Oh Well, I guess LOSING the Ford Models Super Model of the World contest (SMOW) turned out to be a GOOD thing for Miss Austria Alcantara (formerly known as Austria Ulloa until she landed a deal at IMG!)
(IMG is considered the Rolls Royce of agencies. They are an arm of the parent company: IMG World: producers for “the tents”/”the shows” in NYC & also producers of a series to promote their girls called Model.Live. This made-for-Web series followed three female models, Austria Alcantara, Cato van Ee and Madeline Kragh along their journeys from their homes to the catwalk.
The show premiered in August ’08 on Vogue.TV, and was redistributed on Bebo. Basically, Each model kept a profile for updating their blogs, video diaries, text messages, photos, schedules, etc.

Austria walked in the American-Express/CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund show for Peter Som, the Autumn/Winter 2008 & Spring/Summer 2008 for Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, & the Spring/Summer 2008 for Betty Jackson, Brian Reyes, Catherine Holstein, Cynthia Rowley, DKNY, Julian Louie, Manish Aurora, Marchesa, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Ports 1961, & Qasimi.

She was also featured in the Dec ’08 issue of Teen Vogue.

I think she’s absolutely amazing on camera! She can be strong or soft and she’s always very aware.
Her eyes are deep: beyond her 16? years (I am not sure if she’s 16 we’ll never really know, lol). Her smile is captivating & sincere. She understands her action lines. And She has Legs for Days Honey!
A lot of people were comparing her to Chanel Iman (LOL).
I think it’s difficult for people in this industry to see variety.
(Funny, because variety exists and I see it everyday).
Hopefully IMG will be able to market her correctly.
There was talk of her booking Prada last season but that fizzled out, I do hope she books some great shows this coming season as well as top campaigns & editorials.
I’m really hoping to see more of this Dominican Beauty.
I think she has the makings of being a top girl.