I don't know about you, but I'm still in shock by last night's events at the Australia's Next Top Model finale! For anyone who missed it, or lives internationally, here is what happened....The night started off with runway shows featuring gorgeous Mad Men 1960's inspired wear (which I think I need half those outfits), followed by shows featuring designers Alex Perry, J-Aton, and Elliot Ward-Fear. This was followed by interviews with all three finalist along with the views of Alex Perry, Charlotte Dawson, Josh Flinn, Jez Smith, Priscilla (Priscilla's Model Management) and Claudia Navone (from Harper's Bazaar). We sadly said goodbye to the third runner up Sophie, and we were left with our two finalists Kelsey Martinovich and Amanda Ware. They are both amazing models and it was honestly anyone's game as the close votes emphasized this. As you would probably know, the final vote was in fact 100% left to the public. The gorgeous Sarah Murdoch was fed through her ear piece that in fact Kelsey was Australia's Next Top Model. Everyone cheered for her, her Harper's Bazaar cover got placed on the screen and she had even given an acceptance speech.... Until we see Sarah in shock and turn pale, stating "I'm feeling a bit sick about this. No. I'm so sorry about this. Oh my God. I don't know what to say. This was a complete accident. It's Amanda, I'm so sorry. It was fed to me wrong. Oh God." And so we all witnessed one of the biggest fashion industry's mistakes/miscommunications, or was it in fact a controversy, was it intentional? Did Sarah in fact know? These questions have been circling the media both nationally and internationally. But, whatever the case may be, I feel for Sarah and I think she did the best she could in the situation. Alex Perry however spoke this morning on Sydney's 2day FM claiming that "I would stake my life on it," that Sarah had nothing to do with it and it was not a publicity stunt. I personally feel for both Kelsey and Amanda. I think Amanda missed her victory moment and I feel even worse for Kelsey as she had the moment and it got taken from her. Kelsey was such an amazing sport about the whole thing though. Congratulations of course to Amanda who walked away with the cover and an eight page spread in Australia's Harper's Bazaar magazine, a modelling contract with Priscilla's Model Management, a campaign with the new Levis jeans, a Ford Fiesta Zetec car, $20,000 cash and a trip to New York to meet with Elite Model Management. But.... there is now a second prize for Kelsey who also won $25,000 spending money as well as a ticket to New York! And....that's not all, it was announced this morning by Harper's Bazaar's editor Edwina McCain that in fact they will also be featuring Kelsey on the cover of the November issue of Harper's Bazaar as a dual cover, where readers can choose who they want. They also took into account Kelsey's unfortunate circumstance. All in all, I think everyone was left happy and that's all that matters in the end, both girls have a bright modelling future ahead! Here are a few pictures from the night as well as both girls Harper's Bazaar covers. Which one will you buy?!
Amanda in Miu Miu of course on the cover of Harper's Bazaar November 2010
Kelsey in gorgeous retro swimwear on the cover of Harper's Bazaar November 2010 (I love Spring/Summer's new trends!)
Kelsey, Sophie and Amanda with Sarah Murdoch
Kelsey, Sophie and Amanda on the runway in their Mad Men 1960s inspired clothing
Kelsey rocking complete Zimmermann!
Congratulations Amanda!
Amanda and Josh Flinn at the after party
Amanda, Sarah Murdoch and Kelsey (Kelsey rocking Zimmermann for the second time that night!)
