I missed last week's episode of Brazil's Next Top Model, but managed to catch a rerun this past Saturday night. The big photoshoot this week was the best so far, and had a fetishist theme. The girls were done up dominatrix style, and male models were on call to raise the temperature on the set. While eight of the girls had a blast with the selection of male flesh, one found herself particularly upset and had a meltdown during the shoot. She felt like she was cheating on her boyfriend by posing next to a male model. She would have been lucky if that were the case.
Take a look at the pictures above: while contestant Ana Paula is just a bit way too focused on the camera to truly enjoy the fact that Karim Aum is half-naked next to her, Livia is teary-eyed and pushing the model away from her. She did not get sent home last week merely because one of nine the girls left had a chubby face the judges could no longer stand, but I am now praying her hopes of becoming Brazil's Next To Model get shredded to pieces this week. Anyone who has to sit next to Karim Aum in a speedo and starts crying should be eliminated on the spot. If you cry next to him, it better be tears of joy.
Watch the girls in action on the video below:
Note to producers: kissing hot male models in speedos is not necessarily what I call a challenge.
This past Saturday I managed to catch reruns of the first three episodes of the first season of Brazil's Next Top Model, and was a little disappointed with what I saw. Being addicted to the American original, I cannot avoid but to think that the formula has been simply copied as opposed to adapted to a Brazilian reality. Here are my thoughts on the franchise:
The show: the editing needs major help, and so does the lighting. Choice of background music could be better as well. As tacky as the original is, you never get the feeling that the production is cheap (because it probably isn't), which is what bothered me the most about the Brazilian franchise. Just take a look at a comparison between the latest episode in Brazil, where the girls had to pose as zodiac signs, and its American counterpart.
The host: model Fernanda Motta may be hotter and younger than Tyra Banks, but she doesn't have the same charisma (or the same supermodel credibility) that Tyra does. You can't avoid but to feel as if she had been given a script, and is acting out a part. She is way too serious, but I am hoping that she will let her personality shine as the season goes on (which is the same advice she gives to all the girls).
The judges: I get the nonchalant attitude, but can someone please raise them from the dead? Designer Alexandre Herchcovitch looks constantly bored out of his mind when sitting on the judging panel. SPFW producer Paulo Borges does not even know why he is there, and even my only hope for some real sharp comments, editor Erika Palomino, has kept her mean public persona locked in a box so far. The panel in Brazil has a lot of fashion credibility, what they don't have is enough chemistry to keep me interested in what they have to say. Yawn.
The creative director: Mr. Jay Alexander is over the top, tanned to a carrot status, and wears some of the queeniest (and tackiest) outfits on TV, but after being exposed to his Brazilian counterpart, Pazetto, I have developed a different level of appreciation for him. Mr. Jay is as an essential element to the success of ANTM as is Tyra Banks, and there are better (and more fun) queens in this country to fill his shoes than producer Pazetto.
The model hopefuls: in one word, boring. I guess casting could use a little help if there is a second season. I want more drama, more cat fights, and a lot more nervous breakdowns. On a positive note, at least most of the girls look like they could actually be models.
My take on the third episode: Erycka and Andrea better watch out. After taking the pictures below, they are lucky they are still in the house. Both of them are destined to get cut.
The best thing about the last episode was the guest judge, make-up artist Claudio Belizario. The show is in desperate need of cuties like him (watch him in action here).
Note to producers: take this as constructive criticism. I am going to keep on watching, which I guess is a sign that something must be working.
The first season of Brazil's Next Top Model premiered last week on Sony. I missed the first episode and the launch party since am in New York, but will do my best to keep you posted on the show as soon as I am in Brazil.
I can't wait for the new season of Project Runway to begin. Check out the new cast online.
Preview Roisin Murphy's new album Overpowered online immediately. I have been playing it non-stop for a week now. Arjan sat down with her for an interview last week.
Porn star Francois Sagat gives a sexy rendition of Ms. Britney Spears' Gimme More while brushing his teeth.
Björk talks to Estado de São Paulo about the future of music, Brazil, and her tour to promote Volta. She plays in Brazil later this month.
After being closed for three months, nightclub Glória reopened in São Paulo last Friday.
The 20 girls on the running towards becoming Brazil's Next Top Model were revealed last Friday. Some of the girls are in desperate need of the traditional makeover episode (or a good meal).
If you are older than 20, you know your chances of scoring that Ford modeling contract are pretty slim. Click here for pictures of all the Top Model contestants.
I am now expecting an extravagant (and tacky) poster with all the contestants and model-turned-host Fernanda Motta to be available soon.
Note to producers: I intend on keeping a close eye on the show and scrutinizing every little detail as soon as it debuts.
The first season of 
Tom Ford 
