to get the viewers involved, the photos are posted on The CW website and voted on by tweets. Finally comes the judges scores; their opinion counts as a third. Banks, fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone and former boxer and current model Rob Evans rate each contestant’s pictures on a scale between five and ten.

It is easy for the models to get distracted while participating in the show. Sparks fly as men and women are joined under one roof. Relationships begin and end quickly due to the extended focus of their peers and the lack of focus on the competition.

The model’s priorities are quickly snapped back, once they are sent home.

Stylish apparel is showcased by models of both sexes. Well known and upcoming designers clothes are modeled throughout the competition. Photographers such as Jez Smith and Yu Tsai capture the beauty of the clothing and accessories, helping both the designer and model get exposure.

Reruns of “America’s Next Top Model” air on the CW network. If you are in the mood for catwalks and cat fights, this competition is perfect for you.