Tuesday, December 31

MANGUN OR LINDSEY?!


WHO WILL WIN?!

Find out it at #topmodelRAVE on January 4h, 2014!
Completed Finale + Best Of Cycle 6 and an amazing After-Show Party are waiting for you!

Sunday, November 17

Change Of Plans

Hello everyone! :)

As you might know, I originally wanted to publish the Best-Of video tonight. But I decided to change the plans as I want to include some pictures and moments from the Finale in the video. That's why I will post the Best-Of video along with the full version of the Finale next Sunday!
Instead, Part 2 will be released tonight.
I'll update the post below as soon as the part is completely uploaded.
Part 3 will be released as well very soon!

Stay tuned!
xoxo Rafael ♥

Wednesday, November 13

The Great Finale Of Cycle 6


PART 1





PART 2



Note: I seriously do not know why the edges are cut off during the backstage interview. This happened after the upload. I re-uploaded the video twice, but this glitch happens to occure over and over again. I'm experiencing similar difficulties with the Powers of the Earth Walk and Part 3 (which is the actual reason for the huge delay).


Part 3 coming soon!

Who do you think will win? Write your opinion in a comment!

xoxo ♥

Saturday, November 9

I Need Your Help!!!

Guys, this is an emergency!!
So besides that I have some technical problems with the Top 13 Walk and the "Powers of the Earth"-Walk, there's something I need to show you ...

I started uploading Part 1 of the Finale one and a half hour ago (6pm GMT), now look at this ...


Part one durates about 20 minutes. 
It has been uploading for one and a half hour now ...



Now imagine I still have to upload Part 2 and 3. We can't sit here for hours and do nothing! Or can we?

Please tell me, what should I do:
  1. Should the Finale take place tonight and the videos will be added to the post as soon as they are uploaded - which would mean I'd have to sit here until 4 or 5am - or 
  2. Should I wait until tomorrow - when all 3 parts are completely uploaded and the issues with the Top 13 Walk video are fixed - and publish the videos tomorrow evening?!

Please give me the answer in comments. Thank you for your understanding, your love and your support!!
xoxo Rafael ♥


UPDATE!
So I've decided to wait until Wednesday evening so I'll have enough time to fix the flaws within the videos and upload them completely. By the way, I still couldn't figure out what went wrong with the Top 13 Walk, so I decided to re-do it.
I've definitely learnt my lesson: Never ever announce something if you aren't done by 100% ... like, never ever! Otherwise you'll have to delay it again and again.

I've updated the post below, scroll down to few the new schedule. Let's keep our fingers crossed that everything will work out. But I'm sure this time it will work .. I mean, it has to! If not, I'll just announce the winner in a post.

xxx ♥



The Moment Has Come ...

... to reveal the winner of RNTM Cycle 6!
Here is it, your invitation to a show of your lifetime!




This is it. The official schedule, and we're ready to let the show begin. 
By the way, I deleted some of my previous posts as I wanted to have a "clean" blog archive. Haha x)

Hope I'll see you at the Finale!
Who do you think will win? Mangun, Lindsey or Virginia?!

xoxo Rafael




Sunday, August 25

THE FINAL CHALLENGE!!!

Wow, I think I will never ever announce a post with a specific date/time because let's be honest, I'll always fail on being punctual. Stupid me ...

Ooh hello there everyone! :D
Can you believe it? We've reached the Finale! *scream*
I'm not gonna lie, I'm super duper excited, that's why I will no longer waste any more time with babbling and just tell you the tasks ...



WINNER SCENERY

Modeling isn't what it once used to be - which is a good sign. I mean, a few years ago, posing in your own sceneries was considered as "modeling". Now there's a whole empire of blogs, magazines and fashion lines featuring endless amounts of models.
But as every year, we'll go back to the roots of modeling. And this is your task:
Go to Topmodels.Club and create a scenery. Imagine you've just won Cycle 6. All spotlights are on you and you're taking center stage. What would you feel like? What are you wearing? Try to catch the feeling and the emotions in your picture and make this moment of victory eternal!
Remember, if you win, your scenery will grace the presentation of the club until a new winner is found (which is actually a long time), so give your best! :)



ALIEN PHOTOSHOOT

This is probably the most important task of all three - and the most difficult. As this cycle's Finale is all based on outer space, our very last photoshoot will be based on Katy Perry's music video E.T.
Your location will be the moon! And you'll be shooting in an extravagant alien-like haute couture dress with an extraordinary hairstyle and a galactic make-up. The look is completely up to you - wether you make it metallic or rather fairy-themed, as long as it makes you feel like you're in outer space. Here's the music video which shall be your main inspiration:



And two pictures for make-up ideas :)




RUNWAY OUTFIT

If any of you doesn't know it yet, I'm quite obsessed with The Legend Of Zelda. Seriously, I'm obsessed!! I've recently played through Twilight Princess again and I couldn't resist of including this in a task of RNTM. Oops x)

Don't worry, you don't have to be a Zelda-freak like me, it's just about the outfit. So in this story there are basically two realms: the normal world and the shadow realm. You see, there's a badass weirdo from the shadow realm called Zant who wants to take over Hyrule kingdom (which is located in the normal world) by turning it into a shadow world. Now there's of course the hero who has to fight Zant, save princess Zelda and bring the light back to the world with the help of the light spirits.
Whoa, did you say light spirits? Bingo!!

