Controversial teen wins fashion award

Ann Wards, the skinny teenager has won America`s Next Top Model award.

New York: Ann Wards, the skinny teenager who caused an uproar with her first appearance on the superhit reality show `America`s Next Top Model`, when a judge showed he could fit both hands round her tiny waist, has went on to win the competition for wannabe models.

Though the 19-year-old`s ultra slim physique raised many eyebrows, it did not deter the judges of the hit TV show. The 6`2 tall model from Dallas was declared the winner of the programme, landing a modelling contract, a spread in Italian Vogue and a USD 100,000 contract to advertise Cover Girl cosmetics, reported New York Post online. Ward was overcome with emotion after judges including designer Roberto Cavalli, Vogue magazine`s Andre Leon Tally and host Tyra Banks told her she had beaten 22-year-old finalist Chelsey Hersley from Idaho. However, Hersley, who says she has wanted to be a supermodel since she was three-years-old, did not take her loss well. "I feel cheated. I feel I have the whole package. And I don`t think Ann does," she said after the results were announced. The final episode saw the girls take part in a photo shoot in Italy, film a commercial for Cover Girl cosmetics and hit the catwalk for a Roberto Cavalli runway show in Milan. Back in August, Ward`s slim appearance caused controversy when her audition was shown in a trailer for the 15th season of the show. Her waspish waist shocked the judges with judge Miss J Alexander putting his hands around her waist, to find they touched on either side. The show`s producer and host, former supermodel Tyra Bands, was forced to issue a statement after public outcry over the clip. PTI