The Branding of America’s Next Top Model  All-Stars WINNER

LISA D’AMATO

The Universe Loves A Wild Child

By Belinda Trotter-James

Modelocity Online.com

Lisa D’Amato was America’s Next Top Model wild child in cycle 5.  Her energy was so explosive that the other girls did not know what to think about her.  She was a ball of fire just loving life and ready to show the world her talent.  Most of the past contestants did nothing to stretch this opportunity into a career.  Not Lisa; she has been focused in living the Rockin' Roll life she’s always wanted since a child.

Question:  We last saw you in cycle 5 and now you are the winner of cycle 17. You said the universe finally responded.  What has been ding in your life over the years to get the universe’s attention?

Lisa:  My heart has been married to this since I was 12 years old.  Over the years I tried to stay true to my brand in town where scandals always gets the rewards.  It seems that the saying  ‘work hard and prosper’  was  not true.  However, this win was a validation.  It is true; you can work hard and prosper.  My heart is at rest.  For the past six years I have been working my butt off performing and opening for bands, in the studio recording my album, lead in a play and I never stopped.  I always had a project to work on.  Just because you did not see me on the CW every Wednesday night doesn’t mean I was not working.  (She laughs.)

Question:  This cycle was about branding All-Stars however, it seemed like you all were treated like beginners.  How did you feel about this cycle?

Lisa:  I personally feel this could not have happened at a better time.  The reason we may have looked like beginners is because the girls did not understand the concept of branding.  My branding word was ‘Daring’ but I feel it was ‘Fearless’.  It’s in my DNA.  I am always pushing my buttons to be better.

Question:  Now that I look back on everything, Allison was either called before or after you at panel.  In the video challenge, you won for lyrics but Allison won best video and you were second.  You definitely proved yourself as a talented contestant.  Talk a little about your music and what was it like working with music producer, Game?

Lisa:  Game is amazing to work with.  It’s funny when you see these tough personalities in person only to find out that they are so nice.  I just naturally had the upper advantage on this challenge because this is what I do.  So, they just leave me along to get it done. But then the other girls get help because they don’t know what to do.  It’s not fair that I don’t get as much help as the next because I already know what to do.  Oh well, it is what it is.

Question:  Your chances to win this competition were 1 out of 3 and then Angelea gets disqualified.  How did that make you feel?

Lisa:  Well, that’s the way the cookie crumbles.  You fall in love with these girls only to see that they are gone the next day.  Allison and I were always head to head.

Question:  What a crazy fashion show finale!  You ended up swimming in the wrong direction.  Good thing the water was clear for you to see the correct way to go.  Was that the only crazy moment?

Lisa: No, there was a lot of craziness behind the scenes.  It was insanity.  I love the All-Star cycle more because it kept you on your toes.  We had to go at a faster pace.  I loved it.  The more surprises the more I loved it.  It was like a roller coaster ride.  If something is slow, I get bored.  I thrive off of going fast.

Question: There were a lot of personalities in this competition.   Every time you got into a minor confrontation with the other girls, you would say what you had to say and then stand back and watch them go berserk.  What kept you from blowing off steam like Bianca and Angelea?

Lisa:  You can be married to today or the future.  I looked at this through a bigger perspective.  I know what my actions today could do to my future.  I have gotten wiser over the years however, at the same time I have a voice and I will use it to defend myself.

Question:  Tyra announced the winner by showing her motion editorial.  Whoever was in the last frame would be the winner.  When your face was the last frame to be shown, you were motionless.

Lisa: I was waiting for the secret surprise twist.  When they showed my face on the screen, I was waiting for them to show Allison again and then me.  But it stopped and my face was the last one shown, I was stunned.  I never won anything major like this.  I would win something that only gets you another small prize but, this is big!

Question:  What a touching moment when you were with your boyfriend in the confession booth.  I’m glad we got a chance to meet him and you have someone to share this very special turning point in your life.  What does he think about all of this?

Lisa:  He thinks I am the 2^nd best performer in the world.  (She laughs)  The first best is Madonna.

Question:  With everything you have been through, could you please give a word of wisdom to aspiring models?

Lisa:  I am down for people who hone in on their craft.  Telling a story with your body and face is an art.  It really concerns me that people today don’t know what they want.  All they know is that they want to be famous.  My advice to aspiring models would be to hit all the agencies and be pro active.  Invest in yourself by going to classes and workshops.  If this is what you really want to do…. Go for it!

Since we last saw Lisa in cycle 5 six years ago, she has been practicing what she preaches working very hard on various projects.  She has a television project in the works, her album will be released soon, she’s a Cover Girl now who will be hosting a segment on Extra’s entertainment show along with the debut of her fragrance and countless fashion shows and magazine spreads.  “All Stars came at a perfect time,” says Lisa.  “My preparation equals opportunity and All Stars was a perfect surprise.”

Fans can keep up with Lisa with a free App called Earth To Lisa, her face book name is, Lapinetta or catch her on twitter at LisaDamato.  It looks like Lisa may be the All Star to live up to the America’s Next Top Model name.

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The Branding of America’s Next Top Model  All-Stars

Laura Kirkpatrick

The Making of Southern Elegance

By Belinda Trotter-James

Modelocity Online.com

Hee Haw elegance is the first thing that comes to the mind of ANTM judge, Andre Leon Tally when he thinks of Laura Kirkpatrick.  We first met this Stanford, Kentucky, 19 year old in the cycle 13 petite competition.   She stood out because of her southern charm and her grandma’s outfits.  Yep!  Her grandma made all the outfits she wore on the show.   Now she is 22 years old living in Los Angeles, California pursuing her modeling career.  I caught up to her after her elimination from the cycle 17 All-Star competition to find out what she has been up to over the years…

Question:  What happened to you after cycle 13?

Laura:  Tyra had an America’s Next Top Model fan favorite and I won six months free rent in New York City.  I lived around Columbus Circle and loved every minute.  I met a lot of interesting people.  Then I moved to LA.  I started a t-shirt company.  It’s online and still brand new, but growing.

Question:   What was the difference for you between cycle 13 and 17?

Laura:  Well, cycle 13 was the petite cycle and this cycle was tougher because the girls are better and have been out in the world modeling, doing this ‘n that.  They have improved themselves.  This was a harder competition because it was mentally exhausting.  All the girls want this opportunity so bad.

Question:  Why do you think you were eliminated?

Laura:  I was shocked that I got eliminated because last week I got best photo.  I am a good role model for girls but I was up against some good girls.  Allison takes amazing photos and it made me feel good that it took an hour and a half for the judges to fight for me to stay in the competition.

Question:  This competition was all about branding.  Can you tell me what makes you memorable?

Laura:  What makes me memorable is my personality and southern charm.  People like who I am.  I don’t start any drama and I settle arguments in a different way.  People stop me on the street all the time to ask me about my grandma’s clothes and how to castrate bulls. (She laughs.)

Question:  Will you and your grandma come out with a clothing line?

Laura:  Actually my grandma has some stuff to sell on my site.  She loves to sew and it’s nice that people can come to see all the wonderful things we have on the site.  I’m still tweaking the site.  It’s not totally ready yet.

Question: Girls are always taking photos that make them look sexy.  You have gotten critiques on being too sexy as well.  What technique did you use to get through the shoot without looking too sexy?

Laura:  Well, it’s not a technique.  I just think about looking young and sweet.   I think about my facial features.  I had to learn that there is a difference between inappropriate sexy and a beautiful/classy sexy look.  You have to know how to turn on and off each one.

Question:  What’s next for you? Kayla told me you may hang out with her in Japan.

Laura:  Yes, Kayla has a hook up in Japan.  I plan to go and continue modeling oversees and I want to go on Dancing WithThe Stars.  I don’t know if that will happen but I would love to be on that show.

Question:  Do you have any words of wisdom to give to aspiring models?

Laura:  My advice to girls would be to never do anything you’re not comfortable doing.  Don’t go alone to the auditions.  I know young girls get desperate and will do anything to get their first break but just be safe and have fun.

Well Laura has another great portfolio that I’m sure will get her through many doors.  You can follow her journey on face book at www.facebook.com/laurasmodellife or on twitter at Laura_AllStars.

Photo courtesy of The CW/MPRM

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The Branding of America’s Next Top Model  All-Stars

SHANNON STEWART

Never Let ‘Em See Your Underwear

By Belinda Trotter-James

Modelocity Online.com

We first met Shannon during the first cycle of America’s Next Top Model.  She was the second runner up and most remembered for refusing to pose nude or in underwear.  Has she stuck to her image and maintained a modeling career?  In this exclusive interview Shannon reveals why fellow contestant Lisa made a comment about her being a Christian and what she believes is the difference between underwear, lingerie and a bikini bathing suit.  Read on for all the juicy details…

Question:  You are now 27 years old and some of our fans have not seen you since leaving the show at age 18.  What have you been doing with your life?