I can imagine that you're asking yourself what a Zelda game has got to do with the Finale. Well, do you remember the Finale of Cycle 5? One of the final tasks was to create an outfit that would be presented in the live show. Guess what, we're gonna do it again!
This time the outfit is for the Top 13 Walk. The walk will be based on said game and the whole light versus shadow theme! While all the eliminated girls will wear shadow-themed outfits, you three will be representing the light spirits.

So this is your task:
Create a dress inspired by the light spirits of Twilight Princess. You may also use some princess Zelda influences. Here are some pictures to get you inspired!








You don't have to do a pose or anything; you can use this mannequin to design your outfit.

Credits for this mannequin goes to Jack aka queendetox!!

Click it to view it in full size and save it on your computer. It's actually a very big file, it has about the size I need for the graphics that will be used for the live show!
When you're done with your outfit, save it without (!) the mannequin as PNG-file and send the link as usual in a comment. 



DEADLINE: Sunday, September 1st



I hope this is enough time for you, I really hope you'll be punctual. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me. I wish everyone of you the best of luck from the bottom of my heart!!!

xoxo Rafael



Friday, August 23

6th Elimination

Hello everyone and welcome to our very last elimination ceremony before the great Finale of RNTM Cycle 6! I'm sorry this post is only coming now but I had to solve some technical problems with my computer. :/
Anywaayyy ....

It's been a long journey up to now and I can't wait to present you the results.
First of all, I'd like to thank all the participants that you all were able to deliver the entries in time.

If you don't know it yet, Carrie aka Cheekycazbo1 had to leave RNTM due to a wrist injury. I'm very sad that she can't compete any longer and it was great to have her. This means that only 4 girls are left. And one of you will have to go. Who has to go? And who will be in the grand Finale?
Here are the results!


Aeon_Flux_96



I have to admit that I don't really like the first picture. The hair isn't done very well, although you have improved a lot. But, I have to say that I simply LOVE the advert. The hair is a thousand times better than on the first graphic. The make-up is simple and natural which fits the overall theme of your ad campaign. Everything looks so fresh and natural and I like your slogan as well. Graphicwhise I can't really complain about it, either. Maybe you could have shaded your face a bit, but that's just fine :)
The focus of the photoshoot is on the hair which looks okay - you've improved on it but the wow-factor is missing. The rest of the graphic is quite boring and you chose unattractive colours, mainly grey. Whereas your first shoot wasn't that convincing, your ad certainly is! It looks fresh and natural and that's how I want my shampoo to be. The colours are appealing and it would have been even better if you shaded your face.
The presentation is very simple, maybe a little too simple. I think there is way too much gray in the whole thing. I would've liked some fresh summer colors. Anyways your hair itself is quite nice, even though it's a normal straight cut. This part is pretty average and not one of myfaovrites. Thumps up for improving your hair technique, though.
In comparison to your previous part this one is the whole ooposite! The hair looks so nice, very natural, very healthy, it looks alive. Overall the hair has a very lovely swing. Your face also looks beautiful in here! It underlines the natural type! You also did a great job on 'selling' the product! I would definitely buy it if I would see it on a poster while traveling through our shopping mile. Love the fresh green colors in mix of the white colors btw! :)



I really like the idea behind this photo. I like the hair in this graphic very much. I can see that you worked really hard on this one. The background is nice, but it's a little too blurry for my taste. The skin shading isn't my cup of tea, either. I think you should still work on that, add more layers with shading and watch where the light is coming from because you sometimes have the shading in the wrong place. 
I like the first impression you get when you look at your naked shoot. But if you take a closer look, you can easily discover some mistakes: the small part of the other arm looks as if it was a part of your tummy or breast, two strands of hair look very randomly placed and bith the background and the stones(?) in front of you look very blurry. All in all a nice idea and you can be proud of your hair, but if you invested one more hour to improve it, it would have been magnificent.
This one looks very pretty, the hair is pretty nice and matches the exotic feeling. I'm just not a fan of the skin shading and pose. I think the pose could be even more sexy and sensual. The shading is also pretty average.
But you again fulfilled that beautiful natural feeling.



I think you did a good job with the runway task. I like the hair and the outfit, even though it could have been more extravagant. The skin shading in this graphic is much better than in your other entries. I also like the fact that there's a big projection of yourself. The pose is good but nothing too special, though. Nevertheless you did a great job!
Your gaga outfit lookes very good, apart fron the ad it is your best entry of all four. The outfit is crazy, although I wouldn't have minded if it was even crazier! Maybe I would have added some spotlights instead of the huge projection of yourself, but everything else is fine.
You did a quite nice job on that! The pose is really nice and totally reminds me of Gaga. I also like the outfit, even though I think it could be even more extravagant and crazier! The only thing I'm not a fan of here is that it doesn't look very wavy because the contours go straight downward.


