Thomas Tan
The search for the Estee Lauder brand ambassador for Malaysia drew to a close recently, after twelve weeks of scouting around the country, with the crowning of the fifth Estee Lauder Model Search 2011 winners in a star-studded grand finale at Suria KLCC concourse.
Noorfara Atilia Bt Karim, 22, a final year business administration student majoring in marketing at UITM Shah Alam, outshone nine other finalists in category A (29 years old and under) to win the coveted title of Estee Lauder Model Search 2011. Noorfara had also swept three other subsidiary titles of Andrewmodels Most Promising Catwalk, Miss Carven Ong Most Couture and Miko Galere Ambassador.
And for the other category B (30 years old and above), Joanne Beryl Christine Stevens, 35, a professional dancer, had to fend off the challenge of nine other finalists to be declared the Estee Lauder Model Search 2011 winner.
“I am super excited and happy winning four titles in a row. This is just unbelievable! Wow! This must be the luckiest day of my life!” said the newly crowned 5’7” leggy beauty.
“It was a fantastic evening. The competition was tough as the participants were all really good competitors. Yes we had a lot of fun together and I really enjoyed meeting all the contestants and I think everyone gave their best. Everyone had their winning chances.”
Noorfara said she wants to give modelling a shot first after graduation before she settleson her business career.
“I hope the wins will help me through my consuming passion for modelling. “For now I will go out and celebrate with my friends who were here tonight giving me all the support and confidence to me.”
The winners from categories A and B each received prizes worth RM51,500 including an all-expenses paid 6D/4N health and beauty tour package for two to Korea worth RM8,000 and Estee Lauder products worth RM12,000
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges based on marks for beauty, photogenic qualities, communication skills, poise and body shape.
Bettini Annalisa, 17, a student of mixed Italian-Malay parentage won a double for the other two subsidiary titles – Miss SmileKorea and Canon Most Photo Perfect.
Hosted by multi-talented host of ntv7’s The Breakfast Show, Nazrudin Rahman, the evening kicked off with a glamorous fashion show by the twenty finalists who charmed more than 200 invited guests and judges with their poise and personality as they walked the runway in eye-catching cocktail dresses and evening gowns designed by local top designer Carven Ong.
Celebrities and models came out dressed to the nines, including Amber Chia and Stephanie Chua, and together with past winners of Estee Lauder Model Search 2010 Natacha Meunier (category A) and Jasmine Ngee (category B), they added to the evening of beauty, glamour and style.
Being a newbie in a beauty contest, Joanne said it was very satisfying for her to have reached the finals and win.
“I am excited winning this award because this is my first model search contest.”
Joanne had the full encouragement and support of her family who were present to cheer her triumph.
Among the judges of the contest was singer and actress Erra Fazira who looked absolutely gorgeous in her striking outfit. It was a difficult choice for the panel of eight judges because of the potential shown by all the contestants but they were eventually decided upon.
Estee Lauder Malaysia brand general manager Katrina Liew presented the prizes to all the winners.
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