SHANGHAI shone with 70 ambitious models from around the world in a recent international competition to choose the next special look, not just another pretty face.

The 2012 Elite Model Look World Final last Saturday celebrated the 29th edition of the prestigious show that has selected hundreds of distinctive models since 1983.

The winner was 18-year-old Marilhea Peilard from France. The top 15 models will receive contracts. Chinese model Han Bing was among the 15.

Michaela Goddard-Quesada, the French president of Elite Model Look International, is president of the jury and has been responsible for finding such top models as Shalom Harlow, Caroline Murphy and many more. Every day, she looks for the next Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bundchen or Constance Jablonski.

During her recent visit, Goddard-Quesada spoke with Shanghai Daily about her more than 20 years' experience in the modeling industry, scouting young and beautiful women worldwide.


Q: We are seeing more and more Chinese models at the international level. What's the reason?

A: The reason is a combination of two things. First, as China has opened itself to the rest of the world, we are allowed to come and see lots of Chinese beauties that we didn't know of before. Many people thought Chinese girls were small, but since Elite entered the country five years ago, we found they were not only beautiful but also tall. We're quite excited and proud to bring them to the international runway. Each girl is unique, with something a little bit new and different.

Second, many designers appreciate right away that these new looks with ethnic beauty are really connected to future fashion. Before that designers didn't know it well because they even didn't have the chance to try it.


Q: What are the pros and cons of Chinese models, compared with Caucasian models?

A: They are new, fresh and exotic for the fashion world, which is exciting because the world of modeling is always looking for something new.

We've been in China for only five years and the girls we've found so far are just the tip of the iceberg. Trust me, it's just the beginning. Those girls are accepted by the world and all designers are asking for more and more Chinese models.

Another big advantage is they have discipline, because China has a disciplinary culture and a tradition of respecting elders. Chinese models are very polite, ambitious, well-behaved and extremely hard working, which can help them go further.

The only disadvantage for Chinese models is their English. Many of them know nothing about English, which means it may take them a little longer to get started. English is not only a tool for them to work and communicate but also a key to integrate them into the fashion world.


Q: In an audition, how do you decide between a "safe face" that can sell and a "style face" that is not perfect?

A: For me there is no "safe face" or "style face." If you look at the two Chinese contestants in the Elite Model Look World Final this year, you will find one is quite classic-looking with a "beautiful standard" face and the other is very strong and very special. You cannot compare the two; they are both beautiful.

What's beauty? It's the feeling you have inside more than anything else, so it's quite hard to put it into words what we might find beautiful.

A commercial face means a beautiful face that might appeal to the general public, while a "special" look might be more fashionable. I love them both.


Q: In an audition, how can you quickly judge whether a model has a future? What are the big factors in deciding to sign a model?

A: It's a combination of many things, all the small pieces that get together to make one hot super model - a beautiful face, of course, the skin, the personality, the determination and photogenic quality.

The skin doesn't mean it's a good or bad skin. A skin we want in the fashion world should be fresh. It's nothing to do with age as many Chinese girls look younger than their age most of the time. A fresh skin is new and full of energy.

The personality is very important. You might ask how I could know their personalities within such a short time, especially when I don't speak their languages. Hah! This is what I do for a living. When I ask them questions, I observe if she smiles, beams or her face lightens up, as well as her body language. I don't have to understand the words, but I need to feel the very positive energy she has. If I'm a client, I need to book that girl not only because she is beautiful but also she is a great person.

Good models need to be good actresses. Being shy doesn't mean you shouldn't be a model. You need to be an actress. You need to impress people when you walk into the room. I take pictures of every single girl. If a beautiful girl doesn't look nice in the picture, then she can't be a model. She is just a beautiful girl, not a model.

I can judge all these things within just seconds.


Q: How do you remain impartial in the Elite competition? How much do "bosses or sponsors" affect the judges?

A: Not at all. I'm looking for girls that can represent an international style. As I'm thinking of Milan, London, New York and Paris, she has to be good everywhere every time. The judgment is 100 percent objective.


Q: Can model reality shows such as "Top Model" and "American's Next Top Model" really produce supermodels?

A: Am I opposed to it? No. Am I for it? No. Do they hurt anybody? No.

I think they are great shows and the girls have great opportunities. It's sad that we don't have superstars from the shows and I don't know why. If any young pretty girls want to be on the show, go for it. It's not bad either.


Q: Who's your favorite Chinese model?

A: I don't have one. I really don't. They are all different and they have their own styles and characteristics, making it too hard for me to choose one. I just feel so lucky to scout them here in China.