#cycle23

Final Runway

This photo is a better version of Binta’s shot, but still suffers from some of the same problems. Her neck looks wider at this angle, even if she has managed to keep its length. I do think it actually showcases her beauty though. Justine’s face is gorgeous, though I wish the expression was a bit more confident. She went soft, and it is reading as slightly scared. Her hair also looks incredible here. In spite of these flaws though, I definitely think this succeeds as a comp card; all of Justine’s assets are shown well, and that is its main qualification.

From such a weak shoot, Krislian really managed to create a piece of art. This shot is absolutely beautiful. Krislian’s pose feels so poised, and elegant, and makes such a shapeless dress look expensive. The softness of the face is beautiful too, and I love the creative decision to pose in front of a mirror. Details like that made it clear Krislian’s social media game was on another level from the rest of the girls.

Virtually everything that I said about Courtney’s shot applies here, without seeming as forced. India’s features look so gorgeous. The shape of her eyes really pop here, with the parting of the lips highlighting those too. Then you have her the shape of her jaw, which is so angular, yet soft. I also love how perfectly in frame it is; it may be a preference thing, but I prefer covers to be cleaner. This feels like magazine cover introducing the next big name, and for that reason India got first call-out for me.

Most of what I remembered from this cycle has stood true during these initial rankings, but Binta is the one surprise. She stuck out as overrated for me during my initial watch, but here she is almost grabbing her second first call-out. Binta is back to giving us stoic strength, and doing it flawlessly. Her face looks incredible, and there is conviction in her pose. It is a very strong showing. What stops it topping this list is actually the reason she got her topped the crowd surfing shoot; the fashion. Because her arm is right across the jacket, I just feel wrong putting it ahead of Cody.

A flawless start to a very bumpy journey. CoryAnne was put through her paces this cycle, with the judges seeming to change their view on her every other week. That is not what I expected when I saw this stunning shot. Something so perfect coming from such a young model; I expected CoryAnne to sweep the competition. There is so much control alongside perfect genetics. Even if she never really captured this brilliance, I still say this sole shot could get CoryAnne booked for a lot of jobs.

While this isn’t India’s best shot, for me it was the one that gave me real faith. She had a face made for high fashion, but this proved her versatility once and for all. India’s giving me a fierce take on a commercial shoot, elevating it far above the rest of the shots this week. I can’t believe with the sheer number of first call-outs India got this cycle, this wasn’t even one of them.

The end of Marissa’s journey on the show may have been more controversial than I was expecting, but at least she started well. She is just dripping attitude here, but in a good way. Her face is so strong, and she is showing she can wear make-up well. It might not be perfect for a comp card, but her beauty is undeniable. If she hadn’t let her attitude shine through on set, and continued to put it into her work she might have had a far more impressive run on the show.