Shannon: I have been signed with IMG modeling agency since I left the show and I love being with IMG.  I’ve modeled in Australia and New York’s fashion week, speaking engagements, hosting, print and I got married!  I live in California and my husband is in trade stocks and models a little.

Question:  Congratulations on your marriage!!!  What’s the difference for you between cycle one and seventeen?

Shannon:  Well, you don’t see Tyra as much. In my cycle they were just starting to build up the show so you always saw Tyra.  The budget is definitely bigger.  They did say that this show would be about the branding but it turned out to be something else.

Question:  Thank goodness you stayed long enough on the show to go to Greece!  How was it?

Shannon:  It was beautiful.  The food was fresh, it was gorgeous.  I want to take my husband to Greece next time.  It was one of the best places I’ve ever seen.  You must go!

Question:  What is your brand?

Shannon:  My brand is trustworthy.  I tried to stick to my brand throughout the show.  In the shoots they wanted me to be trustworthy but then would ask me to be a little naughty [sexy].  I always try to be a woman of substance where my character can’t be bought.

Question:  Tyra said that you were eliminated not just because you would not pose in underwear, but because you are the only girl who did not win a challenge or get best photo.  I had a hard time believing that explanation.  What did you think?

Shannon: I don’t believe I got eliminated because of my photos.  In my motorcycle shoot I had a couple of great shots where I my eyes were piercing through the lens.  They did not use it.  I had a few good photos throughout the competition.  If I would have posed in underwear, I would not have been true to my brand.  I would have been a hypocrite; a liar.  The judges were confused about my stand but I was not confused.  They cannot push their voice on me.  I was also offended when we did the fragrance challenge and was asked to get in a bathtub of water.  Nigel got up in my face and put his hands on my hips and tried to push me in the tub, but I would not do it.

Question:  You were photographed in a black bikini bathing suit in cycle 1.  In cycle 17 there were a few questionable outfits that could have passed for underwear.  However, as soon as a garment is labeled ‘underwear’, you refuse to shoot.  A two piece is a two piece no matter what it is called. The guest judge said that some girls would say that they will not show certain parts of their body; which makes more sense than saying I don’t model underwear. Nigel seems to think you are using semantics on words. Let’s set the record straight for the fans on your definition of the differences between underwear, lingerie and a bikini bathing suit.

Shannon: I don’t think Nigel likes me.  Underwear and lingerie are intertwined and is only for my husband to see.  I don’t pose in underwear.  I knew they were watching me to see if I would stay true to my brand. The black bikini was photo shopped to look like that.  There was more fabric on that bathing suit.  They also gave me boobs. (She laughs.)  I don’t have any boobs.  I called the producer of the show to see if he knew boobs were added to my photo?  They caught Lisa on tape talking about me being a great Christian and I talked to Lisa and she said it was two different conversations that they edited together to make it sound negative.  She did not make those comments about me; it was edited to look that way.  It’s nothing that we could really do because we signed contracts but I did not think they would manipulate the truth.

Question:  Why did you come back to do the show?

Shannon:  I was lied to.  They said the show was going to make us into a brand.  Why wouldn’t I come back to show my brand.  I wanted my fans to see me.  I have gotten a lot of fans from the show since cycle one.  I’m just glad I did not back down.  I stayed true to my brand.  I wanted my fans to see that the business did not change me.  Once I got on the show I thought,  “this is a joke.  This is not branding.”  I’m not a quitter.  My father taught me not to be a quitter and that’s why I did not leave the show.  I thought to myself that I would just ride this thing out.

Question:  What advice can you give to aspiring models?

Shannon:  In this business people will pull you in all directions.  Don’t let them do it. Respect who you are.

Question:  What’s next for Shannon?

Shannon:  Books, speaking engagements, modeling, commercials.

Question:  Why type of books?

Shannon:  Non fiction and fiction.  I want to write a book about my life as a model and encourage people.  I want show people the testimony of my life.

Shannon will definitely be an inspiration to those who think they must do things they are not comfortable with in the modeling industry.  Now we know that you will not be blacklisted from getting modeling assignments because it may have a negative affect on your brand.  You never know what could come back to disrupt your future careers.  We will keep in touch with Shannon on her website at ShannonStewartmodel.com and twitter at ShannonStewart1.

The Branding of America’s Next Top Model  All-Stars

KAYLA

Free At Last

By Belinda Trotter-James

Modelocity Online.com

As I talk to all the eliminated contestants, it seems as through the Top Model producers are looking for the girls to be the same personalities we saw when they first appeared on previous cycles. Bre tried to explain to the judges at panel that she was not that 19 year old girl they first met anymore. Judge, Nigel tried to get Angelea to show her personality by acting like a fool and she would not do it.  Angelea said she is professional now and knows how to act in various situations.  The girls have matured into professional young models that have raised above all the crazy stunts Top Model has to offer the All-Stars.  It’s a shame that the producers could not come up with a show that celebrates the success of their All-Stars instead of making them look like brand new star struck wannabees.

Kayla is one of those past contestants who had to overcome a lot of issues in her personal and professional life.  If you remember her from cycle 15, she confessed that she is a lesbian and when it came to taking photos with male models, she nearly had a nervous breakdown.  However, when we see her in cycle 17, you forgot all about those issues.  She did two shoots with the opposite sex and had no issues.  She was so good that you forgot about the past; which is a good thing.  Yeah for Kayla!  Let’s see what she has been up to since cycle 15…

Kayla:  My mom got married and moved to Japan.  I went to visit and her husband suggested that I should go to the modeling agencies in Japan.  So I did and booked some assignments and got signed with an agency in Tokyo.  I’m going back in February and I’m going to take Laura with me.

 (Laura is the All Star contestant we first met in cycle 13, I’ll be interviewing her soon as the winner or another eliminee. ;))

Kayla:  I have a model apartment.  It’s fun.  I have the whole year off and I work in the summer.  I work only 4-6 weeks at a time in Japan.  So I told Laura she can come with me and don’t have to worry about having a place to live.

Question:  Do you speak Japanese now?

Kayla:  I got Rosetta Stone but I still can’t speak it.  When I try to practice with my girlfriend, she tells me to just shut up. (She laughs)

Note:  Kayla said that she would pick up the language faster if she stayed longer but she only works for 4-6 weeks at a time and comes back to the states.  When asked if she would live there for good, she said that her mom’s house was hit by the Tsunami and they don’t think the radiation level is safe enough to live in the area. 

Question:  Why do you think you were eliminated?

Kayla:  I automatically thought I had it in the bag.  I told myself I’m going to win. But then they stuck that branding word on me, ‘free’ the word got difficult for me to translate into photos.  I thought in the photos I was ‘free’ to do whatever.  But the judges did not see ‘free’ in the photos.  I know my angles and I felt ‘free’ but it just did not connect.  I know I have good photos.  However, this cycle is about branding and they want the total package.  Some of the other girl's brands were more marketable than my brand.  I kind of felt branded by my word.  Some of the girls had easy words. ‘ Free’ is such a vague word.  The word did not work in my favor. I don’t think I was the total package.

Question:  What words of wisdom/advice can you give to aspiring models that look up to you?

Kayla:  I remember this little girl was crying because she was happy to see me.  She asked for my autograph and she said she could not wait until she was old enough to be on Top Model.  So the advice I have is stay true to who you are.  When you see the judges responding to the other person, you think, ‘oh, maybe I need to do that because that person is getting the attention and they don’t see me as the great person my mom sees.  May be I should try this or that to get attention’.  Just know that there are people who are watching that can relate to your personality.  So, don’t be anyone else; be yourself.

In one of the challenges the girls were hooked up to a prop motorcycle complete with a biker dude.  The motorcycle was hooked up to a truck and a camera.  It appeared as if the motorcycle was riding on its own power.  The clips of the show made it look like Kayla was distracted by the fans on the street and could not concentrate on getting a good shot.

Kayla:  What!!?!! (She laughs)  That's not what happened. It was not that way at all.  It was a fun ride.  I thought I had some good shots.  Mr. Jay would stop and wave at the fans as well.  When I got the comments from the judges on all the things I did wrong, I was shocked.  I’m thinking, ‘wait a minute!? What are you talking about?’  I was very surprised to be at the bottom.  My photos were better than some of the girls who are still there.  I think the judges felt my brand was not as marketable as the other girls.

Question:  It looked like you were having a hard time transforming into your ‘free’ brand.  Did you ever figure out what that word means to you?

