2014 - Elite Model Look

Founded in 1983, Elite Model Look is the world's most prestigious international modelling contest. It is credited with discovering Super Models including Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bundchen, Lara Stone and Alessandra Ambrosio.

Each year up to 350,000 candidates across 30 countries participate in this extraordinary modelling competition that is a launching pad, not just for a modelling career, but for the world stage.

The search goes on.

The set design for the 2014 World Final in Shenzhen had models emerging from an illuminated box set on the bare concrete floor of the arena (Photo: World Vision by AG)

Watch highlights from the 2014 World Final in Shenzhen. (Art direction: Shoot the Artist. Music: Done & Dusted. Video Editing: Shuffle Media)

On stage, two large projection screens created a tunnel-like runway (Photo: Marcel Lennartz)

Elite’s supermodels Liu Wen, Richard Biedul and Mariacarla Boscono walked in the grand finale wearing La Perla (Photo: World Vision by AG)

Designers RXP by Reta and PoReal, winners of the inaugural "VOGUE Talent Asia" contest, with Italian finalist Greta Varlese (Photo: World Vision by AG)

Thousands attended the finale fashion show (Photo: World Vision by AG)

Showing them how it’s done: Liu Wen on stage with the top 15 finalists (Photo: World Vision by AG)

Dressed in black, finalists await the verdict on who will be named the winner of Elite Model Look 2014 (Photo: World Vision by AG)

Barbora from Czech Republic was announced as winner for the girls (Photo: Luc Braquet)

James from Italy was winner for the boys (Photo: Luc Braquet)

Meet the Top 15 EML 2014 World Finalists: A short film by This is My Video

The 31^st edition of the Elite Model Look World Final welcomed aspiring male models for the first time. Held in Shenzhen, China, for a second year running, 43 young women and 21 young men completed ten days of intensive training in preparation for the final show.

At the World Finals, they put their prowess to the test in front of thousands and an industry panel including editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani. Barbora from Czech Republic and James from Italy were chosen as winners.

For this final, Elite partnered with Vogue Italia for the inaugural Vogue Talent Asia competition to find the best of emerging design talent in Asia. The 15 best designs were worn during their final runway presentation.

Scroll down to meet the Top 15 Finalists 2014.