WALK WALK FASHION BABY

[maskormods]

WHO: Spectators and participants in Heropa's Next Top Model.
WHERE: A large community centre in Heropa.
WHEN: December 14 - 16
WHAT: ImPorts battle on the runway and off of it to secure a place in this year's two imPort Calendars to win a cash prize, a trip to Vegas, and a future career in modelling!
WARNINGS: None anticipated! If you wish to sign your character up for a chance to win, please visit THIS POST and fill out the form to win!



Welcome, imPorts, to the very first Heropa's Next Top Model competition! This event is taking place in a large community centre turned set, and as the imPorts walk onto the scene, they'll be greeted by plenty of cameras, flattering lighting, and rigging lining the area. This is, however, slightly less intimidating than what they may be used to; while these people are certainly involved in the media, they are consummate professionals, and will only be hassling imPorts to give them directions as to where to go and where to face, no pleas for autographs in sight.

SPECTATORS

All spectators have no obligation to do anything beyond sitting around and watching the show and being the subject of reaction shots every now and then (and, of course, raiding the snack table). Should they wish to participate in their own way, however, there are optional challenges that modelling imPorts may engage in, so be sure to discuss matters and cooperate with each other to make the best display possible! The challenges are as follows:

CHALLENGE ONE: Spectators are asked to make modeling imPorts a delightful outfit constructed only out of cardboard and bubble wrap. They may use tape, glue, or staples to hold the whole horrendous affair together and may decorate it using an assortment of glitter, paint and papier mache. Try not to traumatize the poor models too much, and make it stable; modeling imPorts will be expected to walk down the runway, and they're counting on you to make the outfit last!

CHALLENGE TWO: Spectators are asked to make modeling imPorts a gorgeous landscape to have a photoshoot in, just for them! Small rooms have been allocated for this specific purpose, and imPorts are encouraged to be as artistic and zany as possible. There will be a number of props provided to them, including fake snow, sunglasses, plastic flamingos, sparklers, elementary school desks and chairs, fake tools and more! Let your imaginations run wild and create the perfect masterpiece that's simply meant for an artistic shoot!

THE RUNWAY

First up is the runway! ImPorts are gussied up in all sorts of makeup and hair styles, let alone the accessories -- hair nails anyone? The fashions can be just as bizarre. Let your imagination run wild and be creative with what your characters have been saddled with, provided that it's age-appropriate for our young models in the crowd.

Don't worry, though -- should you wish to have a more glamorous look, you may assume that your character has been suited in something a little lower key, too. After all, even trainers and sweatpants can be fashion, darling!

ImPorts, get your walk on! Models can't simply walk, they must glide, strut, simmer! Their expressions must be focused!

Of course, in between the walk and getting gussied up, there will be plenty of down-time -- why don't you show off your outfits to some of your friends watching too?

THE CHALLENGES

This is the tough one. To be a top model, your mettle must be tested, and it will be tested thoroughly! ImPorts are only required to perform one of the challenges, although they may, of course, perform all three if they wish. ImPorts trying out for the sexy calendar will be suited up in all sorts of provocative clothing, including swimwear, everything glam, work-out gear, cosplay (of other imPorts, even!) and of course, shirtless pictures from the men are highly encouraged. ImPorts trying out for the general calendar will be dressed in an assortment of fashions but will be wearing more wholesome fare that covers up a heck of a lot more -- dashing school uniforms, suits, modest dresses and, well, wholesome cosplay is the name of the game here. Spectators are more than welcome to be present on the sidelines for the shoot, and models may model together.

CHALLENGE ONE (SNAKES AND SPIDERS, OH MY!)

Challenge one is a frightening affair for anyone who gets the willies when surrounded by creepy crawlies! On set are several animal specialists who are trained for this shoot specifically as the models are told to model with tarantulas crawling on their faces, snakes draped across the arms and shoulders, and in some cases, are made to wear a crown made out of live butterflies as nectar is smeared across their foreheads. For the truly daring, a bucket of roaches is on set. Contrasting beauty and decay, darling, Mis Myra says. Work it! Not only do they have to bear these creepy crawlies, but they have to model while they're at it, striking on the best of poses and keeping their expressions focused.

CHALLENGE TWO (GLUB GLUB)

Challenge two is, perhaps, more palatable for those who have healthy lungs. ImPorts will be led to an outdoor pool and will be instructed to submerge themselves entirely in the pool for this modeling session. But the photographer is one demanding gentleman, and will continue shouting directions at them -- hold your breath, but keep that mouth open, it's sexier that way! Don't go up for air yet, you have the perfect pose? Look more dynamic! Stop scrunching your face, true models don't break their expression even if you do need a good dose of oxygen!