Kayla:  Being ‘free’ means moving past cycle 15.  Back then when you said I had to pose with a male, I would just leave.  Now I am having fun.  I’ve grown and I think they still wanted me to be the girl from cycle 15.  I can’t be free and still be emotional or stay stuck in the past. Free is growing and being happy.

Question:  What’s next for Kayla?

Kayla:  I want to get a degree.  Most models don’t last forever.  I want to do something that will bring me to the next level.  I did ANTM twice, I am an international model traveling overseas and now I want to go to school.  I want to do something that makes me happy but, I don’t know what that is yet.  That’s why I’m not focused.  So in the meantime I will continue my modeling career and maybe it will lead into acting.  I would love to do that.

Question:  Can your fans keep up with your career on twitter or face book?

Kayla:  I hate technology. (She laughs) I didn’t have one but  Lisa (another All Star contestant) forced me to get a twitter account.  She said she would hunt me down if I did not get a twitter or face book account.

As we ended our interview she tried to remember her username for the accounts.  If modelkay1 does not work for face book or ANTMKayla does not work for twitter….. email me at Belinda@modelocityonline.com and I will hunt her down to get the correct info.  (LOL)

Photo credit:  CW 11

The Branding of America’s Next Top Model  All-Stars

BRE SCULLARK STILL HAS THE ‘IT’ FACTOR

By Belinda Trotter-James

Modelocity Online.com

If you have been watching America’s Next Top Model since cycle 5, then you are familiar with Bre Scullark.  She was the feisty 19 year old who got mad at the other girls for eating her snacks.  Bre has gone on to be a successful model for the past 6 years.  You wouldn’t know that because the show never let you know that there is life after Top Model.

In an exclusive interview, Bre reveals why she subjected herself to another reality model competition, why she lost it when the shows hairstylist gave her a buzz cut and why longtime friend and fellow contestant, Bianca was so mad at her.  Keep reading for all the juicy details.

Question:  Bre what have you been doing since you left the show in cycle 5?

BRE:  I knew from day one that I wanted to be a model.  I have been professionally modeling with Ford Modeling agency in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.  I’ve been in commercials including Old Navy and worked with Tyra as a correspondent on her TV show.  It’s been a great ride.

Question:  Why did you decide to do the show again?

BRE:   Well, it was two things… The first time I did not know what to do.  Everything was new.  This time I wanted to win and be an America’s Next Top Model All-Star.  I wanted the judges to see how I have grown and  I wanted to see if I still had ‘it’.  It was a test for myself.  I’m 26 now and I’m not that same person who was on cycle 5.

Question:  The judges seem to think that you lost your energy from the last time you appeared on the show.  Did you?

BRE:  The judges were trying to say that there was no communication with the way I was acting.  I’m not that same girl who was always jumping up and down all the time.  Growing up does not mean I lost my energy.  I’m just not that same girl they once knew.  They felt I had lack of energy or lack of interest.  You know, they might be onto something.  (She laughs and I am stunned by the statement.) The stakes were not as high for me this time.  Now I know when one opportunity does not work out, another will open and be there for you.

Question: You threatened to leave the show when they gave you a buzz cut. Why did you almost lose your mind when they cut your hair very short?

BRE:  I had to speak to my agent and I was very upset.  People should always have choices.  My hair is under contract to be a certain length and I’m thinking OMG!  I will lose my contract.  I can’t make a snap decision like that and have it affect my career.

Note:  I told Bre that the producers of the show had to know that bit of information about her hair.  However, Bre got mad after the hair cut. She was supposed to put a stop to the scissors before an inch was taken.  The thing that pisses me off is that at every photo shoot challenge the hairstylist are gluing and weaving hair to style the girls for a specific look.  So why cut in the first place?  She is already a brand.  What gave ANTM the right to chop someone’s hair off without knowing the consequences????  ( Ugh! Anyway… back to the interview…)

We find out that her best friend from the show for years has been Bianca.  Bre failed to mention to Bianca that she would be joining her on the show.  This was not a good idea because when Bianca saw Bre walk through the doors of the ANTM house, she was not a happy camper.  Bre explains why Bianca was so mad…

BRE:  Bianca is not good with jokes.  She has been calling me for weeks and asking me a thousand ways if I was going to be on the show. I would say ‘I don’t know’.  Then she said, “If you’re going to be there and you don’t tell be before hand, don’t speak to me.”

(Bre laughs as she recalls her conversations with Bianca.  When I asked her why Bianca was so mad?  Bre just shook her head and said, “I don’t know; that’s just Bianca.”)

Question:  If you had one tip you could give to aspiring models, what would it be?

BRE:  Be authentic.  Be the best you. People always try to follow what the last person did and end up losing themselves in the process.

Question:  What’s next?

BRE:  I am excited to see my Old Navy holiday commercial that will be coming out soon and I’m really excited about being on CSI.  I will also be in a new sitcom by Tyler Perry.

Question:  Wow!  That’s great.  I am so excited and happy for you.  I’m glad to know that you made it after the light went out in cycle 5.  Where can your fans keep track of you?

BRE:  I’m on twitter @Msbrescullark and they can go to my website at www.BreScullark.com

Photos courtesy of the CW

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The Branding of America’s Next Top Model Part 5

Celebrity Diva’s LaToya Jackson And The Kardashian Sisters

Join Top Model  

(Find out which Top Model tried to join the diva club.)

By Belinda Trotter-James

 Modelocity Online.com

This was the celebrity America’s Next Top Model show.  The Kardashian sisters had a fashion show featuring  their fashion line available at Sears plus A-list diva LaToya Jackson made an appearance as guest judge.  However, Bianca thought she was the A-list diva of the house and had a mental break down when the girls would not honor her title.  Bianca is very frustrated that she has not won a challenge, received best photo and barely made it to the next level at the elimination panels.  She seems to be under the impression that she is the most experienced and consistently working model of the group.  However, she sees that she has not been sitting on the high pedestal she put herself on.  Therefore, when she had an argument in the house with Lisa, it totally destroyed her spirit.  Not only did she go crying to her boyfriend on the telephone about the whole ordeal and threatened to quit the show, but the Kardashians were not impressed with her performance in their runway show.

After the Kardashian fashion show Miss Jay asked Bianca what was wrong and she started tattle-tailing like a 5 year old about the girls being mean to her and not respecting that she is the A-lister in the house.  Frankly, I am surprised that Bianca would crack.  She claims the girls don’t like her and she should not be here with people she does not like.  I don’t know if anyone has told her that professional models consider anyone from ANTM an amateur.  If she thinks the top model girls were disrespectful, wait until the pros get her alone behind stage.  (Meow)

Let’s get back to the Kardashian fashion show…. This is another crazy runway challenge that had nothing to do with the branding of the girls.  The girls had to leap in their 5 inch heels onto a very fast moving carousel only to jump off onto a runway.  (LOL, who thinks of this stuff?)  They could have gracefully hopped on and off a carousel going 5 miles per hour.  But, nooooo!  ANTM needed a fall, bump or trip up to make the show interesting. Miss Jay said that the Channel show had the models on a beautiful carousel in Paris.  Hmmm… There is only one thing wrong with that picture… I don’t think the Paris carousel was going 50 miles per hour.  Channel would never take a chance of having their girls fall in expensive garments for the sake of making the show interesting. 

The winner of the moving horse runway challenge was a tie.  The Kardashian sisters couldn’t decide between Lisa and Bre.  Kloe Kardashian said that Bianca had no energy on the runway.  The bad part about that statement was that Bianca thought she killed the runway.

Special guest star LaToya Jackson appeared on the show so that the girls could portray a part of Michael Jackson at various parts of his career in a photo shoot.  Ruska, Michael’s personal stylist was also on hand to style the girls for the shoot.  The girls really did an excellent job except for Bianca, Angelea, Lisa and Bre.  I don’t get it.  At the shoot Bianca and Bre was getting high praise from LaToya and Mr. Jay.  However, the judges chose to show their worst photo.

Laura as Michael Jackson

At judging panel, LaToya Jackson ranked the girls from best to worst photo.  Tyra has never let a guest judge go solo in ranking the photos and selecting who goes home in Top Model history.  This is how LaToya ranked the girls… Best photo goes to Laura.  All her photos have been pretty good in this cycle.  Then Shannon, Dominique, Allison, Alexandria, Kayla, Bre, Bianca and the bottom two are Lisa and Angelea (translation…. Worst photos.)   Thanks to Ms. Jackson no one was sent home this week.