Rei1981




Wow, your hair has improved soo much! I love it, it looks so wavey and shiney, exactly like hair has to look like! You barely shaded the face and the neck which is a shame. It's also sad that there isn't really a background, but I guess it's because the focus is on the hair.
The ad campaign is quite good, I love the fact that you aren't advertising a shampoo, but a haircolor. The background is very plain and the slogan isn't very creative. But I love the hair - it's really gorgeous. Overall you did a good job!
Your photo shoot is very minimalistic, it doesn't even have a background, unfortunately. The hair is a big improvement compared to your last entries though! Overall, the photo shoot is technically good, but not creative. The ad is more creative but looks worse than the photo shoot. The hair is, again, good and the colour very bright, thumbs up for that. But your collarbonesare awkward and whatever you are wearing - I can't distinguish what it exactly is. Nice idea, bad execution.
The hair looks so shiny and so wavy, it flows so naturally, I love it! Simple presentation, beautiful face, beautiful hair! Maybe a bit too boring but you did a great Job!
The second one isn't my favorite, the idea is great but the implementation could've been better! The hair looks actually very nice, but that red color is in my opinion way too agressive. I wouldn't want do have my hair like this! I'm sorry but it's really not my favorite. :/




Well, it wasn't really what I expected, but I like your interpretation of this task. To be honest, that is really unflattering pose, a different pose would have been better. The hair isn't as good as on your hair commercial graphics, but overall it's really good as well as the skin shading. I like the background, looks very peaceful! ;)
Starting off with the positive, you really took a step forward concernign hair and your skin up to the beginning of the hair looks quite great! Unfortunately, you shaded your arms not as good. Try not to shade dark on both sides of the arm, remember that the light is coming form only one direction - always keep that in mind while shading. I would have prefered it if you stood closer at the waterfall. Overall, well done.
Your naked editorial photoshoot is great! I love the pose and I love the hair! It fits the background very well and your face looks flawless! Everything matches everything, love it!




Wow! I love the outfit. The first that came to my mind when I saw it was Lady Gaga singing "We live for the fame ..." I love your pose, it's very extravagant. All spotlights are on you and girl you really deserved to take center stage. I have to say this is one of the better Lady Gaga entries. Absolutely stunning, I have nothing more to say.
Crazy! So extravagant, so gaga. Well done for choosing that outfit. The execution, mainly the skin shading, isn't very good, but the outfit is so impressive that one barely notices.  And thumbs up for doing a bonus version, i enjoyed watching it! A lot of work must have went into it but it defintiely payed off, I really enjoyed the new poses.
Gorgeous Outfit, gorgeous hair, gorgeous makeup! I love your attitude, it is really gaga! Maybe the colors r a little bit too glaring, but that's what makes it extravagant and crazy so you fulfilled the task! Nice Job on that little Runway Video Presentation btw! ;)


LoveGossip4Life





All I can say about this is OH - MY - GOSH!!! Lindsey, I'm soooo extremely proud of you! You did it, you finally showed us what you can do. You came out of your comfort zone and created an unbelievably perfect hairstyle. It's simply amazing!! The hair is pure perfection! I love the concept about both of your pictures, they are connected with each other and that is exactly what I wanted. You really understood the task and made a perfect commercial out of it. I love the fact that you're selling your own product which is HAUTE cosmetics. I can already see this standing on the shelves of my local supermarket. I love the slogan, it's so creative!! Believe me, if women see your commercial, this product will be sold out in no time! The only thing that could have been better is the face shading. I would have really loved if you shaded your face a big more. Other than that, I don't have any complaints. Perfectly done, my dear!
OMG, that hair! You must have spent hours, if not days on it! It looks very real and 3D and so admirable. Nevertheless, your doll looks quite sad in the photoshoot, maybe due to the lack of makeup or the simple background. But this is just a little minus as the hair is so great. The ad is magnificient aswell, I would certainly buy that shampoo if I got that hair afterwards. The dress is lovely, too. the only aspect that distracts me is that the head looks a little off, as if the neck would be missing. I would also appreciate it if you shaded your face as much as you shade skin, otherwise it looks as if they didn't belong together. But all in all: amazing!
The Hair is pure perfection in my eyes! I want this hair lol, I want to have it in my wardrobe and be able to put it on my own head to look flawless whenever I want! :P
Your ad campaign is my favorite from all of the entries! You look so awesome! The hair is brilliant, just as the dress! You litterally really sold this Hair Shampoo to me! Nothing more to add.




All I can say about this is basically "Wow". Lindsey, this is again pure perfection. The hair is simply perfect! I love how you did a side shot, it turned out more than well. The skin shading is a bit dark in some parts, though. I'd suggest you to add more layers and therefore lower the opacity of each layer. Then the skin would look even more natural and realistic. The photo on the whole is really great, it really captured your natural beauty and your emotions. I love the pose because it isn't too revealing, but also not too understated either, as you already mentioned in the comments. The background is awesome, it really fits the overall theme of your photo, even though I would have wished to see some tropical plants somewhere as the location was meant to be a tropical waterfall. All in one, well done!
First of all, thumbs up for doing your own background, it looks both beautiful and mystical! Your doll looks thoughtful and mystical aswell but at the same time natural. Your photoshoot seems to tell a story which I really like. It's close to perfection (if you changed the lip colour to something more natural, it might have been).
Wow Lindsey you look so sensual and beautiful and also sexy in here! The hair is marvelous and you did a great job on that side view of your face! Beautiful Makeup too! The background is very well made!




