In a glittering ceremony at The Leela Kempinski, Mumbai - the charming Manasvi Mangal was chosen as the winner for the Indian leg of the hugely prestigious International model hunt. L'Oreal Paris Elite Model Look India 2006 in association with Zoom. Erica Packard and Nicki Sehgal were announced as the first runners-up of the title while Akanksha Arora was selected as the second runner-up.

Judged by a panel of expert fashion and entertainment icons which comprised of reigning Miss India-Universe and leading Elite model Neha Kapur, the charming Amrita Arora, former ramp queen Mehr Jessia, ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra, stand-up comedian Ash Chandler and Michaela Goddard - Head - Scouting, Elite Worldwide, the winner of this prestigious international model hunt has won an opportunity to represent India at the Elite Model Look International 2006 to be held in Thailand in November 2006 while be runners-up will be the Indian representatives in the Elite Model Look Asia Pacific 2006 to be held in Shanghai in November 2006.

Besides the final winners, Soni Agarwal and Apoorva Vishvanathan were the winners of the Canon Miss Photogenic title while Ekta Chaudhary walked away with Trussardi Prima Donna Award. All the L'Oreal Paris Elite Model Look winners will be in a modeling contract with Elite India and have won a year's free supply of L'Oreal Paris products and a one-year membership to Leena Mogre's gym.

In a glitzy grand finale, the 20 finalists also unveiled the L'Oreal Paris 'Some Like it Scarlett' Fall Collection 2006 look. Styled by L'Oreal Paris International make-up designer James Kaliardos, the ultra-feminine collection was brought to life by a melange of voluptuous plums and maroons, peachy pinks and shimmery subtle nudes offset with luxurious tresses as it paid a dazzling tribute to the classic retro look of current Hollywood heart throb and the newest face of L'Oreal Paris-Scarlett Johansson.

The glamorous event was attended by the city's glitterati and was anchored by the gorgeous Rakshanda Khan with captivating performances by renowned percussionist Taufiq Qureshi, Rahul Saxena, Woody & Jonqui and classical orchestra troupe, the Bombay Strings Quintet adding to heighten the evening.

All the finalists have been undergoing a well-monitored grooming regime at The Leela Palaces & Resorts, Goa under the supervision of fitness trainer Leena Mogre along with extensive sessions on hair, skin and makeup by the renowned beauty expert Ambika Pillai while Aparna Behl put together.

However what sets this model hunt apart from the rest is that L'Oreal Paris Elite Model Look India 2006 - from the auditions, training sessions to the making of India's international face, will be aired in the form of a 10 episode reality series exclusively on Zoom from September 23rd onwards.

Philippe Raffray, Director, L'Oreal Consumer Products Division (India) added "L'Oreal Paris endeavors to make women around the world more beautiful. Which is why this association with Elite, one of the most prestigious modeling networks, and Zoom, India's glamorous lifestyle channel, creates a unique showcase for contemporary Indian beauty."

About L'Oreal Paris

L'Oreal Paris, the world's #1 beauty brand, is a part of the L'Oreal Group which is the world's largest cosmetic company. The brand is present in over 150 countries across the world spread across 5 key categories - hair colour, hair care, hair styling, skincare and makeup.

Combining technology with its classic French heritage, L'Oreal Paris develops innovative and superior products to answer the beauty needs of every woman the world over.