Wanna Be On Top?

The Fiancé and I have had a very Outlet Bound couple of days. This picture was taken Saturday, September 13th at the Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles where I managed to capture America's Next Top Model hopefuls waiting in line to audition. The ladies photographed were part of a smaller group (of either latecomers or rejects, decide for yourself); there must have been 300 or so attendees in total. I did my level best to avoid capturing anyone's face to avoid legal ramifications.

Nothing makes for awkwardness quite like being surrounded by a myriad of women that are 6 feet tall, weighing just under 120 lbs and wearing dangerously unstable stilettos, timberrr. The air was filled with the stench of arrogance and a more than usual amount of I'm Hotter Than That Girl oneupmanship. I live in Los Angeles and have experienced my share of random celebrity sightings but this was too surreal even for me. It was like being on a safari whilst surrounded by baby giraffes. Some of said giraffes were being trailed by their significant others who were already fading in the limelight, just imagine what will come of them if she makes it on to the show!

There were also a lot of very average, girl-next-door types that were either not tall enough or just plain boring and a few women that were so stunning that their time would have been better spent in the waiting room at a modeling agency, portfolio in hand. It begs the question: what exactly is the ideal Top Model Candidate, someone who could easily get representation on their own or someone who doesn't stand a chance in hell with most agencies?

I caught a glimpse of many interesting fashion choices: one gal was wearing a tube top as a skirt; tug on it as she may, I know we'd see bootay if she sneezed! There were also a lot of those faux leather leggings the celebrities have been wearing lately. Tyra's Glam Team may have their hands full next season.

All joking aside, I do admire the amount of confidence it would take to be judged based on, and potentially rejected for, one's appearance. I know I could never do something like that. Bravery points all around!