After the underwater shoot, they will be shooting some companion winter poolside pictures, for which purpose they have imported in a truckload of snow. Have you ever tried to look relaxed while wedged in snow in a bikini? Well, now's your chance. Stop those teeth from chattering, because it's time to look fabulous!

CHALLENGE THREE (DO THE JITTERBUG)

For those who are, perhaps, have a weaker sense of gumption or happen to be too young or too fragile for the other two challenges, Miz Myra has kindly provided them with an alternative shoot: a dance shoot! This shoot is particularly geared towards multiple models. In this room, they'll be set up to dance to the The Twist. It's time to dance til you drop, imPorts, because you might have to keep going, and going, and going, and going, and going to get the perfect shot, and keep that beautiful smile up the whole time! ImPorts are expected to dance fashionably, which means less of the bump and wiggle, and more hopping and, well, twisting. It's an exhausting effort, but that's simply what models must do.

Oh, and darlings? It's embarrassing, but do try not to blush, or else you may just have to do the entire shoot again.

THE INTERVIEW

In this section, modeling imPorts are carted on-stage in front of their panel of judges who have been watching them this whole time: their own Kanaya Maryam and Barnaby Brooks Jr. and, of course, the native supermodel, a statuesque, impossibly glamorous looking woman who goes by the name of Miz Myra. Time to impress your judges with your well thought-out answers, everyone!

KANAYA'S QUESTION: As you'll notice we've already tested, modeling demands a great deal of flexibility. The challenges you've just experienced may be some extreme examples, but the work largely revolves around reshaping yourself to realize the designer's vision, or to fill the needs of a shoot. How well do you think you could adapt to that sort of environment on a long term basis? Would all the commands and orders get to you, eventually?


BARNABY'S QUESTION: Some people say a career in modeling means becoming a face for the imPort community. Do you agree? If so, what image or message do you personally want to project to the world?


MIZ MYRA'S QUESTION: And finally -- why is it that you joined this competition? What does it mean to you?

Comments

Dorian Gray | ota

[brushoff]

runway!
[ Dorian's been saddled with one of the more avant garde looks, specifically whatever the hell this thing is. Is it a onesie? Is it a wetsuit? Dorian doesn't know, he hadn't had coffee yet when he was getting set up. Put this on? Yeah sure, why not, can I have some caffeine afterwards please? So now that he's got a bit of downtime, this is obviously time to figure out what the hell he's wearing.

The front's not proving any help. And it's not like he could take this off anyway, considering that the stupid designer sewed in mittens. So, he calls another imPort over to ask, ]

Does this thing have a zipper in the back?

challenge three, I am so sorry
[ Oh was this supposed to be the Twist? About that...

Dorian's actually pretty good at keeping up with the twist (it doesn't hurt that thankfully he's back in actual clothing now instead of that geometric onesie monstrosity). After all, he's been a party animal all throughout the decades. Dancing for a couple hours straight? He's got this! He can totally do this! The problem here is that occasionally he forgets that this is the Twist and gets a little too into it.

So sorry person right next to him. Dorian just straight up accidentally grinds up on you without looking to see who said imPort is. Whoops. ]

challenge three

[prostheticbody]

[The Major is trying her best to look completely disaffected by the shenanigans around her. Whatever the prize for this farce of a competition is, it's not worth doing the damn twist. And to make matters worse, now some moron is trying to grind against her.

She takes a quick step back, ready to break someone's arm if necessary. And then she notices who it was, and realizes that she recognizes him. Her hand immediately goes up to her temple as if she's suddenly contracted the world's worst headache.]

You've got to be kidding me.

[brushoff]

[ When Dorian turns to look to see who it was...oh joy. He gives the Major a look like she smelt horrific, nose wrinkling up as he looked at her.

Of all the imPorts in all the world, he had to dance up against one who loathed him? Granted, a lot of people loathed Dorian in general but dammit, he's been trying to downplay his brief foray into supervillainy for a reason (because he's about to start up a new foray into supervillainy...), the last thing he needs is the Major causing trouble for him. ]

Well. I had no idea you were back.

[prostheticbody]

[Of course this kind of event would bring out the narcissistic types. She should have expected to find him here. She crosses her arms and gives him her best glare.]

