12th November, Kuala Lumpur. After a grueling three-month search for the ELITE Model Look 2006, the judges shortlisted 20 young ladies who vie for the coveted title in a glittering gala night `Road To Paris' at Berjaya Times Square

The selected 20 are believed to have the best potential amongst over 300 aspiring models who turned up at the eight audition sessions held in Penang, Kuching and KL since August. In Penang the audition took place at Megamall Penang, at Lim Kok Wing in Kuching, and in Kuala Lumpur the auditions were held at Lim Kok Wing, Maju Junction and True Fitness.

The search for the Elite Model Look 2006 is unique as the organizer, ELITE Model Management not only welcomed participation from Malaysians but also expatriates and students who have resided in the country for more than two years.

The participants came in different styles, personalities and looks, however, only the one with an outstanding, original and fresh look will stand a chance to be signed up by the world renowned modeling agency.

On the panel of judges to choose the final 20 were, image consultant Norma Norell from Elite, and Chief Editor of GLAM and EH! magazines Wirda Adnan. The presence of popular host Daphne Ring of ntv7's `The Breakfast Show' at the final auditions spiced up the sessions as she joked with the participants. Her pleasant and easy going character helped eased the tension faced by some of the participants during the auditions.

The 20 finalists went through a week of training - grooming and catwalk under Norma Norell. They also posed for the cameras in the photography sessions with famous photographer Kid Chan at the Kid Chan Studio. At Kukubar the aspiring models were then all treated to full nail beauty treatments. Most of them have never enrolled in professional modeling courses, but all these participants gave full commitment to the intensive and hectic training scheduled for them.

Anaz Haiza (Reza) and Deanna, two contestants selected by Blu Inc Media were chosen to represent Malaysia in Shanghai for the Asia Pacific finals in October, where they competed against 34 other participants from the region. They also had their first live radio interview on Suria f.m. and exciting experience for someone would have just set foot in the modeling industry.

The aim is that the ELITE MODEL LOOK 2006 will augur and add colour to the local fashion industry with new faces. Through ELITE's network platform in Asia and its headquarters in Paris, ELITE is able to provide a variation of models from Asia to its clients.

This year ELITE has introduced two additional categories ELITE BEST TV LOOK 2006 for female and ELITE MALE MODEL 2006 for male. All the participants will take centre stage at the Gala Night "Road To Paris" in conjunction with KL Fashion Week organized by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia on November 12, 2006 at Berjaya Times Square. The participants will make their first public appearance during which the winners of the search will be determined. The highlight is the annuouncement of the ELITE Model Look 2006 who will represent Malaysia at the international finals to be held later this year, where they will compete against 70 other country representatives vying for a contract worth USD250,000 with ELITE Paris.

The whole theme of the night is in celebration of past eras ranging from the 30's in Paris to the 80's retro styling and feel. Make-up and hair styling for the finalists at the Gala Night is by LOREAL Paris and fashion apparel are from an array of creations by

Lim Kok Wing University College of Creative Technology - Student design, 'Mouse Wisdom' from Maizen Maison by Charlene Yap, ZANG by Zang Toi New York - Ready to Wear & Evening Wear Collection, Key Ng - High Fashion, Ready to Wear, Tsen by Richard Tsen - Ready to Wear & Evening Wear Collection.