Twenty-four models dazzled the crowd in a fashion show at Richmond’s Yaohan Centre recently.  This was the first public appearance made by the finalists of the 8th annual River Rock Resort ITM-NSR Model Look North America event.

For the first time in ITM’s history, both male and female models will take part in the 2012 contest.  Winners from both the male and female categories will win an all-expense paid trip to compete in China’s most prestigious modeling contest, and have an opportunity to sign a contract with China’s largest top model agency – New Silk Road Company.

Over the past seven years, ITM has sent 20 models to the China competitions.

The finalists were selected from all across the province and  range in age from 15 to 26 years.

Of the sixteen females and eight males chosen,  eleven were born outside of Canada (Korea, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Bosnia and Mexico). They are also ethnically diverse including Russian, Caribbean, Serbian,  East Indian, Nepalese, Finnish, French, Chinese, Korean, Hungarian, Ukrainian, Filipino and Spanish.

“We have a wonderful group of young men and women who are passionate about the fashion industry,” said Teresa Wat, President & CEO of CHMB AM1320.  “ITM provides them with the skills and experience needed to pursue their dreams in becoming top international models.”

Mao Runlong, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver, congratulated  the organizers – ITM International Top Model Corp., New Silk Road Company and China Radio International for providing cultural exchange opportunities between Canada and China.

ITM 2011 winner Meagan Klop helped launch the ITM Glamour Model Web Vote campaign runs until June  6th. The results will be announced at the June 7th finale.

Tickets for the Finale Show are now available for $38 and $68 through Ticketmaster (www.

ticketmaster.ca.)

 Tickets to the Gala Dinner benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation are $188 ($100 tax deductible), and are available at  www.itmmodel.com.