I think I would have preferred to keep it that way.

[brushoff]

Oh, that makes two of us. I—

[ But whatever Dorian's about to say, it gets interrupted by one cameraman who yells, directly at the two, "Don't stop dancing!"

Plastering a fake smile on his face, Dorian starts up Twisting again...but he can still shit-talk the Major as he does so. ]

Why are you even here to begin with? You've got to have the slightest bit of charisma to model.

runway !!

[pyrogue]

Lemme check.

[ Mick is wearing some monstrosity. He moves to check to see if Dorian has an easy way out of there but man, is it a piece of work. ]

...Think you might need a pair of scissors. Least it looks warm, I'd kill for something that cozy right now.

[brushoff]

Oh no fair, I wanted a crop top.

[ There's a brief moment of whining before Dorian looks Mick over again. When he speaks again, there's a lot less whining and more gentle teasing. ] Though I've got to say, I never thought the sandals and socks look would be any sort of fashionable in the first place.

[pyrogue]

You'd at least look good in one.

[ Don't sell yourself short, Mick.

He looks down at his feet. ]

Can you really call 'em socks if they don't got toes?

[brushoff]

You don't look half bad yourself,

[ Dorian remarks, with a wry smile. Because hey! That's totally true, Mick does look pretty decent.

But back to the maybe socks. ]

I mean, they're obviously designed to look like socks...I think.

Komasan | ota

[monge]

Runway

Eh...

[Fashion was definitely made with, um, humans in mind. Before Komasan can even get out there, he finds himself having a tough time finding an outfit that can fit him.

It's like it's over before he can even start.]

U-Um, can you help me, z-zura...? Please?

[Komasan really doesn't want to stop playing this "game" anytime soon, so it only makes sense to tug on someone else's outfit to grab their attention.]

Challenge One

MOOOOOOONNGEEE!!

[Where as some people may have turned away from this challenge, Komasan is absolutely thrilled when he hears he gets a chance to play with bugs. In fact, the whole modeling thing is quickly forgotten about when he runs over and dumps nectar on his head so he can have as many butterflies as humanly possible. He'll, um...regret it later when he tries to wash it out of his fur, but right now is butterfly crown time. The others are not ignored, there's an equal amount of tarantulas and roaches all over his body. If anyone were to ask him about...that, his only response would be something along the lines of "It kinda tickles."

As much as Komasan loves this challenge, he's not exactly...doing it correctly. Again, the modeling part is already abandoned and any "pose" he strikes is a different kind of cuddle with the snake he's been given. His expression is anything but focused, unless you count "nothing but smiles" as focused. Then he's the champ.]

I'm taking them all home with me, zuraa~!!

Challenge One

[dirtyredneck]

Don't think that's a allowed.

[Daryl said in kind voice as he hovered just off set, arms crossed, watching the proceedings. His own shoot would be at some point after Komasan's, so he was mostly just checking out what might be expected of him.]

Pretty sure the handler's wouldn't like you stealing their pets.

[monge]

[It's as if all his hopes and dreams have been destroyed in a second. His shoot now over, Komasan can only cling to the head of the large snake wrapped around his body, as if it were a precious baby.

...And not, say, something that could probably eat him if it really wanted to.]

T-Then they can come over to play, z-zura! For Christmas, zura!

[dirtyredneck]

[Daryl wasn't really out to crush the little guy's dreams, but there were a lot of assumptions being made there.]

Maybe you should ask if you can go over to their house and play instead.

Daryl Dixon | ota

[dirtyredneck]

Runway
[They shoved him in leather skinny jeans and a coat with a cowl so oversized no one could see his face. He was pretty sure it was meant to be a commentary on his looks, but the relief of not having to actually try making one of them model faces while he walked overrode any offense he might have taken. Not that there was much since he didn't think that well of his looks. But the only way he was going to stick it to Julian Day was if he did a good enough job to get his face in the damn calendar.

So while his walk wasn't the best out there, with his face hidden, he didn't do half bad when he tried to imitate the walk Miz Myra had shown them. Couldn't quite get the pacing right, but he nailed the pause and turn.

When he was back in the dressing room, he pulled the cowl back and started moving through to get his things. Unfortunately all the private changing spaces were occupied when he went to grab one. Which left him standing around, his own clothes bundled in his arms, scowling when ever anyone suggested he get changed right in the middle of it all. And prompting more than a few muttered and quite petulant refrains of:]

I ain't strippin' to my knickers in front of no one.

challenge one

[Of the three challenges, this is the only one Daryl's actually comfortable with. And also pretty enthusiastic about, too, all things considered. The stylists managed to get him into something other than cut off sleeves and his vest and he ended up surprising them with how well he cleaned up. Still on the rugged and casual side, but all things considered far better than expected from a man that usually looked like he'd been living in the woods for a week.

