“Student and Fashion Professionals United have brought all the fierceness and fabulosity of New York City, Paris and Milan to the University of Akron with their very first Akron’s Next Top Model competition. The competition is a takeoff of the CW show, America’s Next Top Model.”
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Student and Fashion Professionals United have brought all the fierceness and fabulosity of New York City, Paris and Milan to the University of Akron with their very first Akron’s Next Top Model competition.

The competition is a takeoff of the CW show, America’s Next Top Model. The winner will take home a $100 gift card, a professional portfolio and a prestigious title.

Bianisha Tolbert, a tall brunette psychology major, and blonde-haired Krissy DeAngelis, an early childhood education major, have vogued and sacheted their way to the finals.

Rosalyn Bishop, president of Student and Fashion Professionals United, said their organization wanted to distinguish itself from Student Fashion Association.

We needed something that was different since there was already another (fashion) organization, Bishop said. We needed something that was just us being ourselves.

Tolbert immediately knew that she wanted to pursue the title, but DeAngelis was a bit skeptical.

I actually wasn’t going to do it at all, she said. I didn’t see any of the fliers or get any e-mails or anything.

DeAngelis, a former cheerleader eventually gave it a shot, with a bit of coaxing from fellow contestants.

The competition, which started with 60 hopefuls, consisted of various photo shoots, as well as an initial elimination. It has been narrowed down to the final two through various themed photo shoots.

Our first theme was emotions and we gave people different emotions, said Amber Chavers, who was on the ANTM judging panel.

The judges also had the women sport clothes specific to their assigned city as well as corporate CEO attire.

Judges eliminated one contestant each wek.

We looked at body language, whether their eyes connected with the camera, Bishop said. The biggest thing was body language because, if your body looks good, all you have to work on is your face.

Although the judges, members of Student and Fashion Professionals United, made the eliminations throughout the competition, the student body narrowed it down to the final two.

It’s a really humbling experience to know that 40 percent of the people who voted chose me, Tolbert said. I was so excited!

Tolbert and DeAngelis consider themselves as teammates, not rivals, even though only one of them will be victorious.

I think we’re both winners, DeAngelis said. It’s almost like we’re two opposite ends of the spectrum. She’s tall, I’m short; she’s shy and I’m crazy.

The ultimate decision will be based on a number of go-sees in which the women will consult advisers, who will then give them a score based on their efficiency. In addition, there will be a walk-off between the two women at the April 22 fashion show, where the final decision will be made.

The fashion show, titled Fashion from the Capitals will be held at 6 p.m., in the Student Union Ballroom.

Tickets cost $7 per person in advance and $10 at the door. For groups of five or more, tickets are $5 each in advance.

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” #1.1362170:2081023790.jpg:Va_Cay___Jessica_009.jpg:Krissy DeAngelis, left, and Bianisha Tolbert are finalists for the Akron’s Next Top Model competition. The winner will be picked at a fashion show on April 22.:”