THE world's next super model could come from China, says Hong Kong fashion designer Flora Cheong-Leen.
Ms Cheong-Leen is now putting 36 mainland catwalk hopefuls through their paces for China's first national model competition to be held in the city of Dalian.
Also in the running are two models from both Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The winner of the competition will receive cash, a car, lucrative modelling contracts and the prestige of being voted the best by a panel of international judges.
The idea of the model competition came from the local Dalian Government, which will stage its fifth annual International Fashion Festival from September 20.
Dalian authorities asked Ms Cheong-Leen to help stage the event which, at a cost of about $4 million, is the most ambitious show held in China.
Ms Cheong-Leen began travelling to China's major cities in April and spent four months hand-picking the 36 Chinese finalists, who flocked to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Dalian and Tianjin for the contests.