America's Next Top Model - Margherita Missoni Episode Recap

[America's Next Top Model - Season 15 Episode 9]

If the prize was a photoshoot for Vogue Italia, why didn't any of the girls think that they were going to Italy for their international destination? The girls spend their first week hopping around in the Italian heat, and Tyra was smart enough not to spend money on some silly thing called air conditioning.

The girls come back from elimination worried about their next step. Liz worries about her dedication after Tyra called her out on her commercial; her laughter was a distraction. Chris admitted that she's not the best model but had a lot of oomph. Ann continues to worry about her position on the show; she needed to be sure of herself.

Miss J arrives and told the girls that their apartment smells like ass. The best part of the exchange was that Chris gave a big "Thank You." He biked with the girls near a canal and bridge, and explained that the girls will be jumping off a bridge and taking a photo. The girls were totally shocked and in total fear. It turned out that it was a ruse for Tyra to explain that the girls are actually going to Venice, Italy. The girls go crazy and pack their bags. The graphics designer actually spent money for the girls to act like they were on a plane. Normally they would just place their makeover photos and wiggle them up and down to connote movement.

The girls arrived in Italy and took a speedboat around Venice. Jane, as a history major, feels even more confident about understanding the Italian heritage. As she mentioned having confidence, the editors placed an image of Jane freaking out from a few pigeons. Thank you editors! Chelsey was worried about being a model at 23-years-old - especially since that fossil Krista won last season. The girls have lunch and wine and mingle; even Ann was growing more interactive.

The girls make it to their hotel and love the luxurious nature and beautiful balcony. Chris decided to check out the one amenity that was most important to her: the toilet. The other girls made more cheers with wine on the balcony until a seagull pooped on Liz and dribbled on Jane. Liz overreacted. Wasn't there once a saying that a bird pooping on you was good luck? Liz continued to freak out as the girls went inside; Chelsey couldn't handle it and wanted Liz out soon.

The girls got Tyra Mail, explaining being seduced by surroundings. The girls arrived at the Grand Canal with photographer Simone Falcetta. They will be doing a high fashion period piece where three girls were on a gondola trying to be coy to Casanova. Jay understood that the weather was really hot, but the girls had to push through the pain if they wanted to be top models. Kayla is worried again about her interaction with men. The male model, Mario D'Amico, arrived as their Casanova; he explained that he's been in Armani and Versace. Chris and Liz are in awe of him. Jane continued to emphasize her European history as if the girls had to actually be what they portray (see: mermaids, wrestlers, and angels). Chelsey is positive about herself and practiced in front of a mirror.

The first set of girls consisted of Kayla, Liz, and Chris. The photographer had to put Liz and Chris in their positions, but Kayla naturally got in character and position. Liz complained that she was on fire and was sweating profusely. She then started to complain about being on the boat. Oh how I wished that Liz would have fallen out. Chris was upset that Kayla was so natural that she tried harder, but became more awkward.

The second set of girls (Jane, Ann, and Chelsey) had Ann near Kayla's position near the legs of Casanova. While Ann looked a bit scared, I'm sure that the photos will naturally happen. Chelsey tried hard to get the best photo. While Jane was in the back she managed to have a moment. Ann lacked emotion and confidence. After the commercial, the girls manage a few more shots before the rain.

Jay talks to the girls and explained that it was the girl's first and last shoot in Venice and they will be headed to Milan next. Liz thought that Jay said "Mulan" and they were headed to Japan. Mulan took place in China, Liz. The girls are bussed to their house and it's a small apartment. The girls are a bit disappointed of the size. They realized that there are only a few beds. Tyra mysteriously sneaks in and scares the girls. She explained that there were two fold-out beds. Tyra explained that the small apartment was the definition of a "model apartment," because they are not glamorous. Tyra explained that she had a $30 apartment and a small bathroom down the hall when she was a model. Tyra announced that the girls would be meeting Missoni. Liz called home and she was in tears; we're juxtaposed with Liz talking about the potty. What's with Liz and poop and potty?

The girls arrived at the Missoni studios with Miss J and Angela Missoni greeting them. The girls sample the winter collection and have a bit of a walking challenge. Jane felt amazing with the fabric, but Kayla felt uncomfortable wearing winter clothes in the summer. The brand ambassador, Margherita Missoni, arrived and announced that she will be a judge tonight. The girls started walking and Ann was better than she was previously, but needed to be harder. Chelsey had a bit too much hip. Jane crossed her legs. Chris gets a jelly joke. Liz was "okay." Of the six girls, we never saw Kayla. Missoni explains that their differences were their key to originality.

Chelsey was worried about overheating, especially wearing their outfits during the panel. The same judges, Nigel & Andre, are still around with Margherita Missoni. Jane/Ann/Chelsey were first and their best shot worked really well in a wide shot. Chelsey gets praised even without seeing her eyes. Ann had a simple photo, but it looked stunning. Tyra calls her out for being stiff; Ann tried to explain that she was adjusting to the boat. Chelsey talks about passing out while Jane was criticized for her over-acting. Of course, Tyra disagreed, saying that Jane was perfect. Somehow, she didn't complain about the wind in the hair. Liz struggled with the heat as well. Chris/Kayla/Liz were next and Chris' shot was not Teen Vogue, but it didn't fit the mood of the group. Liz was out of focus, but she didn't have the attitude. Andre thought she looked slutty, but she had a confident face. Kayla's shot was very magnetic. She connected right with the camera.

After deliberation, Tyra explained that the top photo was Kayla. The bottom two were Chris and Liz. Tyra explained that the competition got harder when the girls went to the international destination. Chris had personality, but her photos didn't sparkle. Liz has amazing bone-structure, but she made too many excuses. Chris is safe and Liz went home. Her photo montage wasn't that great either.

Call Out Order
1) Kayla
2) Jane
3) Chelsey
4) Ann
5) Chris
6) Liz - Eliminated

Kayla was the only contestant to do her homework from last week; she had enough comfort to deal with the male model, so she deserved to be the top photo. Ann was just so natural in photos that it's hard to get rid of her if she keeps producing amazing shots. If we could merge Ann's natural ability with Chris' personality, we may have the right combination. In reality, the show would be really boring without Chris’ odd commentary.