"I'm so happy, it's amazing, I feel like woah ... The whole world is (waiting)," beams Jessica Amornkuldilok as she speaks of her win.
As the first-ever winner of Asia's Next Top Model, the 27-year-old Thai model beat 13 other contestants for the coveted title; the final episode of the reality TV series was first aired on the night of February 17, 2013 on Star World. Stephanie Retuya from the Philippines took second place while Kate Ma from Taiwan was the second runner-up.
Besides winning multiple challenges throughout the season, Amornkuldilok also stole the show during the final runway challenge, held at Resorts World Sentosa's S.E.A. Aquarium. Modelling looks from Singapore designer Frederick Lee's 2012 couture collection, she wowed runway attendees when she whipped off her fur shrug, showing off the full dramatic flair of the backless dress that she was wearing.
How did this Thai model overcame her family crisis, language barriers - she's now more fluent in English - and the other challenges she faced during the competition?
On Helena
Of the few "cat fights" during the series, contestant Helena Chan from Hong Kong seemed to be the primary cause of conflict. When quizzed on her fellow contestant, Amornkuldilok seems unbothered by her; she thinks that Chan was "just being herself." Her "confidence" may have been misunderstood by the other finalists, suggests Amornkuldilok.
Working with Daniel Boey
While some viewers have broadcast unhappy comments online on Daniel Boey's treatment of the models, Amornkuldilok is quick to defend the Asia's Next Top Model judge and fashion director.
"I don't think that he was rude, he just wanted to give advice and instructions to the models," says Amornkuldilok. "He just wants to make you better at modelling. Just listen to him, it's ok, I believe in his advice."
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Click on the thumbnails for more photos of Jessica's journey on the show.
(Photos: Star World, ST, Facebook)