Angelea as Michael Jackson

Who will be the next girl to be sent home again and lose the chance at becoming America’s Next Top Model All-Star???  Stay tuned for my exclusive interviews at www.ModelocityOnline.com/blog

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America’s Next Top Model Branding Part 4

What The Heck Is Going On With Our All-Stars

By Belinda Trotter-James

Modelocity Online

Lisa was on celebrity rehab for drinking too much in cycle 5.  Camille signature walk is not making her enough money to pay her bills, Tyra called Bianca’s photos amateur and Kayla was rushed to the emergency room.  This is not what I want to see from our All Stars.  Sheesh!!  On with the show…

I was glad to see the girls have an opportunity to get a real job acting on one of the most successful television shows, CSI, Crime Scene Investigation.  Our All -Stars are pros and I cannot wait to see them in action.  Bianca said, “I can do everything.”  She told Mr. Jay that she is the real model of all the girls.  I guess it’s because she thinks she gets the most work.  However, the other All-Stars have been doing better than Bianca with the photo challenges.    The girls had 30 minutes to memorize the CSI script.  Kayla said that half of the words in the script were longer than her face.  It was definitely a challenging script to read.  Camille was shaking like a leaf when it was her turn.  I cannot wait to ask her where she lost her confidence.  This is not the Camille from cycle 2. The director wanted to see if the girls could go from model to actress, stick to the medical terms used in the script and be in the moment of the scene. Only two of the girls hit the nail on the head… (No, not Miss I can do everything, Bianca.)  It was Bre and Angelea.  The All-Star who won the challenge and will appear on an episode of CSI is Bre.  Yeah!  She got a job. Cha-ching, cha-ching.  Thank goodness she did not go home because of her hair cut.

Okay, so the girls can’t fake getting through an acting audition.  Now they are in familiar territory… a fashion photo shoot with Express.  The marketing director was also on hand to watch the girls in action.  Wow, another great opportunity to get work after the show because they are… All Stars!

The shoot takes place outside of a Beverly Hills mansion.  The girls must tell a story in the photo.  Mr. Jay gives each of the girls a word, (girlfriend, socialite, the flirt, cool chick) to work with for the shoot and three male models.  When it was time for the girls to get the shoot, Bianca was not portraying her word (which was flirt.)  Her photos looked more fun and happy than flirty.  She explained to Mr. Jay what goes on in the real world of modeling.  “In the real world of modeling,” starts Bianca, they don’t give you words.”  She’s right.  In the real world they expect you to make up your own words in your head and deliver the mood intended for the shoot. Mr. Jay said, “She just missed the model boat because I haven’t seen model all cycle.”  You must learn to feel the moment the director wants not the mood you think should be shot.  Camille looked like she was brand new and could not deliver a diva shot.  Her facial expressions were blank and she tripped on the stairs.  That really threw her off her game.  I cannot believe this was her best shot.  Alexandria just left cycle 16 and forgot that her facial expressions must match her body poses.  Lisa had the nerve to say that the guys in her shot said they were hungry and she did not want to push them to hard…. What the….  Those short, male models were lucky to have an assignment.  When the shoot is over, they have all year to eat.

The best model photo went to Angelea, then Dominique, Allison and Laura. Bianca was nowhere near the top. 

The girls in the bottom two were Camille and Lisa.  Both girls had excuses as to why their photos were not good enough this week. However, Camille became the background instead of being the main focus of her photo.  Therefore, Camille goes home again.

Who will be the next girl to be sent home again and lose the chance at becoming America’s Next Top Model All-Star???  Stay tuned for my exclusive interview with Camille McDonald at www.ModelocityOnline.com/blog

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I Have A Good Guess Why Andre Leon Talley Is Leaving

America’s Next Top Model

By Belinda Trotter-James

The Diva-Model Guru

ModelocityOnline.com

America’s Next Top Model has been an opportunity of a lifetime for aspiring models all over the world.  However, the finicky fashion industry has yet to embrace the show as the scout master of finding new talent.  Modeling agencies are allegedly telling former contestants not to mention they were on the show to clients.  “Ouch!”   Then along comes the most powerful man in fashion, Andre Leon Talley to breathe an “A” list status into the show by giving it a high fashion couture stamp of approval.  This meant that the first magazine sponsor of the show, Seventeen magazine, got the boot and was replaced with Vogue Italia.  Oh La La!  Well,  it did not work.  Since the cookie -cutter format stayed the same not even Andrea and Vogue Italia could bring the show to a higher status level of high fashion.

The current All-Star Fan favorite, Cycle 17 should have been the highlight of America’s Next Top Model reign.  Fans not only expected to see their favorites but also the most successful of the all the contestants since the shows inception.  However, what we got was a portrayal of our favorites looking if they were brand new.  Some of the girls are still trying to stay afloat as a working model since leaving their cycle. The girls get no help with their modeling careers after the show.  The Top Model producers should have showed why the girls were favorites and a glimpse into what they have done with their lives since leaving the show.  Of course the show would not be interesting if they did not throw in the crazy, challenging photo shoots and it would be nice to see the girls in fashion shows with top designers.  This group of seasoned All-Star models should not be put on trial and judged like amateur models as in the regular cycles.  It’s degrading and makes the viewers feel these girls are back to take a crash course in modeling because they are not the superstars of the fashion world yet.  This show should give hope to viewers who are pursuing a modeling career that there is life as a working model in the industry after the contestants leave the show.  Maybe this crash course is not working because we have yet to see our Top Model winners in a major Cover Girl commercial or updates on their life as a working model.

Mr. Talley must be high tailing it out of there fast before the show ruins his insight and reputation in the high profile status life of the fashion industry.

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America’s Next Top Model All-Star Sheena Sakai

Living the Sheenified Lifestyle

By Belinda Trotter-James

Modelocity Online.com

Fan favorite All Star Sheena Sakai from Honolulu Hawaii is living her dream life as a working actress, host and model.  We first met Sheena on cycle 11 at the age of 21.  Now 24 she has been traveling the world working within the industry and has an online vintage thrift store that she opened in 2009 online.  “I think I’m becoming a hoarder.  I love vintage clothes,” laughs Sheena. 

Sheena was in the middle of packing for a move when she got the call to be on the show.  “I thought the producers from Top Model were calling me for a different type of show.  They told me it was a fan favorite show.  I still was not sure what type of show it would be but I was excited and said ‘yes’.”

When Sheena go to the show and saw it was the same old soup just heated over, it was quite disappointing.  In an exclusive interview Sheena reveals to Modelocity Online how nothing changed with the show’s format and it was the same circus.  Keep reading for all the juicy details…

 Question:  What is the difference between cycle 11 when you first appeared on the show and this cycle?

Sheena:  Not much has changed.  It’s the same program, the same top model circus.  We are notable, acting, working girls now.  I felt the show tried to defame us by saying we are not there yet and putting us through the same ridiculous challenges.  I rather show you my entertainment and singing talents.  I did not get a chance to do that.  The pitch for the show was very different.

Note:  Sheena does make a good point about how the girls are being portrayed.  When I heard some of the judges’ comments, it made me feel like the girls have not moved into professional mode and had to come back to the show for a remedial course in modeling. It doesn’t seem like a higher level show or a show about how the pros get the job done.  It seems like they are treating the girls like amateur contestants all over again.

Q: Why was cutting your hair a major issue for you?

Sheena:  The last time I was on the show they burned off my hair.  It was horrible. It took me months to maintain it in order to get it back healthy again.  I did not need another makeover.  I’ve ‘been there, done that’ already.  If they would have said they were cutting my hair, I would have said ‘Hell-to-the-No!’  I would have been on the first train back home.  Ms. Jay was joking about cutting my hair in a Chinese bowl style, which is such a stereotype.  I was not having it.  Let me see you cut Tyra’s hair in a Chinese bowl style.

Note:  I laughed through this entire section of hair talk.  What I cannot believe is that Tyra’s hair styling staff is not the best in the business.  They can’t do weaves, color and most of the Black girls usually get their hair chopped off.  I know hair grows back but for Black girls it takes at least three life times to get a pig tale.  To make matters worse, for each photo challenge the girls end up getting extensions.  Unbeweavable.

Q.  The branding expert gave you the word ‘unexpected’.  How did you feel about that?

Sheena:  The word was right up my alley.  I have been doing unexpected things all of my life.  I loved it! This is a marketing expert.  If you are the brand, you belong to the public.  I studied marketing along with branding and I think I knew too much to be kept on the show.  When the marketing person asked me how I would brand myself, I told him I was Sheenafied!  I think he liked it.

Q:   Now that you are old at the age of 24, is it harder to get assignments and are you competing with the younger girls for jobs?

Sheena:  I don’t feel my age is getting in the way of getting assignments.  I’m not in the high fashion world which is a body type of a 14 year old.  I am more into acting and commercial modeling where age is not a factor.

