were discovered to have worked as professional editorial models or catwalk models prior to the contest. The producers did not disqualify them or give an official statement, while they disqualified the ethnically Khmer model Lâm Thu Hằng (Miss Vietnam 2008, Top 5) during casting. Many Vietnamese fashionistas claimed disappointment with the show. Neither panel of judges were notable in the Vietnamese fashion industry. The panels were also criticized for including too few members. The lack of guest stars or guest judges led to boredom. Notably, Huy Võ became a judge while still studying at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Later, it was reported that the script of the season finale was similar to that of the fourth season of Germany's Next Topmodel in 2009. Contestants Episode summaries Casting weeks Air date: September 30 & October 7, 2010 Contestants gathered at White Palace for casting. Every girl had to walk on a long runway and showed her signature poses. 60 made it to the next round, before being further cut to 24 and then 14. The final fourteen sat down with judges to discuss their strengths and weakness. Nine girls advanced to the final round simultaneously after they knew the first five girls had been eliminated. One week later, the show moved to Hanoi. Like the previous casting format, every contestant had to express herself in front of a crowd. Another nine girls were added from their photos to make a field of 18. Featured photographer: Kevin Freeman Judges: Hoàng Ngân, Nathan Lee, Elizabeth Thủy Tiên Week 3 Air date: October 14, 2010 The 18 contestants arrived at International Asiana Hotel where Germ Doornbos and Le Khiet invited them to a grand party. Mỹ Phương won the first challenge with her friendly look and her elegant manners. The prize was a VIP double room that she shared with Tuyết Lan. In late afternoon, the girls met Hà Anh the new head judge. Anh asked them to perform a runway walk and gave advice. Bùi Thùy won the runway challenge and got two outfits from Candy Rox Brand. Hoài Thương also won a prize. The week's photo shoot took place in Nguyễn Long Studio where the girls met the new second judge Huy Võ and photographer Nguyễn Long. Some were unused to shooting, so Hà Anh helped them relax through music and dance. At the judging panel, the last main judge