I like the outfit, even though it isn't crazy/extravagant enough. But it has that typicall pattern of Lady Gaga's Paparazzi look and the gorgeous Mickey shades. Again, there isn't much shading in your face and the overall skin shading is a bit too dark, especially on the legs which don't look very good. Anyway, I see a lot of modeling potential in you and I believe that you can go very far!
This is cute, but it is not Lady Gaga. As much as I agree with you on wearability and that hers isn't everyone's style, but sometimes, you just have to follow the task. Graphicwise, it's good, just the knees are strange, but knees are hard to do. The dress is something I would wear in my free time, but Lady Gaga always wears extravagant clothes, even when she visited the queen. A mediocre task.
 I love your own little interpretation of that Paparazzi Outfit and the dress is gorgeously shaded. Love your Mickey Shades by the way! I would have loved to maybe see you with another very extravagant hairstyle. I also like your Pose but I'm not sure if the legs are shaded too dark. Well done!


mangunmeetan





Mangun, what can I say? I simply love it, your hair looks amazing!! So natural, wavey and full of volume. I love your idea behind the ad campaign, the slogan fits your campaign very well. By the way, I'm in love with your face shading. I don't think that I have anything else to say because I haven't spotted any major flaws! ;)
I LOVE the hair photoshoot! It's so gorgeous and beautiful, I just love that hair! The background is boring, but I don't mind because that hair looks so good and your doll does, too. The ad isn't as wonderful as the photo shoot but still good! The black thing looks weird, but the slogan is matching the graphic. The idea of holding a strain of hairs in your hand is good, although it isn't clear at first sight tha you do so.
This Hair Shoot is so beautiful! It's so wavy, natural, so powerful, so alive! Looove it! The face expression is flawless and that hair gives me goosebumps! Love it!
The commerial is a very nice idea, the most creative one I think. Again, the hair is very wavy, natural and healthy. I love the presentation and the red lips underline the headline "strong woman". The pose matches perfectly and give a very strong expression to the whole scheme. Well done on that!




Hmm, I'm not really a fan of this. Starting with the positive aspects, the background is very pretty! I have to say that I'm on the fence because the pose isn't very pleasing. The skin shading isn't very good either and everything looks very blurry. The hair looks very shiney, though, it's probably the best part in your photo.
This is my least favourite of all 4 graphics. Whereas I really love the idea behind it and the background aswell as the hair are wonderful, I'm disappointed by the body of your doll, it looks like a big ball of skin with one arm and two legs. Try to work on the outlines of the different body parts.
In comparison to the other tasks this one is the weakest- The pose looks pretty weird and squeezed. It's hard to recognize the distances between arms, legs and hands. That's the reason you couldn't portray sexyness for me. :/ On another positive aspect, the hair is very nice!




WOW! This outfit simply screams "My name is Lady Gaga and this is my Haus". I love love love your interpretation of this look. Love the shoes, love the dress, the skin shading is perfect and I'm absolutely in love with your hair. Too bad that you didn't add any spotlights, but other than that, it's simply perfect! 'Nuff said. :3
Lady Mangagagun! You look crazy but stylish and that was the look you had to go for! Lovely hair, lovely makeup, wonderful pose, wonderful dress, ... I didn't find that much flaws or mistakes!
Your Gaga Outfit is my favorite out of all! You did great making the outfit your own! The skin shading is flawless and I really love the body part of the dress! These ornaments on the skirt and on the right shoulder are so fierce and beautiful! The hair is amazing as well and your face looks gorgeous! I adore the makeup. Everything is great!


Now there's only one question left - who will be part of the Finale of RNTM Cycle 6?!

Some background music for the decision.
If you don't click "play" you shall burn in hell!!
Just kidding ...

Giselle, Virginia, Lindsey and Mangun ... you are the last remaining contestants of this cycle. You've gone through a loooong journey until now. You all can be very very proud of yourself because you all made it very far. But only three of you will pass this round. WHO will be in the great Finale of RNTM?
Remember, only one can win 200 stardollars. Only one will be on the cover of the RNTM Backstage Magazine. Only one of you will get an exclusive contract with Sparkle Model Management and all the modeling jobs that are connected to this contract. And only one of you will get the title Rafael's Next Top Model Cycle 6.

The first contestant who is in the Finale ..... is ......

...... Mangun. Mangun. MANGUN, you are the first finalist. Congratulations!!!
Three contestants are still left. Lindsey, Giselle, Virginia ... one of you will be the next finalist. One of you ... and this .... person .... is .....

*takes a deep breath* ... Lindsey! Congratulations my dear, you are the second finalist!! You really deserved it my dear. I hope you are happy about that. Lindsey, you have so much potential and I always knew you were meant to come this far. Don't let others bring you down, stay strong my dear!

Bottom 2

Giselle and Virginia. It all comes down to you two. I am very proud of you two. Both of you did a marvellous job, and I hope you are also proud of yourself. I can tell you that it was a very very hard decision for me and the judges, but in the end, we all had the same opinion. We made a decision, and even though both of you would deserve it to be in the Finale, only one will be a finalist. 
Who will have the chance to compete in the great Finale along with Lindsey and Mangun? Who has still got the chance to become the winner of Cycle 6? Is it Giselle? Is it Virginia? Is it Giselle? Is it Virginia? It is Virginia!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS MY DEAR!!!!!
You are the last finalist, you are in the Top 3! Congratulations, I really hope you are as excited as me.
Giselle, I really hope that you aren't too disappointed. I am soooo sorry that you couldn't make it. It was such a tough decision and you've improved so much. But in the end Virginia was slightly better than you.
I hope you enjoyed your time here in this competition and I also hope you will still continue modeling. I'm sure you will make your way. And don't forget, you will be part of the Top 13 Walk in the great Finale! 
Giselle, I wish you all the best for your future from the bottom of my heart. Goodbye!



