And Beijing’s Next Top Model Is …

How’d Beijing’s Next Top Model fashion show and after-party turn out? Blue cocktails, an illuminated catwalk and a bar full of stunning women just about sums up the night.

The catwalk was narrow as hell. Twelve ladies sauntered up and down first in daywear, then in eveningwear. They made sometimes earnest speeches about why they deserved to win, why they had any interest in modeling. One finalist slipped and fell, only to be caught by one of the presiding judges. She ended up taking home the Miss Popularity award.

Here she is, Ms. Gao Jingnan (No. 10). She was a great sport about the whole ordeal.

The second place winner was Ms. Li Menghan (No. 5). She was my favorite, simply because her headshots seemed the most high-fashion.

Unfortunately, she was beat out by Ms. Zhao Bingqing (No. 2), the first place winner. She was a crowd favorite and admittedly also very beautiful.

Below are two of the four judges, which included Rich Akers (left), Gung Ho! Pizza Marketing Rep; Frankie Chan (right), artistic director of all Toni and Guy operations in Northern China and Taiwan; Gong Wei Jie (not featured), a scouting agent for Star Model Management Agency; and myself (not featured).

Check out our gallery for more photos.

Photos courtesy of Toni and Guy