Linsay Willier.

Canada's Next Top Model runner-up Linsay Willier of Edmonton says the show's judges "played it safe" when they picked a blue-eyed blond as the winner.

"Meaghan overall is a great girl, but just judging on appearance, I think they kind of played it safe," said Willier in a phone interview yesterday.

Winnipeg's Meaghan Waller, 19, clinched the crown on Tuesday night's finale of the CTV show.

Willier, 23, felt the choice of winner didn't mesh with the show's tagline, "It's time to break the mould."

"I don't think blue eyes (and) blond hair is breaking the mould," said the brunette Willier, who grew up on the Sucker Creek First Nation in northwestern Alberta.

Derek Jagodzinsky, an Edmonton-based fashion designer and friend of Willier's, agreed.

"Meaghan is pretty much a dime a dozen. She is a beautiful girl, but I have 12 other girls that look exactly like her."

Based on Willier's "distinctive look," Jagodzinsky said she should have won.

But, in the final episode, the show's creative director Nole Martin said Willier didn't have appeal that would carry "across the sea."

Judge Jeanne Beker said Willier wasn't fit for Chanel couture.

Despite the loss, Willier said she's proud to be one of very few aboriginal models.

"A lot of people are really proud of me. It makes me feel good."

Willier is a recent graduate of MacEwan College's child and youth care degree program. She lives with her longtime boyfriend in north Edmonton.

As for Willier's future, she has been invited to schools for inspirational speaking and she plans to continue modelling.