He was more than happy to accept the snakes weaving around him for the first shots and had just enough experience with getting his picture taken from the ad campaign shoot that when it came time to switch things up with spiders or cockroaches, he pointed at the bin of roaches with a confident grin.]

Let's do those.

[redshoerevenge]

[Snakes were fine, butterflies were wonderful, but the bucket of roaches? Those had her skin crawling but it wasn't like they had much of a choice. Mako was fairly sure she could tolerate almost anything else but roaches. There was something about their little legs and the long antennae and the skittery way they moved that made her insides twist.

Spiders spun webs, which was sort of what her dress looked like and her make up was...definitely interesting. Iridescent touched with moths and butterflies, she let out a hitch of a sigh as she sat and the assistants spread and folded her skirt around. She started to voice her opinion but was shut down by the makeup artist yelling about her wrinkling her nose.]

If we must.

[dirtyredneck]

[Daryl was set down beside her and as the cockroaches were placed, he started picking them up one by one and putting them on Mako himself, fighting terribly hard not to let his grin split his face.]

C'mon now, they ain't gonna hurt you.

[He held one up on a hand.]

It's so small. And so docile.

[redshoerevenge]

[Mako tried not to shudder. She would have thought his own experiences would be enough to make her at least tolerable to the creatures, but it did nothing for her rising tide of revulsion.]

I do not like their little legs. [An assistant nudged her in closer to Daryl and Mako's voice dropped.] Or the...the antennae. It's so... [Twitchy. And on some level it reminded her of kaiju, which was also extremely unsettling.]

Mick Rory | OTA

[pyrogue]

{ Runway }
[ They took his theme and ran with it, it seems -- Mick finds himself in an odd fire themed outfit and as he doesn't have hair to style, they gave him a very strange hat and dark makeup.

He feels completely ridiculous, which considering he usually willingly dresses in a white onesie with green goggles is saying something.

During the downtime, his hat isn't lit up. Mick tries his hardest to convince himself this is a good thing, but just in case he might turn to the nearest person. ]

Stop me if I try to light this thing, alright?

{ Challenge One }

[ Fun facts about Mick Rory: he spent years in a circus as a fire-eater. While those days are long gone, they had a snake charmer at the circus, so the python drapped around his bare shoulders doesn't freak him out. In fact... ]

This is making me nostalgic.

{ Challenge Three }

[ Mick skipped out on challenge two entirely (that water looks COLD, nope nope nope nope), so is almost relieved by the third one. He's not the best dancer, though he's not absolutely terrible, but he's got good stamina. And all the exercise is keeping him warm so bonus points for that. ]

Ain't it nice to break out a sweat?

Runway

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Uh, sure. Will do.

[Jacob simply does not understand fashion, and the sight of... whatever Mick is wearing is proof. He just came out tonight out of curiosity and to be supportive, and now he's dealing with flaming hats. It definitely validates his decision to stay out of the contest, despite his pride in his physique.]

How does it feel to be wearing all that?

[pyrogue]

[ Mick gives him a look that's like "really. REALLY." ]

Ridiculous.

[ He spreads his arms wide. ]

Does it look as bad as it feels?

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[Jacob looks him up and down, trying not to grimace.]

That depends. Do you want the encouraging answer, or the honest answer?

[Look, he knows Mick has to go out there looking that way.]

Fluttershy | ota!

[empetre]

i. runway
[If there's one thing Fluttershy knows how to do, it's slink to the back of a room and stay as out of the way and unnoticed as possible. It's been a long day of measurements, adjustments, her hair being pulled and tugged and wrapped up in what feel like solidified knots on the top of her head, her face assaulted with all kinds of makeup and brushes and devices she had no idea existed before today.

So, here she is, dreading every second until her call, hair a messy nest on her head, and wearing a dress literally made of flowers and seeming way too comfortable in it. Never mind the fact that, y'know, she looks about ready to pass out.]

ii. challenges
[She should have known that she was getting in over her head with this competition. Sure, she missed Rarity horribly, and even thinking about skipping out on something the other pony loved so much made her incredibly sad, but this... this is horrible. Well, mostly horrible.

a) It all starts out fine. More than fine, actually! While the other contestants are a little freaked out over the offered bugs and snakes and other horrible things, Fluttershy couldn't be happier. So there she is, looking far too calm for the amount of spiders tangled in her hair and the snake wrapped calmly around her torso, practically cooing to the creatures even after the shoot's over.

