For those who don't tune into ANTM (that's America's Next Top Model for you non-watchers), you wouldn't be aware of how the show has upped the creativity quotient for their 15th cycle.They've enlisted more impressive photographers and judges than in previous cycles, have wrangled a Vogue Italia spread and cover of their Beauty supplement as part of the winner's package and in the episodes that have aired thus far, seem to be taking the creative art of modeling a bit more seriously. Don't fret, the cat-fights, insipid conversation and petty drama within the modern beachfront Venice house still occur.
Wednesday night's episode featured legendary beauty photographer Matthew Rolston as both a photographer and a judge. Rolston chose to style the models as underwater mermaids and placed them along with diamonds, pearls and sea life beneath a plexiglass case filled with water. For many of the models, it was their best shot of the season, not surprisingly.For the more discriminating folks who may consider this reality television entertainment a waste of time, let me just share with you the portraits shot by Matthew Rolston of cycle 15's remaining contestants. You may very well decide to start tuning in.the above photo of Chris was Matthew Rolston's personal favoriteI don't know if these young and beautiful women realize that this may be the only time in their potential careers that they are ever shot by the likes of Matthew. Never again may they be in front of the lens of such a reputable and respected photographer, so I hope they cherish the following photos and place them in their portfolios forever (except for Chelsey and Liz whose photos, although beautifully shot, are not flattering).Kacey:Esther:Kendal:Lexie:Kayla:Jane:Liz:Chelsey:Rhianna, below, was elimated in this episode, due to purported lack of versatility:photos courtesy of Matthew Rolston/Pottle Productions Inc ©2010 Pottle Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved.Images of the prep for the underwater shoot:About the show this seasonThe show features Tyra Banks and gives real young women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes an opportunity to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of high fashion supermodeling.America's Next Top Model - Cycle 15 Pictured: (front row) Kayla, Chelsey, Kendal, Ann, Esther, Lexie, Liz, Jane (back row) Kacey, Sara, Free, Anamaria, Chris, Terra Photo Credit: Jessica Brooks /Pottle Productions © 2010 Pottle Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Lending their expertise as guest judges during this high fashion cycle are designer Diane Von Furstenberg, designer/stylist Patricia Field ("Sex and the City"), top beauty photographer Matthew Rolston, supermodel Karolina Kurkova, top fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier, Italian photographer Francesco Carrozzini, designer Zac Posen, designer/model Margherita Missoni, IMG Models executive Kyle Hagler, Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani and designer Roberto Cavalli.Banks leads the panel of judges, comprised of influential fashion editor Andre Leon Talley and photographer Nigel Barker. Jay Manuel serves as the photo shoot creative director, while Miss J Alexander returns as the runway trainer.The prize package has also been given a high-fashion makeover. The winner of Cycle 15 will receive a career-launching package, including a contract with IMG Models, one of the top international modeling management companies in the world; a fashion spread in Vogue Italia and an additional spread and cover of Beauty in Vogue; and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics.AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment, in association with Bankable Productions. Tyra Banks is the creator and executive producer along with Ken Mok ("Making the Band") and Laura Fuest ("Pit Boss").Matthew Rolston books
