Oh what a night it was! Last night, we witnessed the crowning of the winner of Asia’s Next Top Model Season 4, and if we say that it was a drama-free affair, would you believe us?
Of course, there was drama!
*SPOILER ALERT* If you haven’t watched the episode, we suggest you watch the finale first.
But it started off with the good kind any way: So, picking up from last week’s cliffhanger ending, we found out that the models’ families were flown in to give the girls moral support, as well as for a day of fun at Universal Studios. After having been apart from their families for almost 3 months, it was an emotional reunion to say the least.
The following day, after their fun day out, the models were whisked to their final photo shoot challenge with international photographer Joel Lim, where (as Cindy explained) they would be embodying the spirit of avant-garde couture on set that day.
And the girls are back in the studio for their final photoshoot with @yutsai, @cindysirinya & Joel Lim! —PK #AsNTM4 #AsNTM4Finale
— Harper's BAZAAR Singapore (@HarpersBazaarSG) June 1, 2016
This was their final challenge, but no slack was given as the girls were pushed to their limits by Yu Tsai—some more than others. Tawan, in particular, was having a hard time converting the concept into a memorable image for the camera and Yu Tsai had to step in to give her guidance. After a short pep talk with Yu Tsai, there was no stopping this tiger and she aced the photo shoot with flying colours.
Oh dear, Tawan seems to be in a lot of trouble for her final photoshoot! ? Could this spell the end for her? —PK #AsNTM4 #AsNTM4Finale
— Harper's BAZAAR Singapore (@HarpersBazaarSG) June 1, 2016
Tawan is pulling through! All because of a promise she made to her sister ?????? —PK #AsNTM4 #AsNTM4Finale
— Harper's BAZAAR Singapore (@HarpersBazaarSG) June 1, 2016
Sang In and Patricia seemed to breeze through the photo shoot, and things quickly progressed as the Top 3 headed down to Resorts World Sentosa for their final runway show rehearsal.
It seems that the show was pulling out all the stops this season, with a mega-finale catwalk show choreographed by Singapore’s fashion veteran Daniel Boey, and yes, it was an Extravanganza. With clothes from two top Asian couturiers, Tex Saverio and Marco M Chan, the show promised be a visual treat for all those involved. Boey also revealed that their compatriots Julian, May, Aldilla, Tuti and Angie were also enlisted to walk in the runway, and it was a heartwarming reunion for everyone.
But first, another surprise was in store for the girls: Guess who was on set to give the girls the rah-rah they needed right before their show? Miss Jay Alexander herself! Okay, she was beamed onto a screen, but you get the idea. Major moment.
NO WAY IT'S MISS JAY! ??? —PK #AsNTM4 #AsNTM4Finale
— Harper's BAZAAR Singapore (@HarpersBazaarSG) June 1, 2016
And then in no time at all, the Resorts World Theatre filled up, the judges (inclusing our EIC Kenneth Goh, Yu Tsai, and Storm Models’ Katie Atkins) took their seats, the lights went down, and the show began. Amid the spooky opening entrance scene, model mentor Kelly Tandiono made her dramatic entry by being lowered from the ceiling and kicking off the runway show. Talk about starting with a bang!
Spooky feels on set and OMG that was one fabulous entrance @kellytandiono! —PK #AsNTM4 #AsNTM4Finale
— Harper's BAZAAR Singapore (@HarpersBazaarSG) June 1, 2016
The first half of the show was dark and glamorous, with an eerie backdrop that showed off the models to their best in their fabulous full gowns. It was such a close fight, and each of the models really brought their best to the runway, and that really impressed the judges.
A quick strut and a turn later, and the models were already moving into their second outfit of the night—ethereal white numbers that looked as if they were spun from clouds—but a wrench was thrown into the works as Patricia’s shoes went missing. The horror! Boey (obviously irritated) told Patricia that she would walk barefoot if she could not find her shoes and (just in the nick of time) a replacement pair was found for her. Crisis averted. As the curtains came up on Cindy’s magnificent throne, the room erupted in applause and the girls took their final walks of the season down the runway.
Judgement time. It was a close call for all the judges, who loved Sang In’s high fashion edge, Patricia’s beautiful angles and Tawan’s brilliance on the runway. Ultimately, Tawan walked away with the coveted title and was crowned Asia’s Next Top Model, winning a brand new car from Subaru and a cover shoot with Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore (stay tuned for that!). As the glittering confetti streamed all around the new winner and her compatriots, the season came to a sparkling end, but for Tawan, this only marked the start of her bright career.
By Pakkee