Considering the dress she's still wearing, she looks kind of like the world's creepiest Snow White, right about now.

b) This is where everything starts to hit the fan. She'd suffered through the swimming portion, unable to hold her breath for even half as long as the other competitors. So by the time she was dried off and shoved in a swim suit in the snow, she's stressed. Beyond stressed. In fact, she's so cold and stressed and overwhelmed with all the directions she's being given that she... loses a little bit of her tentative control over her transformation, squeaking in surprise as, in the middle of her shoot, her wings just pop right out of her back.

Thankfully, the image of an angel in snow saves the trainwreck of a shoot, and Fluttershy is able to retreat into the safety of a blanket, draping it across her arms as she nurses some hot cocoa and tries her best to get her stubborn wings to go away again.]

i!

[brushoff]

[ Normally, Dorian's a terrible person. But come on: look at this tiny little girl (with really nice hair, that's a wonderful shade of pink). She is about to pass out at any moment, whether due to nerves or shock or what have you, why's this poor kid even here in the first place.

It'd be far too easy to be mean to poor Fluttershy. And likewise, it'd be expected of him--and heaven forbid Dorian end up routine. So instead, he decides to (shock and horror) offer her actual advice. ]

Is this your first time doing this? [ he asks, trying to sound as pleasant and conversational as possible. Based on her terrified expression, the answer's probably 'yes' but hey, can't hurt to ask. ]

HEMALI | open

[snoobs]

THE RUNWAY

[ Her first time on the runway and they're hiding half of this beautiful face? She isn't quite pleased with it, but she's going to make it work. Even in a strange piece that looks quite difficult to maneuver in, Hemali struts up on stage, one leg in front of the other and arms on her hips like it's nothing. Back straight, chin up, she never missteps and keeps that sultry, detached gaze until she's back behind the stage.

If she bumps someone, she never apologizes. Instead, she looks over them and their outfit, entirely amused by whatever it may be. ]

I never expected the runways to be this daring.

CHALLENGE ONE

[ The first challenge is hardly off-putting even for someone like Hemali. In fact, as the snakes are draped across her shoulders and tarantulas at her feet, she seems almost within her element; she exudes confidence and almost seems delighted, puckering her lips at the snakes that, in turn, flick their tongues out at her. Weird, huh? ]

Tohru Adachi | OTA

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Runway ]
[ Adachi just wanted to die right now. ]

[ Granted, he was given something that was pretty tame compared to others he'd seen, but he was still wearing more color than he had ever worn in his life. He managed to keep his usual sheepish smile on his face, somehow managing to avoid making himself as small as possible as he slouched out on that runway. Seriously, he felt like a fruitcake vomited all over him; what did he do to deserve this?! ]

[ ...okay, sure, he had signed himself up for this, but it was just for a laugh! No one sane would have actually picked him to strut off like this! ]

[ He bolted off as soon as he was off stage and out of sight of any camera flashes, determined to get back into normal clothes and not caring who he bowled over in the process. ]

[ Challenges ]
[ Adachi was maybe starting to realize that he was inviting his own misery on himself. ]

[ They were told they didn't have to participate in all three challenges, which was fine with him! Especially since as soon as he entered the room for the first challenge, he had a snake waved directly in his face... and he promptly fainted. ]

[ Definitely not his most glorious modeling debut, was it? ]

[ After it took twenty minutes to revive him, he was fairly sure that avoiding anything involving holding his breath was right out, so he didn't even bother with the second challenge. That just left the dancing as the only thing he could reasonably give a try at. What else did he have to loose; he already embarrassed the hell out of himself once already. ]

[ Only thing was... once he got the movement down and what he was expected to do? He was actually pretty good at it. Surprisingly good at it, really, and that camera was flashing near constantly, like they were trying to get every little angle in every little twist and turn he did. Even with his insane endurance helping him out, he felt a little winded in the end. ]

[ He slouched a little once everything was done, his face red from the effort and embarrassment, especially as he got a few polite claps for the shoot. ]

Ah... h-heh. Guess my real talent was dancing all along, hunh?

[ Ugh, he wanted to crawl into a hole and die right now. ]