Q:  What type of beauty regimen do you follow to keep yourself in top condition?

Sheena:  I exercise, drink plenty of water, take lots of vitamins and I don’t smoke or drink.

Q: If aspiring models could hear one Model’s Tip from you, what would it be?

Sheena:  You must have confidence and thick skin because this industry is full of rejection.  You must have endurance and persistence mentally, physically, spiritually.  Always have a backup plan.  Don’t’ get me wrong, it’s a beautiful life but everything has a price.  It’s more important to discover what your true genius is--- Find your calling.

Sheena will have her music coming out soon, she is working on projects and her television show will be out soon as well.  To find Ms. Sheenafied go to her website at www.sheenafied.com.

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Do Most Men Feel Like Brad Pitt?

Should  you put your career on hold for your boyfriend or significant other?

By Belinda Trotter-James for Modelocity Online

When you’re in a relationship, you hope this is the person you will be with forever.  Some women give up their careers to be with the man of their dreams.   However, some women who give up everything find themselves in a  nightmare when the boyfriend decides that you are not the woman of his dreams and leaves for another life.  Some who sacrificed careers now find themselves  feeling lost and starting over.

I was reading the story about Brad Pitt talking about his life, which included ex-wife Jennifer Aniston.  The magazine article portrayed Brad as a person who was not fulfilled in his marriage to Jennifer.  On the other hand, Jennifer probably thought she had the perfect marriage.  There were rumors that Brad wanted to start a family but Jennifer was busy with her career and wanted to hold off having children for the moment.   Brad tried to explain how he was feeling in his marriage to Jennifer but instead the magazine article made it seem like it was an unhappy time in his life.  He clears the statements up by saying, “The point I was trying to make is not that Jen was dull, but that I was becoming dull to myself – and that, I am responsible for.”

This is why it’s so important to talk to your boyfriend, spouse or significant other to see if you are on the same page regarding the future of the relationship.  If you’re not on the same page now, what makes you think you will be on the same page later?  Too many women give up everything and end up screaming…, “I gave up everything for you!!!”  Oh well.  Men will usually respond, “I did not ask you to give up everything for me.”  He probably didn’t but you ignored the signs.

In Brad’s case he wanted children and as soon as he got with Angelina Jolie, he got his wish and within a blind of an eye there were children running around his house.  Angelina gives Brad adventure.  He is having the time of his life.

At the end of the day you should take care of your needs while incorporating someone into your life.  If it was meant for you to be together, your career will be flexible enough to keep him happy and most of all allow you to stay true to yourself in keeping your inner spirit happy. 

Make it the life you want.

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I have answered many of your questions about starting your modeling career by email.  I feel your frustration when it comes to the rejection that comes with pursing this industry.  I know you have many more questions, so I have decided to put together a special phone session just for you.

Shoot For The Stars Strategy Session $297:  Ever wish you could talk to Industry experts about getting your career on track? Still trying to figure out what to do next? Shooting For The Stars Strategy session will get your career moving to the next level.   Now you can talk to The Diva Model Guru, Belinda Trotter-James for a 45 minute discovery strategy session by phone to catapult your modeling career to the next level.  Discover ways to turn your look into a career gold. 

Schedule your appointment today at https://my.timedriver.com/LND1G 

"I only wish I had someone to guide me through the ups and downs of the modeling industry.  Make your appointment today at   I cannot wait to talk to you.  When you invest big, you take big action and get big results.”

MODELS WITH THE WRONG PORTFOLIO

BY Belinda Trotter-James

For ModelocityOnline.com/magazine-issues

When I’m interviewing the contestants from America’s Next Top Model, I realized that they have no idea how important it is to have a portfolio.  Tyra Banks and her experts can only open the door by giving the girls the very best portfolio a model needs to further her career. However, once the girls receive their prized portfolio, if they don’t win the top prize of Top Model, that amazing, valuable book becomes a cherished memento. AAAUuuggghhhhh!!! There seems to be a stumbling block on what to do NEXT.

Then there are the girls that don’t have a clue and come to go-sees with photos in an envelope. AAAuuughh!!!!  (Excuse me for screaming but this is modeling basics.)  I don’t even want to spend time talking to you about the assignment when you won’t take time to get the correct items needed to be a professional model.

One girl walked in with a 3-ring binder and her photos were in the plastic protector pages… Aauuugghhhh!!!  I lost it and walked out of the room.  If you are not going to take yourself seriously, no one else will and that’s a fact.  You will leave the go-see frustrated and confused on why you got the cold, silent quick look through your photos ending with a, “Thank you.”

Another girl walks in and pulled her photos out of a drugstore envelope.  She had just got them developed and they were out of focused and part of her hair was chopped out of the photo. Aauugghh!  (I can’t scream anymore.)  I just don’t understand why someone has not told you what every model should know about having a portfolio.  If this is not a hobby to you, I will tell you exactly what you need to know, but first let me explain why you should look for a well made portfolio until an agent signs you.

 Purchasing just any type of portfolio is a bad move.  Remember the photo books that had your photos sticking to the plastic pages?  If you wanted to change a photo in the book, traces of the previous photo remained on the plastic.  You cannot show this type of book to an agent.  In some areas a good portfolio is hard to find.  So I set out in search of a quality portfolio (Yes, I’m a shopaholic hunter. I get a thrill out of shopping for a solution to my many challenges.)  Well I found a portfolio that will be offered through Modelocity Online which uses a clear “Orange Peel” vinyl, which has a texture similar to that of an orange peel, the pages do not lie flat on your pictures, thus reducing the ‘stick’ effect. You will definitely look like a professional model with this book.  The standard 9 ½” x 12 ½ ” model’s book has the Modelocity Online logo printed across the front which will give casting agents the impression that you are signed with someone and may be shopping around for another agent.  (Remember, everyone wants what they can’t have ;)

With 10 clear vinyl pages sealed into a reinforced spine, you will never have to worry about your photos falling out. (A 10-page portfolio holds 20 pictures.) Each page has a white or black paper insert which acts as a frame for the photo.  Oooooh!  Look at you….  Looking like a model that gets paid! ;)

You can order your book now at Modelocity Online.  Once you order your book, as a special gift, you will receive my exclusive Red Flag Model Report on “How To Set Up Your Photos A Portfolio;” which will spark excitement and interest in you.  As an extra bonus I will also send you by email, “How To Get Free Photos” to fill your book (or not to fill… I’ll explain in  the report.)  You will definitely need various photos by different photographers.  It can get pretty expensive, therefore you will definitely want to read my report.  Only serious models will take the time to make sure casting agents and modeling agencies do not mistake them for being amateurs.   Purchase your Model’s Portfolio book today at www.ModelocityOnline.com/shop

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Your Clothes Are Talking

Guess what 3 outfits are saying to talent scouts????

1.  THE OUTFIT: The Tight micro-mini skirt/dress with sky high heels.  It says, “Hi!  I see that street walkers get plenty of attention and opportunities with this outfit.  I will do anything, I mean anything to get signed.  I’m not really tall so I brought the highest heels I could find.  Sign me! Please!!!”

 2.  THE OUTFIT: The see-through shirt.  It says, “Well, I couldn’t wear my bathing suit through the streets, however, I wanted to show you that I have a bikini body.  Sign me! Please!!!”

 3.  THE OUTFIT:  The business suit. It says, “I don’t know if I’m here to be a model or to get a job as the receptionist at a modeling agency. Sign me! Please!!!”

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?????

Females should wear a pair of form-fitting jeans or leggins with a matching top that complements your skin tone. And, don't forget the 3 inch heels.

 Males should choose either a nice pair of jeans or khakis with either a button-up shirt of slighty form-fitted t-shirt. Clean sneakers or boots are also recommended.

Your hair should be clean and in a simple style; nothing too fussy.

Stay tuned for more tips on what to wear when interviewing with modeling agencies in The Red Flag Model Reports with The Diva Model Guru, Belinda Trotter-James.  Join the VIP Model Membership Today to get your exclusive Red Flag Model Reports at www.modelocityonline.com/magazine-issues

Hugh’s Fiancé Leaves Through The Side Door

By Belinda Trotter-James, The Diva Model Guru

Playboy cover girl and Hugh Hefner’s fiancé, Crystal Harris calls off her wedding to Hef.  If you follow me on face book or read my blogs, you will remember when I said to go through the side door if you cannot go through the front door to jump start your modeling career.  Some may say that’s what Crystal did to jumpstart her career.  Being a Play Boy model and Hugh’s girlfriend was a great side door; or was it?  What would you do to jumpstart your modeling career?  Most girls look for tall, dark and handsome.  Hugh Hefner is short, pale and handsomely rich.  The media is saying that Crystal backed out of the wedding because of all the media attention.  What the????  He’s Mr. Playboy.  Media attention is his life and she knew this would be the life she would live by being with him.