Wow, that's it. We have our Top 3 finalists. Woohooo!!! The final tasks will be posted in a few moments. Thanks for your patience. Stay tuned!

xoxo Rafael







Thursday, August 22

WHO WILL BE A FINALIST?!

Updated schedule!

The final elimination ceremony:
Friday, August 23rd at 22:00 pm GMT

Top 3 - Final tasks:
Friday, August 23rd at 23:00 pm GMT

Only one further step until we reach the great Finale of Rafael's Next Top Model Cycle 6. Who has to go?
Stay tuned,
xoxo Rafael

Saturday, August 3

6th Challenge - Semi-Finals

Hello everyone!

At first I would like to announce the winner of the week. So our Top 3 this week are Aeon_Flux_96, LoveGossip4Life and mangunmeetan. You three were all very good, but one of you still did it best. So Cathy, Manda and I discussed and we made the following decision: The winner of the week is .....

Lindsey!! Congratulations, you got back to your good old levels compared to the last task and that's why you are now the winner of the week. But .. I personally still have something to say. I was so surprised and happy about the big improvement of Giselle, that's why you are also the winner of the week!!
Congratulations to you. You both will grace the spoiler for the big Finale of RNTM Cycle 6.

Alright ladies, here are the tasks for the semi-finals ...

Hair Commercial

This will be a commercial for any hair product you choose. The main thing about a hair commercial is to present the product in the best way possible. That's why your hair of course has to be shiney, wavey and full of volume!
Best example for hair commercials is probably Heidi Klum. Here are some pictures to inspire you.





Now you have to do two shots: One graphic which will be a plain beauty shot with focus on the hair, without advertising the product. The other photo should be a second graphic with a slogan and the product you want to advertise! Update: By that, I mean two different graphics!!
Here we have a Stardoll version of a hair ad campaign by Vogue Magazine.


Again, don't forget to think about a good slogan. The product you want to advertise is completely up to you, you can even invent your own! By the way, the one who does it best will get her commercial featured in the advertisement break during the Finale, so give your best!!!


Editorial Photoshoot

We haven't had an editorial photoshoot for a while now, so I guess it's time for another one! But this time, it's gonna be different because it's just about your natural beauty. Can you already guess it? It's gonna be a naked editorial photoshoot! And you will shoot at a wonderful location ... a tropical waterfall! Doesn't this sound beautiful? 
Now some of you might be afraid of a naked photoshoot, but don't worry, it's gonna be aesthetical and very professional! Be sensual, be natural, be beautiful!

Inspiration for poses:


Inspiration for your location:




Lady Gaga Runway Task

And now something to make you come out of your comfort zone. A very special runway show! You definitely know who Lady Gaga is, right? (If not, then get the fuck out of here, lol)
She's a fashion icon and has a veeery extravagant style. Now it's your turn to pick any outfit/look of Lady Gaga and re-create it. Pick the look you loved the most and do your own interpretation of it. Present it on the runway confidently and with an extravagant pose. 
And this will be your runway ...


You must present the outfit on this runway (just save the image on your computer). Now you might think "Oh my, the runway seems kinda dark to me." Well, then why not add some spotlights? Remember, this is your moment and all the focus is on YOU!!


DEADLINE: Saturday, 10th August


I'd suggest that you start right away with the tasks so you can make it on time. I wish all of you good good luck as this is a very important challenge ... after all, we're in the semi-finals and it's up to you if you get into the Finale or not, so come out of your comfort zone and give your fucking best!!
If you have any questions, just ask me.

xoxo Rafael
♥♥♥



Thursday, August 1

5th Elimination Ceremony

Hello everyone!

So I'm honestly disappointed and slightly pissed off because this post took so damn long to be written. I apologize that it took so long, it's unbelievably embarrassing and a No-Go to let you all wait for so long. I mean, for how long did we all have to wait? Three weeks? Four weeks?? The answer is: Way to long! Cathy still (!) hasn't replied yet, that's why only me and Manda will judge this task.

Let's not waste any more time, the Semi-Finals are waiting for us and one person still has to leave us. Here are the long awaited results ...

mangunmeetan


Again, you did a marvelous job. I love the kimono, the hair and the lotus flower in your hair. Graphicwise I don't have any major complaints, my only concern that the feet look kinda cut off and that we don't really get to see the runway properly.
I like the kimono and the lotus flower in your hair as well, the rest is quite boring, though. The pose is okay, nothing spectacular. I also find the background rather boring. Soon you are in the semi-finals and it's time to create your own runway! The feet look weird to me, especially because they look kinda cut off, as Rafael already mentioned. It looks like you didn't want to take a risk on doing feet or shoes.
Dear Mangun, you need to come out of your comfort zone if you want to make it into the Finale. Nevertheless, you did a great job and that's why you get a chance to prove us what you can ... Congratulations, you are in the semi-finals!!!


alex.kolonia999


You really improved this time! I think you did a good job on he outfit and I love the traditional updo with the chopsticks in your hair. I only don't like the shoes and the skin shading could have been better, as well. The runway look so utterly boring, it's quite a shame.
I agree, you really improved. I love your outfit, but the catwalk is a letdown. All in one a good result, you showed us some potential for the very first time. Nevertheless, I'm a bit worried, can you keep up with the other contestants? I don't know.
I don't know either. That's why I can't tell you the decision right now, Alexandra. I'm sorry, but you are in the Bottom 2 again!


