"Pssst," Mae whispers to the girls, "I was meant to be an Italian minx from Milan!"

Inside the agency catwalk room, four of the regular five judges stood before the final six with a very special guest... 



"Hello again, ladies," Mae greeted, "we meet once again! Tonight is the third elimination and we've already lost three girls. Harley, Zoe, Monique, Tori, Katrina and Laila: our final six. Congratulations on making it this far. However, six of you will sadly become five."

"Without further ado, may I introduce the now familiar Board panel judges that will make that crucial decision."

"Our first judge is famed supermodel turned photographer: Mimette Clark, a magician with the camera lens if I do say so myself."

"Secondly we have the lovely Holden Delaney, world-renowned fashion designer that has released many a breath-taking collection." 

"The second part of the Delaney duo, Madame Portia Delaney, a muse to many a designer and casting director for the very agency you stand in."

"Seated next is the stunning Miss Clemendy, fashionista extraordinaire and in-house editor of couture manual Iris Style magazine."

"And finally, I am proud to introduce our Guest Judge who has kindly given a helping hand - Kyrie Elson, famous fashion photographer and host of Candybar's Next Top Model."

"As usual, your photo will be judged by the Points System, however Kyrie will be submitting scorings for each of you differing from the usual role of Guest Judge and making your total score out of 60."

"And you are all battling it out for a variety of truly supreme prizes. The first is top notch representation by the Fleur de Lys Modelling Agency, one of the forerunners in the fashion industry. The winner will have the opportunity to walk for Holden Delaney's Spring Collection, 2008, at London Fashion Week. Included is a cover and spread in Iris Style magazine and a $100,000 contract to become the face of designer Asuka Tendo's new fragrance, Neon. Are you still in for the contest?" Mae asked with a wink.

"Yeahhh!" shouted the girls from opposite the room and Mae returned with a chuckle. "Okay, let's get this show on the road. This week you were given a fashion capital of the world, and had to portray its street style with your clothing and pose. Up first this week is... Katrina!" 

Katrina - New York



Mae: The first thing I'm going to say Katrina is that you've improved so much this week. I thought you did exceptionally on the runway in the masterclass challenge, and this picture is worlds better than the ones you've been turning out recently. I think that your outfit could be a little classier, but I like how you fit into the New York scene. I'm very, very proud of you.
Holden: You have gotten so much better since we first met you! There's still a lot room for improvement, though. I like the setting, as well as your hair, but the lavender cropped jacket is... totally not doing it for me. I mean, nothing about this outfit says "New York". Next time, try to focus on the fashion aspect a little bit more, ok?
Mimette: Again, what great improvement! I'm impressed! The pose is good and your hair is great, but I agee with the Holden. It doesn't scream "New York" to me. You need to work on the fashion aspect of your pictures, Katrina. But once again, great improvement. Keep at it!
Kyrie: This is VERY New York, and you're owning the shot with your pose, being centered. However, there are a few things that bug me. I feel like you didn't do enough with your eyes. I would have liked to see something smokey, played up a bit more. Also, your arm looks a bit... amputated. I get that it's behind your head, but for some reason it looks like it's come completely apart from your body! Still, this shot FEELS New York, and I think you got it down well.
Portia: Wow, I can't believe this is the same Katrina! You're doing so much better than previously, but you're still not all the way there. I have to agree with my fellow judges, the outfit doesn't say "model". It doesn't say "New York" to me, either. Still, the pose and background are great, and your hair looks fabulous!
 Clemendy: I must echo other judges on just how far you've come along during this competition - your improvement is an inspiration. You've captured the essence of the busy New York night scene well. My only critique is that the jacket is too trendy, but the colour works great with your background.
Mae: Thankyou, Katrina.