Could it be that maybe she did not really love him enough and felt guilty by using him for her own career goals?  Could you marry someone you did not love in order to fast forward your career.  The side doors are always tricky and are there to test your moral values.

Your assignment for this week is to make a career plan and stick to it.  Ask for inner guidance and don’t quit.  Everyone must go through a journey and there will be many of detours and road blocks.  When you must make a decision and you get stuck, look at your career plan, adjust as needed, keep it moving or you can email me, The Diva Model Guru.

Let’s see where Crystal Harris career plans will take her next.  Did she make the right decision?  In the end, don’t stress the journey, enjoy the adventure.

Photo: Getty Images/Playboy www.modelocityonline.com

Original Project Runway Producers Get Even

By Belinda Trotter-James, The Diva Model Guru

Hosted by Super Model,  Elle  Macpherson, Fashion Star is a take-off of Project runway.  Between the two of them, you mean to tell me Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz of Magical Elves, the original producers of Project Runway
could not come up with another original reality TV designer show idea?  Sheesh, is this the one hit wonder of reality television from this duo?  I hope Fashion Star is one hundred times better than Project Runway. 

The winners of Fashion Star will receive..... Guess?????  Money to launch their own clothing line.....  Woo-Hooo!  Jessica Simpson will also be on the show.  You may not think she knows style by the way she dresses but she knows how to guess what other people would wear.  Her fashion empire is worth almost one billion dollars!!!!  Sheesh, Jess!  You go, Girl!!!  Next time someone talks about your weight, just crush them with your wallet.

The Best Grumpy, Cranky Poser

America’s Next Top Model…Molly

By Belinda Trotter James

It’s not nice to call someone cranky or grumpy but during the entire cycle that what you got from Molly, the 22 year old master poser  who stands 5’10” from Charleston, South Carolina.  Her stunning photos got high praise from Tyra, Andre Leon Tally, Nigel and the guest judges at panel.  If she was the best print model of the bunch, why isn’t she the winner?  Why was she so grumpy?  Read on for all the juicy details.

This was a heartbreaking finale because we all knew how badly Molly wanted to win the title of America’s Next Top Model.  Maybe she was too cranky to be the winner….  “I think the Cover Girl commercial was my down fall,” begins Molly.  To win the $100,000 prize, you must do pretty well in the contest.  Picture wise I was better, runway I was better but everything else was up for grabs.”

Molly did take gorgeous photos however; her personality off set was like hugging a porcupine.  “I was crabby but I try to be humorous and not annoying about it.  Little by little I am getting better.”  Her anger issue became the focus on the show and we also found out that she was adopted.  This also brought in feelings of anger.  She was one of the lucky ones to have parents who adopted her while she was very young.  That still does not stop some folk from feeling abandoned.  Molly rebelled a little against her adoptive parents by hanging out late and taking drugs.  Mr. Jay felt that maybe she wanted to see if they would abandon her too.  Well they didn’t and Molly now sees that she is very fortunate to have great adoptive parents.  “In meeting my mother, I was told that she gave me away to have a better life,” recalls Molly.  “I see it was a good thing she gave me up.  I would not want to live the way she lives.  It took me a while to see that I do have a better life.”   When you hear these types of stories, you realize that children really don’t care about the living situation, they just want to know that they are wanted and loved.  For some who are fortunate enough to have loving adoptive families feelings of being abandoned and not loved still haunt their everyday life.  Molly has been through the fire and it looks like she will do well with her modeling career and loving herself enough not to be called crabby ever again.

If you have ever had a braided weave, you know the process can take hours.  In Molly’s case it took over 7 hours to put in her weave only to realize that the girl did not know what she was doing and botched it up.  In the history of ANTM and the revolution of perfecting the weave, viewers could not understand how they could not find one person to do a master weave.  “I loved my hair in the curls because my hair cannot hold a curl.  I love big hair,” says Molly.  “My hair could not handle the braids.  When the first girl could not do a good weave, they sent in a second person who also messed it up.  My hair is too thin for that type of weave. Clips work better.”  Unbeweavable!

By the time Molly and Brittani had to face the judges, they had new makeovers.  A shorter cut made the girls look younger, cleaner and fresher.  As the judges were giving their final critiques, Molly’s tears were flowing like rain.  This is not the tough, strong, confident contestant we have seen the entire cycle.  What happened???!?  “I knew how bad my commercial was.  I had a feeling I would not win.  I just knew it,” said Molly.

If she could change anything, it would be to try not to complain.  “For the most part I would not change anything else.  I took good photos, I walked well but, in the end I think I just thought about it too much,” explains Molly.  Her advice to others is to just be yourself.  “My biggest thing is to be respectful in front of clients and panel,” recalls Molly.  Just take in everything.  It’s such an amazing opportunity.”

Molly plans to move to New York in a month or two with Top Model winner, Brittani.  “I’m waiting to hear in two weeks if IMG model management wants to sign me,” explains Molly.  “If not I will go looking for an agent.

Molly revealed that from the first day she saw Brittani, she knew that was her competition.  Now the two are starting their modeling careers together as BFF.  Well it looks like they have a plan and if they work it well; they will be very successful Top Models!*

America’s Next Top Model Eliminee… Alexandria 

Controlling Self 

By Belinda Trotter-James

Alexandria is the blonde hair, 5’10” 21 year old beauty from Newport Beach, California. She was the most hated girl in the house on Top Model. Usually you have at least one girl on your side, but Alexandria seemed to alienate all the girls. Was it something we did not see on the show? Were the girls wrong to hate her so much? Alexandria sets the record straight about that and why she felt the need to be so controlling on the photo shoot sets. Keep reading for all the answers and much more in our exclusive interview...

Have you ever met someone that is supposed to be the student but always directing everyone like they are the teacher?  That was the way Alexandria was portrayed on the show.  A director said that if she would have directed a director on a photo shoot in the real world, she would have been asked to leave on the spot.  “I wasn’t trying to direct,” starts Alexandria, “I saw something that needed to be fixed.  I did not want the girls to not know their angles for the shoot.  I went out on the ledge and got bit,” laughs Alexandria.   She also got in trouble on the set when she tried to control her camel when shooting in the desert.  “I don’t think I was directing the camel,” says Alexandria.  “I think someone told the photographer about me.  He already knew that I was controlling and told Mr. Jay who later told me that I was already warned about being so controlling,” remembers Alexandria.  She still does not think she was controlling; maybe just a little too helpful.  It’s just hard to believe that a girl with this much experience would take a chance and try to direct professionals. 

Now you know that when you are at a photo shoot, the crew does not need or want your help.  However, Alexandria insists that she was just applying techniques learned at other shoots.  “Instead of being an airhead, I was remembering everything.  I was trying to relate everything I want to do or already knew.  I’m wise beyond my years,” reveals Alexandria.

In almost every episode Alexandria managed to piss off one of the other contestants. What the heck? She did not appear to be annoying… Well at least the editing did not make her out to appear that way.  “A lot of people stay so negative. It’s the 21^st century. Can’t we just all get along?” starts Alexandria. “I guess these are lessons the girls have to learn from. If I did something they hated so much, they had 7 weeks to come to me and talk. No one ever said anything. I wanted them to say it to my face and not behind my back. None of them had the nerve to do it.”

The girls may have not had the balls to say anything negative or positive to Alexandria’s face but, they listened to her advice since she is more experienced than most of them in the house. “The girls or anyone else don’t understand what I’ve been through,” said Alexandria. She did not want to go through the entire story of what she had been through… “It may take a day to explain,” laughs Alexandria.  It’s good that she can laugh about it now. (Whatever ‘it’ is.)  “I try to cement it into someone’s head that my way is the right way. It’s not a crime to be passionate about something you love to do. It’s about being relatable. If they wanted to understand me then we could have talked it out. I feel I was a little robbed.”

During her makeover, she told the hairstylist what to do.  Alexandria explains, “I never had fake hair and it was great to have a $2,500 weave but the girl did not know what she was doing. You could see the extensions in the front of my head.  I had to say something in the best professional way possible.   My mother always said if you see something is not right, say something.  You have the voice to make it right.  I took one of the stylists over to the side and spoke with her privately.  I had 300 extensions that took seven hours to do.  I’m sure the hair stylist is very good at what she does but, I had to say something.”

