Ford's Supermodel of the World 2011 has been held in New York with the Philippines Danica Magpantay taking home the honours. Seventeen year old Magpantay beat finalists from Lithuania and Poland to become the first ever Filipino and second Asian beauty to win the prestigious title. South Korean Hyoni Kang won the Supermodel of the World competition in 2008. Magpantay receives a $250,000 modelling contract with Ford Models as part of the prize cache. The contest was established in 1980 by Eileen Ford and showcases aspiring models from over 50 countries in order to discover new talent for the fashion industry.
In 2010, Ford Models appointed modelling maestro Paul Rowland, creator and owner of Supreme and Women Management, to reinvigorate and reinvent Ford's image and roster of beauties. In an interview with the Cut, Rowland insists "My vision is very different from Eileen Ford's. My ideal legacy at Ford would be to open up the idea of beauty not only being classic but being, global. I'm just obsessed with finding these amazing creatures in all these exotic countries." Magpantay is no doubt part of Rowland's vision for Ford, to encompass a standard of beauty that is modern, bold, and challenges the fashion industry's notion of beauty.
Magpantay hopes that the Supermodel title will enable her to pursue a modelling career internationally, working with the world's top designers and perhaps one day treading the runway for Victoria's Secret. Speaking with tongueinchic.com, Magapantay says "I like Lara Stone, Freja Beha, Constance Jablonski, Chanel Iman, Alessandra Ambrosio and all the Victoria's Secret Angels - they have rockin' bodies!"
The 175cm tall, Visual Communications student has her feet firmly planted on the ground, "Modelling is not as sparkly as it sounds. I thought it was just about walking, posing and being pretty, but there's actually more to it than that. I still have tons of things to know and experience myself. Just be confident but never arrogant and always be humble." Modelling for only six months, Magpantay lists rejection and criticism as the most difficult aspects, "Modelling like any other job, is about qualifying for the job. If you're not the face they're looking for, then it's okay. Every model has a different look and each one is beautiful. If you're not chosen, than that job must not be for you."
Indeed Magpantay has a look that is exotic yet still beautiful in a classic sense. With amazing long limbs, beautiful almond shaped eyes framed by impossibly high cheekbones and square jawline, Magpantay is an exciting modelling prospect for the future.
 |
| Photographer - BJ Pascual |
 |
| Photographer - BJ Pascual |
 |
| Photographer - BJ Pascual |
 |
| Polaroids courtesy of Danica Magpantay Source - tongueinchic.com |
 |
| Ford Supermodel of the World 2011 Source - beautyisdiverse.com |