Plan B models fill out their Elite Model Look application forms. Pic: Aye Zaw Myo

THE world’s largest modelling agency is scouring the country for their next big thing.

For the first time, Elite Model Management is including Myanmar in the world’s most famous modelling contest — Elite Model Look.

Brian Jeremiah of Plan B is frantically searching for talent in and around Yangon over the next two weeks to present to the agency, which will then choose one or two girls to send to Bali to compete against hopefuls from 15 countries vying for the top three spots. The finalists will go on to participate in the international competition in Turkey.

The top three international winners will receive a two-year modelling contract worth US$324,000 with Elite’s Paris agency.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Myanmar,” said Brian. “The girls here have a very exotic look that Elite has not seen before. This will introduce the unique Myanmar look to the world.”

Under Elite’s recruitment guidelines, all entrants must be between 15 and 21, stand at least 1.72m and be a citizen of Myanmar.

“Myanmar girls tend to be small and curvy with narrow shoulders, so I expect it will be hard to find girls who fit the description of an international supermodel,” said Brian. “But I have three who look very promising so far.”

Brian needs to select another three in order to send the required six bio sheets, videos and Polaroids to the agency by September 15.

Elite Model Look International attracts as many as 350,000 participants from over 50 countries around the world every year. It has launched the careers of top models such as Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bundchen, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell.

The panel of judges will be comprised of fashion editors, designers, photographers, Elite agents and supermodels. Previous judges include John Galiano, Helmut Newton, Stella McCartney, Jean Paul Gaultier and Quincy Jones.

The chosen Myanmar participants will be flown to Bali for one week and treated to Bali’s attractions, nightlife and local delicacies while meeting organisers, sponsors and the media.

Bali was chosen, in part, to help the ongoing tourism campaign to increase tourist numbers on the resort island. It will be the second city after Shanghai to play host to the prestigious event.

Anybody interested in entering must send a mugshot and full body photo to Plan B at the FMI Centre, 4th floor, 22-23 Bogyoke Aung San Road, Yangon by September 8. For more information call 240 400, extension 1422 or 1423.