Aussie Top Model most successful: Banks
Tyra Banks says contestants on Australia's Next Top Model have some of the best chances to make it in the fashion industry.
The founder of the US reality franchise praised the Aussie version, saying out of the dozens of spin-offs around the world, Australia is one of the most successful at producing star prodigies.
"Tyra acknowledged that, she said we've had the best results as far as girls go that have had international careers afterwards," ANTM judge Alex Perry told the Kyle and Jackie O show.
The reality TV show's alumni have graced the covers of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, despite last year's winner, Melissa Juratowitch, falling off the radar.
Designer Perry said the teenager wasn't tall enough to enter the competition in the first place.
"Melissa is a really beautiful girl, but she was short and we have heard nothing from her," he said.
ANTM returns on Thursday after a year's hiatus following the death of former judge Charlotte Dawson.
Rather than replace Dawson on the judging panel, host Jennifer Hawkins and Perry will be joined by a different celebrity each week.
Guest judges include Banks, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Osbourne, French designer Jean Paul Gaultier and Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio.
Returning mentor Didier Cohen, who will have help from new fellow mentor Cheyenne Tozzi, said Kardashian holds her own selfie challenge with the 12 aspiring young women.
"She gave really good feedback for the girls, she gave her all" he said.
US Top Model host Banks also pays tribute to Dawson in the premiere, dedicating the ninth season to her memory.
"It's kind of dedicated to her," Perry said.
"We just got these incredible people as kind of a mark of respect for her... it took us all these people to replace you this season."
* Australia's Next Top Model debuts on Thursday at 7.30pm on Fox8.