***

Laila - Sydney



Clemendy: I'm not sure what makes this outfit distinctively "Sydney". The absence of background doesn't help either but I understand how frustrating it is to work with different programme. What I always love about your work is that you try to push the boundary, with physics and general artistry of your shoot. Just be careful with proportions - you've become very thin, again! 
Holden: Ohhh, Laila, I know you were having computer problems, but you could have done so much better on this shoot. Nothing about this says Sydney, all it says is that you are somebody in a cute dress whose leg is about to snap. I like the outfit, and I could see how it could conceivably fit into a Sydney-themed shoot, but there is just not really a lot going on here.
Portia: Oh honey. You look like you've wandered out of Sydney's red-light district. I understand that sometimes things come up and it's hard to get a photo in on time, but there's really no excuse for turning in something with so little class. I usually love your photos, Laila, and I expected much better.
Mae: When I think of Sydney, I think of cute little shorts, bright colours, sunglasses: that whole surfer chick look. I don't get get a clear Sydney feel from this shot. I like the floral idea but it's just too dark. Again, I feel I need to mention anatomical issues with you, Laila: you're arms look so thin. I aren't into the whole skeleton model thing, I aren't into it at all. Good shadow work though and you are very creative with your shots.
Kyrie: Mostly, this picture is a bust, to me. Of everyone, you're the only one who didn't utilize a background to get a feeling for where in the world you were. It doesn't hit the idea of the photoshoot at all. You're not in Sydney, you're in purgatory. Limbo. Nowheresville. So, I can't really judge your outfit.. Even if it is Sydney style, you haven't conveyed it because you're not in Sydney. It's a good pose and a good outfit, but, without a background it only gets you halfway. 

***

Monique - London



Kyrie: This is an okay shot to me. I'm not sure you grasped London street fashion all too well. When I think of London street fashion, it's always a bit more punk, a bit more asymmetrical. You've got your top off of the shoulders, but, it's off on both sides.. It's a little too cohesive, too put together. Also.. I know the primary colors look is kind of in style for spring, but.. You look just a bit like a Union Jack to me. If you hadn't been in front of the telephone booth, I don't think this would have been 'London' at all. 
Holden: While this is by no means a bad photo, it isn't exactly what I had in mind when we said London. I really wish you had gone more in the direction of Agyness Deyn or Kate Moss... Something that just screams London, you know?
Mae: If this isn't one prissy London girl, then I don't know what is. I think your pose oozes aristocracy and I like the regal blue, however I really don't dig the rah-rah skirt. They're a little too 80s for my liking. A clutch bag or pencil skirt would've been nice? Being a London girl myself, I know that everyone is digging the high-waisted trend.
Clemendy: I personally like this photoshoot a lot. I appreciate that you took your time to work on the details of your setting and the artistic merits of hues and saturation. Now, the skirt - I would've liked to see a matching skirt to the cardigan, complete with straight lines and black finishings.
Mimette: While the background tells me that you're in London, that's basically it. You could have worn this outfit anywhere. This doesn't really impress me.
Portia: Again, I've got to agree with the other judges on this one. Good effort, but if you hadn't included that telephone booth I wouldn't have guessed London. That is a great color for you, though.

***

Zoe - Tokyo



Clemendy: Amazing photoshoot, Zoe! I completely get Japan from this; you make one hip Scene Queen of Tokyo! I love the way colours are coordinating, how they're extravagant without being too overbearing. Brilliant work.
Mimette: I love it! Love it, love it love it! This just SCREAMS Tokyo Street fashion. You can completely blend in with the other people who show up at Harajuku. I've done several shoots there and I can see you completely mirroring their crazy culture. Great job!
Portia: Now here's a girl whose city is obvious from her photo! Where else in the world could you be from dressed like this except Tokyo! I wish you'd done something a little more exciting with your pose, but overall it's good.
Mae: Wow. I'm amazed. I'm going to just freak out and say it: this is my favourite photo this competition. You have Tokyo street fashion down to a tee: the mix-and-match, the accessories, even your pose which just oozes attitude. The one thing I adore about you Zoe is that you're consistent: we've yet to see a bad photo from you. Keep it up, keep me impressed and keep at the top.
Kyrie: Wow! You pretty much hit the zany Japanese street fashion nail on the head. There were so many ways you could have gone with this one, as Tokyo is a city that is overflowing with unique and expressive styles, but I think this Harajuku-inspired style speaks much louder than casual Japanese street fashion. While I don't think your pose is as out-there as it could have been to pull off a truly magnificent shot, I do think that you've got the confidence to pull an outfit like this off in that pose. 
Holden: You absolutely look like an anime character, I love it. I might have gone for something a little more low-key, but, I mean, I can't really complain. You look awesome, and I love the colors you used.
Mae: Thank you, Zoe.

