America’s Next Top Model All-Stars

Ms Isis King

Specialty Model and Fashion Designer

By Belinda Trotter-James

Modelocity Online.com

Isis King is the first transgender contestant in America’s Next Top Model history.  Born in Prince George’s County, Maryland, this 25 year old now lives in New York where she will continue to pursue her dreams of becoming a model and fashion designer.  In an exclusive interview Isis reveals what she has been doing since we first met her in cycle 11.  Read on for all the juicy details.

Question:  What have you been doing since we last saw you in cycle 11?

Isis: I have been doing a lot of cameo appearances in plays, modeling in fashion shows, and motivational speaking at colleges which really boosted my confidence.  I have been acting in Broadway plays and I will be filming in the Philippines this winter.

Q: You stated in the show that this win could help you launch your fashion line. Why didn’t Top Model help your career the first time you were on the show in cycle 11?

Isis: There is no help from the show when you leave.  We don’t get paid to be on the show. Everyone thinks you have money just because you were on television but that’s not the case. Anything I did after the show was on my own.  Remember, I was in a shelter.  It’s still a give and take.  I worked hard to get where I am today.  I am a specialty model.  People want me because I help to boost ticket sales and I’m Isis.

Q: Tyra mentioned that the girls have to learn how to make their 15 minutes of fame last longer. Were you able to do that?

Isis:  First of all I want to clear up Tyra’s 15 minutes of fame statement.  I had talent before I got on the show.  Anyone with no talent can get 15 minutes. In 2007 I was featured on television.  I could have been on blogs and more in the spotlight but, I don’t care about the spotlight.  I did not go the modeling agency route either because I never wanted that. I just go with the flow. I’ve accomplished a lot on my own.

Q: What is the difference between cycle 11 and the All Star cycle 17?

Isis: When we came back to the show they stripped us of all our accomplishments and brought us back to square one.  The show was pitched to me as a branding cycle to feature our individual talents and expertise.  The show was supposed to have us hosting, speaking and featuring all our talents but, it turned out to be just another cycle. 

Note:  Isis and her fans tweeted about how the show portrayed the girls as first time amateur models.  This is not the show the All Stars signed up for.  This cycle is definitely looking like our All- Stars forgot everything the prestigious judging panel taught them previously.

Q:  Let’s talk about your fashion line.  What is stopping you from getting your designs off the ground?

Before top model I had a full scholarship as a world designer.  I worked hard cutting patterns, sewing and I’m doing so much that I don’t have time to concentrate on my fashion line.  Maybe someone will take an interest in my talent.  I would love to start out by working for a designer or getting an investor.  I’m putting it out there in the world to make it happen.  In the meantime I just rock my fashions at various shows and red carpet events.

Q:  From your experience what model advice can you give to my readers?

Isis: My model advice would be to have realistic expectations and go for it.  Don't do a reality show if you really want to be a model.  If you really want it, just do it.  Some of the girls I spoke with said that the modeling agencies said, “Don’t mention you were on top model.”  If you really want it, don’t wait for a handout. Go make your dreams happen.  But be realistic.  You cannot be 5’3” for runway. There are other things you can do like print modeling, commercial or acting.  Just do what’s best for you.

We joked about how to make your flaws work for you.  I told her about a girl with messed up teeth.  I advised the girl to use it to her advantage and  be the ‘before’ and ‘after’ in a major commercial campaign for a dental office.  Isis laughed and said, “I tried to get top model to fix my teeth but they would not do it.  I know my teeth need to be fixed,” laughs Isis.  She went on to say, “If you know your weaknesses no one can try to tear you down.”

Isis plans to stay busy with her many projects and continue to design, host events and will be filming in the Philippines this winter.  “One of my projects will eventually take off,” says Isis.  Make sure you stay in contact with her on Twitter @MsIsisKing to see which venture will make her the million dollar Isis King.

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