China - Model Contest

T/I: 10:29:06 FE 10:32:04 Just ten years ago, it would have been frowned upon - but a top model contest in Beijing demonstrated that modelling is now considered respectable in China. A field of 59 young women was narrowed to 20 for the final, in which contestants paraded in swimsuits, casual clothing and evening dress. The winner was 23 year-old Yang Yan from the north-eastern city of Dallan. Xu Rui, a 19 year-old from Tianjin, was second; 21 year-old Liu Liaoliao from Shanghai was third. The top model contest is indicative of China's relatively new-found interest in fashion. Two major national colleges, in Beijing and Shanghai, offer degrees in fashion and design and there are now about 170 modelling agencies. SHOWS: BEIJING 5/4 Models dancing on stage; CA judge; VS of models in red and white costumes; CU judge Christina Moller; Ws of models in jumpers and floral silk skirts; VS of jumpers and silk skirts; Low shot models in grey dresses; CU A judge Alexander Roth; CU Moller; WS swimming costumes modelled; Black and white swimming costume modelled; VS individual swimming costumes; WS of swimming costumes; Line of black evening dresses modelled; VS of black evening dresses; WS of red dresses modelled; VS of red dresses; Audience applauding; CA judges; Winner announced and stepping forward to applause ENDS 2.29 You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/1dc97802cbe9fa42a4ac01908f74193d Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork