Review: Top Model All Stars - Ep 12
by Faith-Ashleigh Wong
It's the day we've all been waiting for – the finale is finally upon us! After putting the "best of the best" from past Top Model cycles through the paces with some of the most crazy, interesting and exciting challenges and photo shoots in Top Model history, including a few firsts, it's time to find out who will be crowned America's Next Top Model All Star – Lisa, Angelea or Allison?
I've been a fan of Allison's and have rooted for her to win ever since her original cycle. She has been consistent from day one; she possesses this innate model intuition that has enabled her to produce some of the best and most stunning photos in the competition. Even though she is introverted and slightly weird she has managed to use that to her advantage and, specifically in this cycle, cement it as her brand.
It would really suck if Allison didn't win as that would mean she would have made it twice to the finals and missed out on the title both times. Bias aside, I really do think she has earned and has what it takes to nab the win this time round however suffice it to say Lisa and Angelea are strong contenders in their own right too. Though not as consistent as Allison, they do both have inspirational stories of hardship, resilience and survival which tip the scale in their favour, in my opinion. Tyra has always been all about women empowerment and not letting your circumstances define you but instead striving to be "the CEO of your life" so I'm sure their stories would colour her judgment to some extent.
First order of business for the top three girls was shooting the CoverGirl print ad and commercial. Having done this before in their original cycles, this was nothing new for them but the pressure was definitely on when they were told that the client was going to be present at the shoot.
Poor Allison struggled again with her "vampire vision" so Mr Jay had to make the creative decision to adjust her commercial to showcase the makeup with her eyes closed rather than open. Lucky for her the featured product was eye shadow so her Achilles heel actually managed to work in her favour!
I think Lisa actually worked the eye shadow the best – the green matched her eyes perfectly, really made them pop! Overall her performance was somewhat lukewarm in comparison though – very safe and not the usual outgoing, over-the-top Lisa we have all grown to expect. Angelea, on the other hand, I felt delivered the lines the best – so much personality and natural charisma.
The final runway show was nothing short of epic! The theme was basically the transformation of the models from mortal to immortal. Everything about the whole event was very theatrical and dramatic. As for the girls' final runway gowns – which they helped create – beyond stunning. Michael Cinco is a genius! The level of detail is incredible – the shards of mirror on Lisa's bodice, Angelea's Greek warrior-esque dress and all that glorious lace on Allison...breathtakingly gorgeous.
Being an All Star cycle, it is to be expected that the final runway show would be bigger and better and just grander in scale – and boy was it ever! I loved how it starts off with the girls having to descend into the water and swim to the other side. Lisa looked like she was in trouble from the get-go when she lost her bearings in the pool but like a pro, she quickly regained her composure and found her way. Poor Angelea was at a disadvantage because she couldn't swim but I thought she handled it very well, all things considering. Allison was the most graceful in the water however this did not carry over on to the runway – her walk was definitely the weakest out of the three and could very well be her downfall. I thought Lisa really killed it on the runway – that long train could have been the end of her, especially with how windy it was, but she didn't let it faze her and instead skilfully worked the wind into her walk.
All in all, what a spectacular show! The energy and excitement was palpable; I can only imagine how much more fantastic it would have been actually being there. Everything and everyone looked simply amazing. Back in Los Angeles at the Top Model set, it is time to reveal who has earned the title of the series' first Top Model All Star. However before that, Tyra makes a shocking announcement that could have quite possibly changed the outcome of this cycle (we will never know).
So another Top Model cycle has come to an end. What do you all think? Did Tyra and the judges pick the right Top Model All Star? What were your favourite moments in this cycle? And what did you think of the unexpected turn of events right before the final judging? Share and discuss below!