America's Next Top Model: Whitney or Anya?

Whitney

1 of 1

by Jane Rutherford

Write now Print Invite a writer™ Add to Favorites RSS Feed Contact this writer

Cycle 10 of America's Next Top Model is now a history. The title safely in the hands of Whitney Thompson, a first plus-size model to win the competition. But immediately after the winner has been announced, the Internet started to buzz. Fans complaining how unjust the decision was. Anya Kop, the runner-up in the competition was previously praised for her high fashion looks, talent and warm personality. However after the final runway walk, it was Whitney who took it all.

Was it the right decision? Did Tyra Banks and her panel of judges chose the better model?
Maybe.
As any other decision connected to beauty, also this one was purely subjective.

I don't work for the fashion industry, nor I am a model myself. I watch America's Next Top Model for entertainment and the fabulous Mr and Mrs Jay. But after watching ten cycles I feel like I got to know Tyra Banks, the judges and what the program aspires to.

What Tyra Banks loves to do is making a statement. And for years now, she wanted to change the fashion industry. To promote healthy models, normal body sizes. She said, on various occasions, that young girls look at the pages of the magazines and go on diets, because they want to be beautiful. And Tyra wants to make sure, they won't stare themselves to death while trying to get to a standard that is beyond their reach.

Many can argue, that Whitney Thompson wasn't the right choice, that Anya deserved the title more. But nobody can argue, that by choosing a plus-size model to become America's Next Top Model, Tyra Banks made a statement. And judging by the show's ratings, a statement that was heard by many young girls.

Now. I don't deny that Anya Kop (currently using the name Anya Rozova) is a beautiful girl. She took incredible photos over the course of Cycle 10 and I agree with the judges that she has a real high fashion look. I can see her on runways and covers of fashion magazines. There's no doubt she will get far in the fashion industry.

However in this particular case, I support Tyra's decision. In the end, Whitney Thompson was a better choice. And I'm not calling her a better model. The fact is, with her body type, she will be modeling for a completely different market than Anya. So she is simply a different type of a model. But right now, she's getting press coverage far bigger than any plus-size model could ever hoped for.

I doubt she will change the fashion industry. To be honest, I doubt the fashion industry can be changed. But she will get the word out. The word, saying you don't have to be skinny to be beautiful and successful.
And that's the cause I always applaud to. No matter how many times I disagreed with Tyra Banks.

Learn more about this author, Jane Rutherford.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.