Alexandria has had modeling experience and tried to help those who had never lived in a house full of girls before... “I was living with models for fashion week in a space that felt like a closet.  It’s about building relationships.  Maybe these girls will learn with this experience,” says Alexandria.  She was curious enough to ask older folks why people act nasty towards each other; but they even said that’s the way it is and it will go on like this forever no matter what you do to play nice.  Alexandria says that maybe it’s others insecurities, jealousies or feeling inferior that makes them not like you. “I’m very strong minded and don’t agree with weakness.  You have to be passionate about what you do in life,” says Alexandria.

One of the lessons Alexandria has taken with her is that she is #1.  “I learned to care about myself more.  Why was I trying to help people when all they did was stab me in the back?  I’m not saying I will not help people anymore; I will just keep everything in balance,” explains Alexandria.

Alexandria did everything correct including speaking up for herself at the right time. Timing is everything.  At the end of the day, the judges would have asked her why she did not do this or that. The judges will contradict themselves and confuse everyone.  You must know when to make a judgment call.  When the girls would not speak to her in the house it would have been enough to kill anyone’s spirit.  That’s why it’s so important to have tough skin to get through the rough patches in life.  The negative energy from the girls was so strong at one point that it bounced off of Alexandria and shot back to Hate Her Street.  In the end Alexandria won a challenge which included a brand new car and a couple of ad campaigns.  Holy Cow!!!  That’s what happens when you stay positive no matter who or what tries to shake your confidence.  Every test that was thrown at Alexandria, she either grew from it or won a major prize. Boy, life is funny at times.

The next move for the former contestant is to put everything she learned from the show into action.  She is not bitter about not winning.  It was not her time and she probably did not have the ‘look’. As for her advice to the next group of girls… “They don’t need any advice,” says Alexandria.  They will be fine if they stay positive and shoot for the stars.”   Her positive energy must be the key to her success because she will be one of the diva’s in cycle 17 All-Star America’s Next Top Model competition.  Stay tuned.  This is going to be divalicious!!!*

America’s Next Top Model Eliminee… KASIA

EXPERIENCE DID NOT PAY

By Belinda Trotter-James

America’s Next Top Model contestants are living it up in Marrakesh, Morocco and the first girl to be eliminated is Kasia.  Sheesh!  What a bummer; but at least she made it to Morocco to see the sights.  Kasia is a 26 year old, 5’9” full figured model with experience from Wheaton, Illinois.  Have you ever noticed that past contestants who boasted about having experience are always the first to go?  It seemed like in every episode, Kasia made sure the girls knew she had modeling experience.  “No, no, no,” Kasia interrupts. “I could not lie to the girls about my experience.”  We did not say lie about your experience, just don’t mention it.  The camera caught Kasia several times telling the girls about her experience.  The camera or editing could not give a false impression on that note.  As we see, her experience proved useless to keep her in the competition.

In our exclusive interview Kasia reveals why she had a melt down on set about her body and why she thinks her experience did not pay off…

Girls who have been watching Top Model should study the show to remember what to say and what not to do to stay in the competition.  Saying that you have major experience automatically puts a target on your forehead.  Before Kasia landed on Top Model, she was a working model.  “I was signed with Wilhelmina and doing commercials, fashion shows, Bryant Park and appeared in V magazine and Seventeen magazine which was weird because that was one of the prizes last cycle.  However, this was an opportunity I just could not let pass,” says Kasia.  At the judging panel it seems that contestants with experience don’t get a free pass.  “There is a big expectation and the bar is set so high,” explains Kasia.  “With the new girls that have no experience the judges take note of how much they have grown from one challenge to the next.”

The show did a good editing job because we witnessed Kasia looking like an amateur when it came to shooting with the baby Jaguar and sitting on a camel in Morocco.  “What you did not see was that I had a bad allergic reaction to the Jaguar.  I broke out in a rash and hives.  They did not even show that part,” explained Kasia.  “I did not say anything or complain at panel because I did not want them to say it was my excuse for not getting a good shot.  The camel was hard.  It could be hard for anyone; it was hard to pose.”  Hmmm…. The other girls didn’t seem to have a camel problem, but, hey, you never know…

Each cycle Top Model selects a girl that is not the norm for the modeling industry.  This year Kasia was labeled as our full figured model.  With every cycle the full figures struggle with body image issues, negative comments and not being able to fit into the designer clothing provided at the photo shoots.  It can be hard for anyone and at some point during the competition we see our girls melt down.  Kasia is no exception.  Her confidence was slipping fast.  “I broke down about how my body looked on set because I was getting a lot of negative comments,” says Kasia.  “The people dressing me were not nice. Nobody noticed, the girls, Andre [Leon Tally] or Noureddine Amir [fashion designer] on how upset I was at the moment.  I got upset later.  I could hear them saying, ‘nothing is working’, ‘it’s not fitting’, it’s not the first time I heard it.   I heard it a lot,” remembers Kasia.  “I know it looked like my horrible inner critic was getting the best of me but a person can take but so much criticism.”   Kasia said she has heard lots of negative comments during her journey in becoming a working model however; you will get those moments of weakness and allow the comments to penetrate your skin to the point where you just crack.  The good part is that Kasia also knows that the industry is changing and she says at any moment they will flip a switch and her size will be ‘in’.

Kasia is 26 years old and that is really old in model years.  In order for her to survive she must realize that this is the skinny girls’ world and if she is to knock down barriers because of her size, she must make her skin as tough as an elephants.  By the way skinny girls get negative comments too… “She’s so skinny, nothing will fit her little body, eat a cookie…  Those comments must take place in your life so that you will grow as an individual.  When people talk about you, it makes you go within and fix ‘it’, make ‘it’ better or love ‘it’.  The choice is always yours.

For the most part Kasia did very well on most of the shoots and the commercials.  She did, however receive negative comments  on her go-sees which surprised Kasia.  “The go-sees were very easy for me because I’m good with people, I can get around and read a map.  I guess they did not want to show me in a good way.  I was also confused by the comment of the editor [of Vogue Italia]. One moment she liked me and the next moment she would not put me in the magazine,” remembers Kasia.

When the competition is over she will start working on getting an agent.  “The show has been really good for me.  I should be able to do lots of things with this exposure,” says Kasia.  Her advice to the next group of girls is to never lose confidence and stay strong.   “No matter what happens, stresses, the girls, the shoots, don’t have a moment of weakness.  If you do, they will catch it.  Be super human,” laughs Kasia.

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  Photos courtesy of the CW11

America’s Next Top Model Excusive Interview- Mikaela

Experience Did Not Help

By Belinda Trotter-James

Mikaela is the 8^th girl to leave the competition unwillingly.  This 21 year old, 5’9” beauty from Boca Raton, Florida was living her life chasing the dream of becoming a model and doing amateur modeling stuff before auditioning for Top Model.  “I was with Wilhelmina”, starts Mikaela.  “I did a lot of print, runway and editorial work.  Then I cancelled my contract with Wilhelmina to go out on my own.”

Note to Readers:  Wait a cotton pickin’ minute.  No one leaves Wilhelmina modeling agency to go out on your own.  They are one of the top agencies for models.  She probably left because they were not getting her enough work.  Maybe her experience was not on the level the agency needed it to be.  Even Tyra said that probably the reason she auditioned for Top Model was because things were not happening like she thought.  Okay…. Let’s continue…

If you follow Top Model you know that there are some crazy photo shoot challenges that are very artistic.  This allows the models to show a range of emotions and body poses.  Mikaela did not seem to know what to do.  “A lot of the shoots were not challenging”, explains Mikaela.  I was getting very good feedback from Mr. Jay.  I was giving it my all every week but, at panel the photos were not good.”  The judges kept telling Mikaela that her eyes were not intense enough.  “I kept hearing that comment from week to week and that was so frustrating to me,” says Mikaela.  “I don’t know what I was doing wrong.  I was never able to cross that bridge.”

The nail on the coffin was when Mikaela had to pretend to be a crazy person obsessed over sales.  What woman can’t relate to that?  It’s why we live and breathe.  “I kept trying to find something tangible to do.  I didn’t know if I should go through the bags… I don’t know what happened.  The set was so overwhelming,” remembers Mikaela.   Overwhelming?!  She’s an experienced model. (Well, that’s what she told us.)  Now I don’t understand.  Mikaela explained, “It was pretty upsetting being in the bottom two.  I thought I was giving it my all; it was so much to deal with”.  Hmmm...  I still don’t get how an experience model was overwhelmed by the set, people, lights, the girls, stress, too many instructions…. AAAuuuuuggghhhhh!  Yup, we know how you feel.

I recommended that maybe a few acting lesson will help with trying to get into character on a photo shoot and she said… “I’ve had drama classes, done commercials and I’m a film director.  The most frustrating thing I had to do on the show was the coffee commercial.  I thought I was doing good.  Mr. Jay said I did good, but at panel the commercial was not so good.

