Mariann Birkedal from Norway joined Puerto Rico and Northern Ireland into the semifinal round after she was selected as the best model during Top Model Fast Track held at Crowne Plaza Hotel. Her court includes Russia as 1st Runner Up and United States as 2nd Runner Up.
The event was held in two parts. At the beginning, the contestants participated in Dynasty Fashion Show, where they were dressed in ancient Chinese Dynasty inspired collection designed by some of the top Chinese designers. The Chinese inspired show was choreographed and directed by the team behind the magnificent opening of the Beijing Olympic Games.After the fashion show, the contestants changed their dress into evening gown designed by various top designers around the world and competed for Top Model title. A total of 20 finalists were selected before the winners finally announced. Aside from the Top Model title another award was given to French Polynesia for the best designer dress. Her winning dress was a purple short silk gown with gold insets and feathers designed by 'Nelson'.
Having placed as Top 3 in all Fast Track events so far, Mariann has now became a favorite to win the Miss World crown this year. However her fans should not get too excited first as history taught us, most of the time favoritism means nothing towards the result. Mariann was a contestant of Miss Universe 2008 and she was also a favorite that time. In the end, despite being a favorite, she was unplaced.
Top Model itself is often thought as a good luck charm. In the past 3 years, the winners of this event always make the Top 3 placement, with 2 of them eventually won the crown.
Congratulations Norway ... see you in semifinal round!
