One of Canada's top modelling contests returns to Richmond for the eigth time this year.
And this year, the River Rock Resort ITM-NSR Model Look North America for the first time wants applications from both male and female models in the contest.
"We are very excited to add this new element to the 2012 event," said Tinhanei Lee, ITM project manager.
"We are looking forward to sending both the male and female winners to China this fall."
Each year, a group of finalists are selected to take part in a series of intensive training such as photo shoots, workshops, interviews and fashion shows, with industry professionals.
The finalists compete at a spectacular finale runway show for the grand prize, an all-expense paid trip to China to take part in China's largest and most prestigious modeling competition, New Silk Road Model Look China.
Over the past seven years, ITM has sent 20 models to the China competition, including ITM 2011 winner Meagan Klop from Abbotsford, who received the Ambassador Award at the NSR Model Look finale held at the St. Regis Hotel in Sanya, China this past December.
ITM 2010 winner Alexia Fast and ITM 2006 winner Cole Tusznio received the highest placing so far in the China competition, finishing in second place.
Fast will act alongside Tom Cruise in the upcoming film One Shot, a ParamountSkydance Production crime thriller based on a Lee Child novel. Fast began her career in film at the age of seven, but ITM was her debut into the fashion world.
River Rock Casino Resort is the returning title sponsor and the ITM finale show will be held at its River Rock Show Theatre on June 7.
ITM also continues its partnership with the BC Cancer Foundation to fundraise for the charity and, over the past three years, the event has raised more than $178,000 for the foundation.
ITM is looking for models between ages of 15 and 26, and is now accepting entries for the 2012 contest. The deadline is March 26.
More than $10,000 in prizes will be awarded, including an opportunity to sign a contract with China's top agency, New Silk Road Company.
Visit www.itmmodel.com to apply online or for more details, or contact Stella Li at stellali@itmmodel.com and 604-263-1320 x152.