***

Harley - Paris



Holden: Harley, I think I'm falling a little bit in love with you. Everything about this - the hair, the beret, the cigarette, the coat (LOVE), the pink boots - says Paris, and it does it without being overly cliche. The only thing that is a bit out of place is the checkered skirt, I would have preferred it to be in a solid, or maybe a different pattern. But, really, even with that, this is an amazing photo. I seriously cannot even get over it. 
Portia: Fabulous! I can tell what city you're from without question. Not crazy about the skirt, but everything else is perfect. Best photo of the bunch, without question.
Mae: Ooh la la, Harley! This shot is beautiful and you've really captured Parisian sophistication right down to the neckscarf. I love the whole French Resistance, enigmatic atmosphere of the picture and I especially love you blonde. Perhaps I may be sending a stylist down to the penthouse to give you another makeover if you survive this week, hmm? What I will say though is you look a lot skinnier than usual and I prefer to see you with more meat on your bones.
Clemendy: Parisian girl with attitude, are ya? ;-) You look fantastic, Harley. I love the hat, the coat, the scarf (would have liked to see a matching skirt with that, personally) - and those pink boots add a nice touch. And lighting up a cigarette in a dark alley! How quintessentially French of you. I'm slightly worried over how thin you look, however.
Kyrie: Very Parisian chic. Everything is pretty cohesive, and everything works fine, but there are a couple of things that grab my attention in a... not-so pleasant way. I'm not too fond of the hot pink boots. For some reason, especially in that setting, they really throw me off. Also, your legs themselves don't really work for me. They're just a bit weak in the midst of such a strong photograph. It's like someone caught you while you were walking, but it doesn't work for me. These are the only things that really prevent this from being a 10/10 in my opinion.
Mimette: Perfect! This picture is exactly what I imagined. Great use of that cigarette as a prop; it doesn't hinder the look at all. I disagree with the other judges about the skirt. I actually like it. I also like how you weren't completely stereotypical by putting the Eiffle Tower as your background.

***

Tori - Moscow



Mimette: I like this picture. You look great. But, while this is fashionable; it doesn't seem like a realistic outfit someone from Moscow would wear. I would have wanted to see you in a nice coat. Either way, you look good.
Holden: Tori, my love, I must admit that I am not too thrilled with this. A poncho? A fuzzy hat? I just don't know. Other than your red tights (which I love), there's not too much about this that is really that interesting to me. You could have gone somewhere totally insane and awesome with it, but you didn't, and that is kind of sad.
Portia: Tori, you look cute, but that's not enough. If I didn't know what city you were supposed to be representing, I'd have thought you were walking to Starbucks to grab a latte before your History of Fashion class or something. Very fashion student in the winter, not very Moscow. I know you can be a good model, but I'm just not seeing it here. Oh, and the hat has to go! I know it's cold, but pom-poms? Ugh!
Kyrie: While I feel like this very Moscow, there are a few things about the picture that aren't really slammin' for me. The pose is a little weak. It's not that I don't think you put the right strength behind it, but rather that the pose you chose just isn't one I find favorable. I feel like you're kind of... Valley Girl in Moscow, almost. I would have liked to see strength and pride rather than, "I look good, right?" I also don't like the choice for headwear, I would have done it in red to match the tights, or black to match the rest of your ensemble. It just seems a little... thrown in. 
Clemendy: Tori looks adorable in her winter gears! I wish your garments were more elaborate though - Moscow is one cold, cold city. Russia is known for its furry winter bundles and it would have been fun to experiment with that.
Mae: Tori, I really don't like this picture. I think the background is too large and detracts the focus from you: you're meant to be the main feature of the photo but instead my eyes are drawn to the scenery behind you. Rather than seeing an icy Russian fox in elaborate coat and hat, I just see an American on tour in Moscow. Thank you, Tori.

