Jessica in Rome

Come on, Ragazze! Smile with your eyes! Something good is actually on Italian television! And, for me, just in the nick of time. I have seen all of America’s Next Top Model (Cycle 9 is almost finished), both cycles of Canada’s Next Top Model and am onto the British and Australian versions. But since Italy is home now (and my Italian is better), I am totally pumped for this. It follows the same outline as ANTM, and is hosted by Natasha Stefanenko, a Russian born model/T.V hostess. She graduated university with a degree in metal engineering and then moved to Italy to pursue a modeling career, but soon after she began her work on television.

The judges consist of Stefanenko, photographer Ciro Zizzo, and talent scout Michael Giannini. There will also be a guest judge in every episode, and Roberto Cavalli will appear in the finale. The girls are competing for a spread in Elle Magazine, a year contract with top agency D’Management and the title of the next biggest supermodel in Italy.

Fourteen girls from all over Italy were picked for INTM. They compete and live in Milano for the duration of the show. The first episode appeared on Sky Vivo last Tuesday evening and the 14 girls had to start the competition immediately. They were given 20 minutes to come up with a stylish outfit from the contents of their luggage and were to do their own hair and makeup for a runway show. Some looked a hot mess (mickey mouse tank, anyone?), but others pulled off the sfida with the expertise of a real model. I already have a favorite, Fiorella, from Ravenna, who is half Mexican/half Italian and GORGEOUS! Of course, I have to give a shout out to the only Rome gal in the competition, Francesca L…but I don’t think she’ll get very far. She was in the bottom two this week after the challenge, and while she was not sent home, her outfit was absolutely horrid (leggings, ugly dress, boots..oh my!). I also think she looks WAY old and she is only 24. Yikes…here is hoping. In the end, Annalisa, a rhythmic gymnast from Bologna, was sent home for her bad choice of outfit (a black polka dot dress, with white polka dot heels and a white head band, aka my fifth grade photo outfit).

The official show will be at 8:30pm every Tuesday, but at 5:30pm every weekday there will be a half hour “striscia” which will follow the girl’s drama inside the loft. Check out Sky’s INTM site for videos, pics, ect and here for your weekly update!