Cheekycazbo1


I like the runway, it fits the theme very well. I also think you did a good job ob the kimono and the hair. But, I do recognize the runway pose. I don't know, it seems like you just took the pose from the last task, edited a bit and changed the clothes and the runway. Carrie, you really have to come out of your comfort zone, otherwise you won't have a chance to win this competition.
Everything fits together very well. When I look at your outfit I directly start thinking about Japan - very beautiful! But somehow the WOW-factor is missing. You should more work on your tasks to make them extraordinary and outstanding.
Carrie ..... you will be given another chance. Congratulations, you are in the semi-finals!!


Aeon_Flux_96


Wow, you have improved a lot since the last time. Your shading technique is so much better now compared to your previous tasks! I think the outfit came out more than great, it isn't a traditional kimono but very youthful and fresh. I love the runway, especially the fact that you used a different perspective. You still have to work on your hair and skin shading. Also, the right arm looks a weird, it's like you are hiding it behind your back. Other than that, it's gorgeous! To be honest, this is one of my personal favorites this time.
Rafael, I don't agree with you in all points. Giselle, it's true, you really improved compared to the last task and I can see a big improvement in the shading of the top, but the rest of the outfit isn't very appealing. The top kinda looks uncomfortable because it looks like a brick around the busty and at the shoulders. Also, I wonder where the arms are moving. I mean, the seem to disappear behind the top and you don't see the rest. Even if you had your hands in the pockets, you would still see the hands at your legs or the ellbows how they buckle in, if you get what I mean. BUT, I loooove the catwalk, definitely the most beautiful of the week! 
Well, even though there were some flaws in this shot, I can still see the effort you put into it and I'm more than happy to tell you that you are in the semi-finals. Congratulations!!


Rei1981


So the first thing I notice here is ... the flat chest!! I'm sorry but all I can say about the chest is eww. It looks very masculine, so you didn't shade that part very well. :-/
The runway is super boring, the hair isn't my cup of tea either. However, the kimono turned out very fashionable! I love the minimalistic, yet trendy vibe of it.
Hmm, I don't like it. In my opinion you missed the theme because I can definitely not recognize anything that reminds me of Japan. I don't like the outfit at all and the hair looks the same every week - like plasticine. Virginina, I know you have potential, but you have to show it! This week it might get tight for you ...
I don't know what to do with you right now. I'm sorry to tell you but you are in the Bottom 2!


LoveGossip4Life


Lindsey!! Finally a good graphic from you again!! ... that would have been my first reaction if it really was an outstanding graphic, but no, my jaw didn't drop. Sorry! :-/
The head too big, the hair shading is way too dark (but you already know that) and the hands look weird to me. But don't worry, there are some positive things to mention, though. I love your idea of the outfit. It has that typical asian floral pattern but still it's modern, feminine and wearable. I also like the runway which brings the japanese vibe. It's just a pity that the picture is rather small.
WOW, you are my personal favorite this week. I love the outfit and the catwalk. The shoes are definitely a highlight in this outfit. Everything totally reminds me of Japan. The hair, however, look weird. Nevertheless you are back on your old level. Stay strong!!
Lindsey, I know you are a strong contestant and I know you have a loooot of potential. I hope you can blow me away next time, though. See you in the semi-finals, my dear! ;)


BOTTOM 2

So who has to go? Alexandra or Virginia?
Virginia, you've actually been quite good until now, but all of a sudden you are in the Bottom 2. It's actually a real shame that you take a step back, especially because we're so close to the Finale.
Alexandra, you managed to improve compared to the last time, and I can tell you that you are a good model. You have the look, you have the determination and you have potential. You are a good model. But I don't think that it is enough to be a Topmodel. Alexandra, .... Manda and I made a decision. And I'm am very sorry about this, but your journey ends here.
I really hope that you enjoyed your time here at RNTM and I want to thank you for being part of this cycle. I wish you all the best for your future!!
Virginia, congratulations, you are in the semi-finals. But remember, this is your last chance to show us what you can - your last chance to get into the Finale!!



That's it for now!! Congratulations again to all our girls who made it into the semi-finals. The tasks as well as the winner of the week will be posted later this day. Stay tuned!!

xoxo Rafael


Wednesday, July 10

Keep patient, please!

Hey everyone!
Sorry for the delay of the elimination ceremony, but neither Cathy not Manda have replied yet. I am also very busy with work (yes, I've got a summer job, whoop!) as well as with getting my haute couture collection for Spice Couture done.
So please stay tuned, I will post it this week as soon as possible.
Thanks for your patience!

xoxo Rafael

Sunday, June 30

4th Elimination Ceremony + 5th Challenge

Hey everyone!
So basically I'm completely disappointed. I mean, I gave the others almost one more week to do their tasks, but still everyone happened to drop out. I'm really really pissed off because I put my heart and soul into this competition, yet nobody seems to care!! I think it's just rude, they could have at least told me earlier. Especially KatyPerrydu56, who didn't talk to me at all and never told me anything if she could make it on time or not. Well, if you can't do the task, then tell me immediately, but it's definitely not better to wait until one month has passed by. It's just disrespectful.

