Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2010

Photo by Marie Wanibe

Put a bunch of beautiful women into a house in Sydney and watch them try to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of modeling. Better yet, look on as they try to live together without tearing each other to pieces. That’s the premise of the popular Australian pay TV series Australia’s Next Top Model, based on the hit American show created by Tyra Banks.

In May, 16 hopefuls were selected after a nationwide audition to star in the program’s sixth season. Currently airing in Australia (Japan residents can see segments on YouTube), the series follows the women as they navigate their way through a variety of modeling assignments and other tasks. Each week, the judges assess their performance and narrow the field until only two remain for the final show.

Recently, the final four contestants spent a week shooting an episode in Japan, living it up in a suite at the Hilton Tokyo. Nineteen-year-old Kelsey (she only uses her first name) described it as a wonderful experience, but couldn’t say too much else because everything is hush-hush until the show is broadcast in mid-September.

Born in Perth, Kelsey lived on a small island for six years—three of which were spent in a lighthouse—and then moved to Byron Bay on Australia’s east coast. She did a little modeling in high school, and after graduating decided to try for the big time. Having seen both the American and Australian versions of Next Top Model, she couldn’t resist auditioning herself, and was selected as a finalist. “For the first show, it was quite hard getting used to cameras in your face,” she recalls.

In previous seasons, the women have had to deal with the ups and downs of “model house” life: all the drama you’d expect when you put a group of ambitious girls under one roof. But Kelsey said that so far, there had been precious few tantrums among her roommates.

“I think I am an easy person to live with, and quite tidy,” she says. “My only bad habit is that I make the bathroom floor very wet once I get out of the shower.”

The week in Tokyo offered a welcome respite for the women. For one thing, they didn’t have to clean up their rooms. “It’s my first time overseas and Tokyo is wonderful,” Kelsey says. “We had some long days doing photo shoots. We shopped at Shibuya. The ‘scramble’ crossing was amazing.”

Of course, Kelsey hopes she’ll be the last one standing at the end of the season. The winner takes home a prize package that includes representation by a top modeling agency; a contract to appear in a campaign for Levi’s jeans; a trip to New York to meet with the renowned ELITE New York agency; a new car; $20,000 cash; and an eight-page spread in Harpers Bazaar Australia.

Kelsey says her own fashion style is varied: “One day, I’ll be in a girly dress and the next day, some ripped jeans and a T-shirt. I really love Japanese fashion, especially the Harajuku girls. We even tried on a kimono, which was a challenge.”

Keeping in shape is another challenge. “I try and get to the gym at least three times a week. One of the girls in the house does pilates and has been teaching me that. We also have to be careful what we eat. Our house is full of Cherry Ripes [chocolates], but I’m happy to tell you that most of them are still there.”

Chris Betros is the editor of Japan Today (www.japantoday.com).