The Filipina walks high among Best Models

Istanbul. A city of contrasts, merging old and new, modern and traditional, East and West. It is the only city in the world where Europe and Asia coexist.

Continually renewing itself, millenniums-old mosques, palaces and monuments juxtapose with icons of the modern world. Istanbul is one of the yet-unexploited cosmopolitan cities – an insouciant mixture of European style highlighted by Asian grace.

So what better place to host the search for the world’s most gorgeous models, than the city which embraces the East and the West? Organizers of the Best Model of the World couldn’t think of any other place either. Istanbul recently saw the influx of 91 of this planet’s most stunning men and women as they vied for the prestigious title and the right to be called "Best Model" on the face of the earth.

Istanbul’s fashion crowd turned out full force to watch the contest of the world’s most beautiful. Designers, models, movie stars – the guest book was a listing of Turkey’s who’s who – plus a flock of similar fashion birds from other countries added to the excitement of an event already brimming with stylish and good-looking people.

In the end, there could only be one pair. And the undeniably attractive Mr. France, Sylvian Larochelle, and hometown beauty Senay Akay, Miss Turkey, bagged the prize. But to give proof that there’s something unique and indescribably poised about the way Filipinas walk, sinuously graceful Tutay Maristela walked away with the award for the Best Catwalk category. Receiving similar distinction with her was Mr. Puerto Rico, Carlos Alberto, whose sexy strut, according to rumor, will soon be seen in the Philippines in the near future.

First runners-up were the Ukranian bombshell Kate Kiper and Turkey homebody Mehmet Aklf Alakurt. Following them as second runners up were Monaco’s picture-pretty Louise Singh and Russia’s striking Edward Kazanov. The Most Photogenic went to the man the cameras loved the most: Alejo Gonzalez of Mexico. The Most Graceful award was rightly given to the very regal Renata Janeckova of the Czech Republic.

Swoon-inducing Mr. Philippines, Erie Matic, was also one of the top 10 favorites: the perfect physique on his towering six-foot-and-two frame easily captured the audience and judges’ attention.

The Best Model of the World contest is one of the world’s four most important modeling competitions. The Best Model organizers pride themselves on being a vehicle for discovery of new talents without tying the models down to a contract, unlike other contests. "[We] crown them, pay the cash prizes and give them the freedom to sign contract[s] with any agency they wish to work with," says Erkan Ozerman, president of the organizing committee.

This is the 14th year of the Best Model of the World Contest; and the excitement level rose to record heights at the fabulous union of fashion, music and, of course, international brotherhood. Even sponsorships were phenomenal this year, with Jean-Louis Scherrer, Cerruti, Dominique Sirop and Pierre Balmain providing the haute couture; outstanding creations by Turkey’s top fashion designers; casual and sports wear by Lacoste; cosmetics from Lancome; and superb accommodations offered by the Eresin Topkapi Hotel.

The Best Model of the World 2001 will be replayed on Star TV this December.