Oh well, at least we have 6 contestants left that sent in their tasks. I'm very thankful for doing your duties and I hope nobody else will withdraw in the further course of time.
Anyway, the show must go on. So here are the results of the 6 remaining contestants ...


alex.kolonia999



Alexandra, I have to say that I'm not very satiesfied this week. The sports photoshoot is pretty good, I like the pose and the outfit, especially the detailed shoes. But your hairstyle and the background is too childish. Sorry, but you look like a 10-year-old tween to be quite frank. I absolutely dislike your runway task. Sorry, but this is nothing! The proportions aren't right (the head is too small) and the shading isn't well done, too. Your skin shading rather looks like a dark outline and there are no highlights, and I better not start talking about the hair. I also don't like the outfit because it's just a generic dress which has no shading at all. Also, you look kinda crooked, like you could lose your balance and fall down any second.
Your sports photoshoot is quite good graphicwise, but it was much too childish, especially with the haircut, your face and the background. You look like a small child, not like a model.
Your runway shoot is quite boring since you just wear a plain red dress and the runway is a simple grey background. I like the shoes, but the rest didn't convince me. 
But what I'd like to mention is that, as a model, you shouldn't change your face as often as you do, it's important to have a recognisable face!
Yes, Cathy, I totally agree with you on your last comment! Alex, now I notice that you actually changed your face in every task. As Cathy said, it's important that people can recognize your face!
I see that you've tried hard, but the result isn't very pleasing. Let's start with the sports shoot. Because of the hairstyle and the expression (and also because of the outfit), your photo looks like a mother took a photo of her child that was doing exercises outside. The childish background emphasizes this, too.
The runway shoot is also very disappointing as I can't see any shading on the dress and on the face. As Rafael said, the proportions aren't right (look at the head).
I'm very sorry Alexandra but you are in the Bottom 2!


Aeon_Flux_96



Giselle, I really like your photo. It looks sporty, energetic and fresh. I especially love the gloves! My only concern would be the hairstyle which looks messed up. Also, work on your shading because it could be darker in some parts, especially on the skin.
In my opinion, the runway shoot isn't as good as the sports photo. I'm not a big fan of your shading technique on this outfit, and the hair looks very furry, like a cat that is sitting on your head. I also don't really like the pose and to be honest, I got a little pet peeve about flat shoes. I don't know, I rather want to see a woman in high heels. To my mind, a girl shouldn't wear any other flat shoes than sneakers or ballerinas (I know that sounds crazy, but I simply love women in high heels).
You've improved compared to the last task, I like both of your photoshoots but you can still improve. Try to do a more exciting runway pose, work on your hair and skin shading and you'll have good chances to get further.
This week you actually surprised me in a positive way. I like the sports shoot very much, although you should definitely work on your shading. You need more depth in your graphics, which means you should shade more/darker! The pose and the outfit are great and they definitely represent sportiness! However, the hair is awful :(
The runway shoot is a pleasant surprise, I totally love the outfit. Although the shading in this picture is somehow strange, I like the overall result. The pose is casual and it reflects prêt-à-porter very well! The hairstyle, however, looks very strange and it reminds me of a foxtail.
Giselle, you should still work on your shading skills, nevertheless it was a great performance overall this week, that's why you are the first one to go into the next round. Congratulations!


Rei1981



I think the idea for the sports photoshoot is a great idea, I also like the slogan. The shading isn't my cup of tea, and please, PLEASE, work on your hair shading. It actually looks like plasticine!! You should have a look how other graphic designers (for example me *cough*) shade their hair.
The runway shoot is just super! I like the runway, the pose and the outfit. And the shading is a lot better than in your first shoot!
Your sports photoshoot is very powerful and I like its idea. But you can still work on the skin shading, it doesn't look very realistic because of some randomly placed lines. Your runway shoot is good, I like the use of apricot here.
Beautiful shot, however the body seems to be a bit too muscular which looks kinda scary. The hair looks very unrealistic and they look like a cleaning rag, sorry for that. But the pose is great!
I like your runway shoot better, the outfit is very casual and chic at the same time. The hairstyle fits perfectly for this outfit and it even underlines the sporty look. A little tip: Rei, you should watch some hair tutorials on Youtube and, like Rafael said, watch how other graphic designers shade their hair.
Virginia, I hope you will follow our tips and I'm sure you will come far in this competition. Congratulations, you're in the next round!


mangunmeetan



Wow, I'm speechless. My jaw literally dropped when I first saw this. Both shoots are absolutely stunning. Next time I'd love to see a more creative runway, though. ;)
Wow, that's all I can say! Your graphics have improved so incredibly much and the photoshoots are just amazing!
I love your sports shoot!! Definitely my favorite out of all. The pose looks the most natural of all entries and I would buy the outfit right away, the shorts are simply awesome! I also like that you used a different perspective that the others which makes the result super dynamic.
The runway shoot is also very beautiful! Aaah I love the dress. Very casual, very chic, very sporty! Your walk looks amazing and I think that short hair simply looks super on you!

