Anh Thi goes backstage to a world of long legs, skimpy clothes and cutthroat competition where supermodels get the riches and glory, while the less famous are left scrambling for leftovers.

After seven years on the catwalk pursuing the never-come-true dream of becoming a supermodel, Ngo Minh Thu, 24, is still mostly unknown. She still ranks in the lower level of the model listing, accepts things not reserved for supermodels, and even is not photographed for magazine. But she is disciplined, accepts modest salary and most importantly has never regretted following her dream. Anh Thi finds out how she’s getting on.

How did you feel having to compete against two famous supoermodels, Bang Lang and Vu Thu Phuong, in the Supermodel Competition in 2002?

I was so shocked! That was the first time I had ever stepped on a catwalk, and I wanted to give up after I heard I was in the group with those two supermodels. But I finally finished my performance with the encouragement of the two show hosts Thanh Bach and Truong Ngoc Anh.

Actually, I was shocked and depressed due to what happened behind the scenes. Fashion designers’ attitudes towards supermodels and newcomers like me, for example, were totally different. While they pampered well-known beauties and gave them the most splendid outfits, they threw me the most mediocre clothes. The wardrobe person even refused to give me the handkerchief, which went with the dress I was wearing.

Now I’ve become quite familiar with fashion designers’ ignorance and have always worn ugly outfits — too small or too big for my body — in each performance without any sadness or self-pity.

In spite of your failure at the competition, you have kept this job and registered for a modelling class at the Hoa Hoc Duong Club. You are determined to become a supermodel, aren’t you?

It’s wrong to say that I am not, but I know my ability very well. In fact, my parents agreed to let me pursue this career because they thought I could change to another well-paid job — flight attendants — after gaining success as a model. They couldn’t imagine that I has such a passion for this career that I don’t spend any time studying other skills, not to mention a university degree.

Can you talk about the kind of jobs a star would never want to do?

That would be PG (promotion girls), hair models or body painting models. As a PG, you have to wear super high-heeled shoes all day long, but it’s better than the rest. I once had to have weird hair that was dyed red and cut short on top and crimped on the bottom. Body painting was also a nightmare for me. My body was fully covered with water paint, so was my hair. It was very itchy and I had to stand from 7am to 9pm to earn VND300,000 (US$17). However, this payment was better than that of a newcomer.

The fact is, you have not become a supermodel after seven years of hard work and a lot of effort. Your monthly income is only VND3-5 million ($167-$278), just enough to get by, so what do you expect from your current job?

Like other people, I chose this job because I love it. I love the feeling I get standing on the stage. A supermodel gets a high salary, but I have my own benefits. I’m proud that I have earned money in a healthy way and have always been a disciplined model.

Is there anything that you wish for?

I wish I were taller, so that my career could last several years longer. I am only 1m67, while other young models are at least 1m70. That’s why the showmen don’t want me in their fashion shows and I always feel inferior when performing in them.

VietNamNet/VNS