Hmmm… Let me get this straight. She’s a film director who has done commercials and taken drama classes but she is now the 7^th girl eliminated from Top Model… Really?!  Okay, let’s move on to another subject…

In the house it seems as though everybody hates Alexandria.  Why?  “I don’t participate in drama”, confessed Mikaela.  “I wanted to learn and to work; not be involved in drama.  Every time they would start, I would just leave.  I’m not going to be in the same room with them.”

This cycle was the year of the long hair.  Mikaela never had a weave before and loved her new look.  “I had a weave in the beginning of the show and towards the end it disappeared. I don’t know if you noticed,” reveals Mikaela. “I had to have it removed because I got a rash. It was not a good thing having the weave.”  Sheesh!  This is the first cycle where more than one girl experienced a bad weave.  They must have found those stylists at Weaves R Us discount center.  I would hope after 16 cycles that Top Model has a big enough budget to hire the best hair weavers.  Unbeweavable!

Miss Jay did not teach them much about walking.  The girls only had a session with Ms. Jay the day of the runway challenge. Mikaela said they had to pretty much learn on their own.  This competition is supposed to be about diamonds in the rough.  How do you turn a girl into a diamond/super model if you don’t spend time showing them exactly what to do or how to do it?  Whatever “it” is.

Mikaela will continue to pursue a modeling career and will be moving to New York in the summer.  “I got a lot of offers because of the show”, began Mikaela.  “So, I’m going through them to see which ones I will take.”    Let’s hope she does better for the clients than she did on the show.  Her advice to the next group of girls is to have thick skin.  “You’ve got to be able to take the criticism.  Doors will close in your face, but don’t take what people say too seriously.  This has been a great experience.”
 

 Photos courtesy of the CW11

America’s Next Top Model cycle 16

The Challenges of Fame and Career

By Belinda Trotter-James

OMG! Not Monique!  She is the 7^th girl to lose the chance at becoming America’s Next Top Model.  Monique has been trying to succeed at this business since she was 12 years old.  In our exclusive interview find out why she did not succeed in her early years, what made her try out for top model and is she a spoiled brat?  Yikes!  Read on for all the juicy details…

Monique had the looks, brains and experience to take the top prize.  What happened?  What was her life like before Top Model?  “I was all over the place,” begins Monique. “I have been modeling since 12 then I stopped and started again at age 14.  I was a natural in front of the camera.  I gave up many times and started again in Chicago.  I was just doing my own thing, building my portfolio, walking in fashion shows, meeting people and having fun.  I’m from a small town so I moved to California for a year and moved back to my small town because of my boyfriend.”

In the last episode Monique was challenged along with the other girls to see if they can handle some of the things that come along with fame.  An event was set up so that the fans could meet the top model contestants.  Monique was not a fan of the fans.  The camera caught her numerous times rolling her eyes and wishing it was time to leave.  What was that all about?   “In general they showed me as a spoiled brat, bitchy but I’m more dynamic than that,” starts Monique.  “I’m a musician, an artist... I do say bitchy things but it’s all in fun.  I just wanted to win. I was feeling over it.  I was stressed out.  I was frustrated when people at the event started saying nasty things.  One guy asked if I was in adult films or porn.  A woman said,  ‘19? You look a lot older.’  I kept it together but I wish I wasn’t there.”

Wow, those fans were nasty.  It could have been a joke by Tyra to see how the girls would react to the situation; however, it was not joke.  Those people were really brutal to the fragile egos of the contestants.

Speaking of egos the girls always seem to find something wrong with fellow contestant, Alexandria.  “I did feel all stressed out and Alexandria was always trying to give her two cents saying, ‘I did this before… I did that before… let me show you…’ She would not stop talking… relax, but she was cool and I will continue to speak to her after the competition.  Living in a house with so many girls just made us all stressed out,’ explains Monique.

The shoots look easy but there was something keeping Monique from winning or getting a #1 shot. “I’m really good looking and hot but I did not have a high fashion look.  It was hard to work with both Jays because they would say I look way too much like a pin up.  Oh well, I really did have fun,” remembers Monique.

This was the first time in Top Model history where the staff could not find a person to do a good weave.  Unbeweavable!  “I did like my makeover but they did a bad job on my extensions as well.  I did not say anything like Molly.  The stylist said she never did this type of weave before,” says Monique.

The advice Monique leaves for the next batch on aspiring models is to be confident.  “It all comes down to having confidence,” says Monique.  “Ten percent is knowing what to do, 10% is looking the part, 10% is height and the rest is personality.  It can be intimidating talking to a camera but you must be confident in yourself,” she explains.  “I knew I would make it on the show.”  Wow!  Now that’s confidence.  Great advice.

The next move for Monique will be to continue her quest for a modeling career.  “I’m moving to LA in April and my boyfriend is moving to Colorado,” reveals Monique.  Holy Cow!  You’re leaving your boyfriend?!  She replies, “I’m 20 years old.  I would never let him stop me from doing what I love.  I mean, we’ll see how it works out but if it doesn’t maybe we will meet again later in life.  I’m not interested in meeting guys right now.  I’m focused on getting my career going.

Monique is definitely a force that will not give up until she gets exactly what she wants… A Modeling Career!

SHORT CUT

by Belinda Trotter-James

Sara is the androgynous beauty from Texas who just could not get her groove on to stay in the competition.  Did her short hair cut off her confidence?  Would longer hair have made a difference in her performance?  Will she continue to model after this experience? Read on for all the juicy details.

Sara’s journey starts like most girls who watch the show on television waiting until they are old enough to participate.  The auditions are not held in locations that are convenient to some.  “Money kept me from the casting last year.  It was too far,” started Sara.  “This year the casting was only three hours away so I went for it!”

While in college, Sara worked for Planned Parenthood and did a little modeling and shooting photos with friends who were trying to build their portfolios.  “Nothing professional,” added Sara.  “I applied to some agencies but they said that my look would not be useful for the area of Texas I live in,” explained Sara.  She said there is a pageant modeling school but that’s it.  If she ever thought of having a modeling career, she would have to move to Los Angeles or New York.

Hmmm.  Would she move to LA or NY?  In a conversation she had with the girls on the show, you would think not.  The editing of the show made it seem like she was just doing this as a fly-by-night gig and would go back home after the show was over to finish school and get a job.  “What you saw on the show was not the entire conversation,” explained Sara.  “Alexandria said, “As soon as the show is over I’m going to New York.””  Sara went on to explain, “I would love to do that but I have to finish the semester and I had jobs that I promised people I would do.  I have to settle my life first.  I could not leave right away.  I need at least a month or two. I will always have plans to go back to college, but modeling is the world I want to be in,” says Sara.  By the way, her major is nursing. There are a few jobs in nursing that she could get immediately in her area.  “This way I would not be a burden to my parents,” says Sara.  By the end of the conversation she did confide that she is changing her major to something where she could be involved in politics.  Good luck with that career. Hmmm.

The makeover show is the best part of the cycle.  In watching the show you would get the impression that Sara was depressed about having short hair when all the other contestants received long weaves.  “I love my makeover.  I’ve had shorter hair before,” Sara confessed.  “This style makes my nose look smaller,” laughs Sara. “I felt because I was so new, I was not sure how to work my face yet.  I did not have experience to work it.  I felt very confused.” 

Back at the house the girls would primp, take off their makeup and do their hair however, Sara, for some reason, did not find a need to do those things.  “As I looked at the girls prepare themselves, I felt confused.  I’m a woman and I don’t know what I should be doing.”

In speaking with her she seems to have a great personality and a lot of confidence. “I have confidence,” started Sara.  “I have so much confidence that I have to blow my nose to get it all out,” she jokes.  It’s not that I did not have confidence or was unsure; I just did not know what to do.  I was confused because I did not know what to do.  I felt like I was in the water doing a doggy paddle.  Jay was so confusing on set.  He would say things like, ‘act like you’re wearing a yellow dress.’ “Duh, what is that supposed to mean?  I was not taking direction very well.”

In a coffee commercial challenge, the girls had to remember lines and pretend to be secretaries trying to give their boss ideas on how to make the coffee sell better for an ad campaign.  The girls were told to be sexy while sipping coffee.  Sara could not fake it.  “There are things that happened behind the scenes that I am not allowed to speak about that freaked me out.  I’m a horrible actress,” explained Sara.  “I was in the Vagina Monologues, however, I had four months to prepare.  I only had hours to prepare for this.  I did not give up but I really suck at modeling and acting.  I am trying to improve, but I am embarrassed that my best was not good.”