Cheekycazbo1



Carrie, I like your sports photo. I love the atmosphere and the vacation feeling I get when I look at it. The pose isn't my cup of tea, though. The hands also look a tiny bit awkward, but all in one it's a great photo.
I love your runway shoot, the outfit is very pretty, I don't really like the hair but that's alright. By the way, I see your skin shading is a bit darker and more detailed compared to the last challenge, so I can see an improvement here. Well done!
You're on the right way, just try to shade more & use more interesting patterns/clothes to make your graphics look more interesting. Keep improving!
Oh, and please use a catwalk background next time.

The sports shoot looks very pretty. The pose is too simple as well as the outfit, but they both fit the beautiful hairstyle and the beach background perfectly. All in one it's a marvelous atmosphere! I wish I could travel there to do some exercises there, too. :D
Carrie, your runway shoot is also beautiful. However, I think the outfit could of been a bit more sporty and more casual. The hair doesn't fit 100%, but it looks pretty nontheless. All in one of the better entries.
Well, Carrie, it looks like you're on the right way. Keep improving and you're nearly there! See you in the next round ;)


LoveGossip4Life



*sigh*
Let's be honest ... you're secret weapon turned out to be a complete fail. Sorry, but you disappointed me this week. :(
I don't get your idea behind the sports photoshoot. I would have understood it if you were in the gym and hanging on those rings, but why the heck there a crooked table with a potted tree on it? I wonder why it doesn't fall down, are you in Wonderland?!
The runway task is waaay better than the first one, but still too simple. I like the runway and the outfit, but the pose is just the generic Stardoll pose, so nothing extraordinary. I highly applaud to you for trying to do a scenery, but I think it it wasn't a good idea for this task.
I was really disappointed when I saw you're tasks. It was nice triyng a scenery and it turned out okay, but the runway shoot was just boring and much less than you are able to do! I hope that you can return to your old quality.
I very much appreciate that you tried something different, namely a scenery instead of a graphic and it's super that you tried it. But I wish you did a graphic because the scenery is rather average. I don't understand your idea behind it, and I don't know what exactly you were trying to portray with that decor and background. But I basically like your runway shoot very much. I love the outfit, it's very sporty and casual, maybe it would have been a bit more chic by putting on a blazer.
But I love your catwalk, I see that you put much effort into this! Lindsey, although this week was a step down, you still are on a high level, and that's what I like!
Lindsey, I know you really wanted to impress us and you are very talented. I know you can do so much better, but it just wasn't enough this time. I'm sorry to tell you, but ... you are in the Bottom 2!


Before I will announce the final decision for the Bottom 2, I'd like to announce the winner of the week.
And the winner is ..... mangunmeetan!! Congratulations, you did it best this week. And we also have a little prize for you:
You will appear in the RNTM Backstage Magazine which will come out next week. SuperMiaStar will also do a little interview with you. Congratulations! :)


Bottom 2

Alexandra and Lindsey ...
Both of you couldn't really convince the judges this week. That's why you are in the Bottom 2. And you know what this means ... one girl has to go.
I hate these moments, and I hate decisions, because I don't want anyone to leave. But only one will become Rafael's Next Top Model. Only one will win 200 Stardollars, only one will get an exclusive contract with Sparkle Model Management, only one will be on the runway for Spice Couture, only one will get interviews and photoshoots for several magazines, and only one will appear on the cover of the RNTM Backstage Magazine.
Alexandra ... you know, I really miss the old Alexandra. I remember your photo at Task 2, when we did the bikini photoshoot at the beautiful beach of Monaco. Can you get back to that old quality? Can you still improve? Can you keep up with the other contestants? You know, I would still love to give you another chance, but I'm not sure yet.
Lindsey ... you used to be so outstanding. You were always one of the best, but something happened. You took such a big step down and I'm really worried about that. Is it only a one time mistake? Or have you reached your limits? I mean, you were "winner of the week" at Task 1, but you haven't been able to be the best again since then.
As hard as this is, we had to make a decision. Only one of you will still have the chance to compete in this cycle. Is it you, Alexandra? Is it you, Lindsey?
It is ....
Alexandra!! We decided that you will get another chance. This is your last chance to convice us, so give your best in the next round!
Lindsey, I'm so so soooo sorry! I'm really sorry for trolling you. Yep, that's right, I just fooled you! You are NOT eliminated, you are also in the next round!!! Oh Lindsey, I hope this woke you up. I know you can do better than this and you deserve to show us what you can do!

Well, that's it.
And for next week, I want you to go high fashion!
This will be a pure avandgarde runway task! And our theme will be ... Japan!

"Christian Dior was fascinated with the secrets of the Far East and spun many of his early haute couture collections from its mystique, and ever since, designers consistently have romanced and reinterpreted the traditional dress codes of ancient Asia." Quote by vogue.co.uk

And this will be your task: Create an outfit inspired by the beauty of Japan and present it on the runway. Imagine you are on a fashion show, the spotlight is on you and all eyes are on you. You have to present the outfit perfectly!
Here are some pictures from current designer brand's collections to give you some inspiration.

Prada



Vivienne Westwood



Carolina Herrera



Emilio Pucci





Deadline: Friday, July 5

I know it's not much time, but hey, school's out! If you start right away you will have enough time for finishing it on time. Good luck!!

xoxo Rafael