Hopefuls put best face forward

Chinese models prepare for the International Modeling and Talent Association Convention in New York. Kelly Chung Dawson / China Daily

IMTA has hosted talent conventions since 1987, and the weeklong event also gives stage time to talented hopefuls in the areas of acting, singing and dancing.

For most participants, the goal of the convention is exposure to the hundreds of agents, fashion agencies, casting directors and music producers who attend each year. IMTA also hosts an annual convention in Los Angeles each January.

Past success stories have included models Jessica White, Sara Dawson and Tyson Ballou. Actors Ashton Kutcher, Eva Longoria, Katie Holmes and Jessica Biel also got their start at IMTA conventions.

Curtis Davis, who produces the convention's Overview Fashion Show, says US designers and casting agents have become increasingly interested in Chinese models.

"As an American show producer I love working with Chinese models because they take direction really well, they fit the clothes well, and they're stunning," Davis says. "It's also interesting to see how polished they are when they get to the US."

This is the third year in which Chinese models have traveled to New York to attend the IMTA convention.

Davis notes that American casting agents and producers often have a different vision of Chinese beauty than local designers and agents in China. Chinese models with big eyes and Western features do well in the Chinese market, whereas American agents are drawn to a more classically Chinese look, he says.

"There's a lot of potential there," he says. "The talent I've seen in China has had so much showmanship, energy and grace. The models really stand out."

Wang Weilin, 25, from Shanghai, says that the convention has been really fun so far. "It doesn't feel like a competition, but more like a party," she says. "It's very relaxed."

For both Tan and Wang, the trip to New York is their first time in the US.

"New York is so free and modern," Tan says. "We're so excited to be here, with all these beautiful girls."

Tan represents Long Teng Models, and Wang represents Galaxy Fashion Promotion. Models can sign with overseas agencies, which will coordinate with their agencies at home to bring the models to New York for Fashion Week and other jobs if all goes well.

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