"It's that time of the week again, girls," Mae declared with a more solemn expression. "The Board will decide upon your individual score and then make the hard decision of who goes home. Thank you, ladies."

Katrina, Laila, Tori, Harley, Monique and Zoe all left the judging room as evaluation commenced.

***

"Six gorgeus girls stand in the Boardroom today, but only five will continue in the Fleur de Lys Challenge. Some have impressed, some have disappointed, but who is it that goes home?"

"In first place with a jaw-dropping score of 54 out of 60 is..."



"Congratulations Zoe, we adored your shot. Keep up the good work, you're one step closer to becoming the new face of Fleur de Lys!"

"In a close second with 53 points is..."



"Well done, Harley. You captured Parisian street fashion fantastically. Just remember to try and keep a healthy figure."

"The next girl, in third place, scored an admirable 45 out of 60 points..."



"We are so impressed with your improvement Katrina, and you're like a little sponge absorbing all of our critiques. Just remember to keep it high fashion and you could be in with a solid chance. Congratulations Katrina, you're one step closer to becoming the new face of Fleur de Lys."

"And to our bottom three. The Board were least impressed with your pictures, but only one of you has guaranteed survival within this competition. In fourth place, with a lacklustre 36 points is..."



Tori gave a sigh of relief and stepped forward.
"Consider this a wake-up call, Tori. You have the potential, just put it into practice. The last thing the Board want to see you do is start slipping within this competition, okay sweetheart? Well done, you're through."

Mae turned to the two remaining girls.

"Monique and Laila, our bottom two performers this photoshoot."

"Two beautiful girls, but both stood before me for hugely different reasons. Both of you have had highs and lows throughout the challenge, and for one of you, time is up."

"Monique, our fierce oriental beauty. You ooze the confidence and the knowledge needed within the fashion industry, but you aren't implementing it into your photos. Your shots seem to be of the same quality with little attention shown to the brief. Some judges stated the only reason they knew you were a London girl was because of the red telephone box. Is more practice and experience needed for you to turn out a fantastic shot?"

"And Laila, the top last week and now the bottom this week. The Board understand you had technical problems, but nothing about your photo said Sydney. Anatomy was a little funky, and your choice of outfit was completely irrelevant to the brief. You've been consistent within the challenge but the Board are suspicious that such a drop in quality suggests a brash model. It's almost as if you and Katrina have had a role reversal this week. Are you unable to keep consistent to remain in the challenge?"

"So, who do we eliminate? The girl that is struggling to keep up with the pack, or the girl that has a rollercoaster ride of photo quality?

"The girl remaining in the challenge is..."

"Laila..."

Laila let out a gasp and stepped forward, a tear rolling down her cheek.

"We think that this week was just an unlucky one for you, Laila. You've got the gusto and looks of a true model, just give your photos a little more thought next time. Congratulations, you're one step closer to becoming the new face of Fleur de Lys."

"Monique, your contract with the agency has expired. Thank you for participating,"

Mae stepped over to Monique and gave the crying girl a tight hug and a smile.

"You've come far within this competition, Monique, and there is a world outside crying out for a girl like you. Don't ever lose that fantastic confidence of yours, and I'm very proud with your progress."

As Monique said her goodbyes to the other girls, six became five.
Harley, Zoe, Laila, Katrina and Tori: who will be the new face of Fleur de Lys?

Thanks for waiting patiently ladies, stay tuned for your next FDL task!