America’s Next Top Model

Whitney Thompson

ANTM Alum Whitney Thompson Accuses NBC of Plus-Size Bias After the Network Rejects a Commercial for Her Dating Site

Whitney Thompson was the first plus-size model to take home the title on America’s Next Top Model in cycle 10 of the show. She’s worked pretty regularly since then, most recently filming a commercial for a plus-size dating site which she founded, TheBigandTheBeautiful.com. The PR company for this website is trying to get some publicity for the commercial, which was “rejected” by NBC for a Super Bowl spot–and they’re using the argument that plus-size bias is the culprit. But is it?

AdAge got their hands on the press release which states:

Read more »
Entertainment

10 Questions For America’s Next Top Model: All Stars–The Finale

1. Since Angelea has been André’s fave all season, and André gets what he wants, is it safe to say she’s a shoo-in?

2. Is it possible to be too sad to be a Covergirl? See: Allison.

3. Couldn’t you kinda see Lisa as a used car salesman, though?

4. Is Allison an elf? It would explain why she can’t open her eyes and does that happy little wiggle dance. And the flowing perfect hair.

Read more »

Five Things We Learned About Bestselling Author Tyra Banks From Her Wall Street Journal Interview

Tyra Banks is officially a New York Times bestselling author–Modelland snagged the number two spot this week on the Times‘ besteller’s list for children’s chapter books–adding to her growing list of successful non-modelling ventures, which include 17 cycles of America’s Next Top Model , a talk show, and completing her final year at Harvard Business School. Thus, the Wall Street Journal has dubbed Banks a “Model Mogul” and chatted with her about the process of writing her young adult fantasy trilogy, her book tour and growing empire.

From bouts of alopecia to emotional bonding over large foreheads, here are the five most fascinating things we learned from the interview:

1. Tyra reads lots of young adult fiction, knew that was the audience she wanted to target:

Read more »

Kelly Cutrone to Replace Andre Leon Talley on America’s Next Top Model?

Kelly Cutrone‘s return to reality tv could be imminent and have a totally new context. The fashion publicist and author may replace Andre Leon Talley as a judge on America’s Next Top Model after the 17th season ends, Page Six reports. Talley’s been on the show for four years and since he began, his title at Vogue has changed from editor at large to the less burdensome one of contributing editor. Perhaps he intends to increase his role there again? Maybe Anna misses him?

Since Kell on Earth doesn’t look to be coming back anytime soon and The Hills/The City are definitely dunzo, we were wondering when we would be seeing Kelly on the small screen again. Given the affinity she’s shown for giving advice and making decisions, we think she would make a great judge for just about anything.

Read more »
Would You Rather?

Would You Rather…? The Andrej Pejic V. ANTM‘s Fatima Siad Flower-in-Mouth Edition

By Steff Yotka Tuesday, Aug 16, 2011 / 12:30 PM

Coincidence or trend? Former ANTM contestant Fatima Siad appears in Arise #13 with red rose petals in her mouth, while pretty-boy Andrej Pejic covers Follow #5 with a similar red flower in his mouth. Let’s only hope this inspires an ANTM challenge in which the contestants are forced to wear the same outfits and do the same poses as some feminine male models. You know it’s a good idea Tyra.

But back to the issue at hand – who do you think works the flowery look better: Miss Fatima or Mr. Andrej?

Who is Behind Andre Leon Talley’s New Reality Show Pilot?

It was hard not to notice the cameras trailing Andre Leon Talley at the Savannah College of Art and Design this past weekend. Talley, who’s a member of SCAD’s board and was in town for the art school’s annual senior fashion show and a panel with good friend Manolo Blahnik, was reportedly filming his very own reality show. But since it’s yet to be picked up by a particular channel–we would have heard about it at last week’s Upfronts if it was debuting this fall–we’re wondering: Who’s behind this new venture? Three possibilities:

Read more »

Toronto Fashion Week: America’s Next Top Model‘s Jay Manuel Debuts His Line for Sears Canada

Is this what fashion has come to? Last night, fellow Canadian and host of America’s (and Canada’s) Next Top Model, Jay Manuel debuted his much-hyped collection for Sears. With top dollars spent on splashy campaigns and a media circuit run that would make your head spin, Manuel’s new line ATTITUDE left a lasting first impression.

The show, which ran an hour late, opened with a mini-montage that documented Manuel’s deep involvement with the label, from concept to completion. From sketching to sewing, the clip almost had us fooled that Manuel created the pieces himself, but alas his title still read “Creative Director.”

As the lights dimmed and music blared, the first look hit the glossy black runway and the show’s “special guest” arrived, veteran model Yasmin Warsame (perhaps Tyra was to busy hitting the books or washing her face). What followed Warsame’s power strut were a string of work wear looks that spoke to the masses. From mundane to matronly, Manuel’s high fashion taste didn’t seem to cross the border.

Read more »
  • Ryan Michael Cheung
  • Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 / 3:30 PM
  • 5 Comments
Entertainment

Ten Questions for America’s Next Top Model, Cycle 16

1. Alexandria describes herself as “a positive artistic California girl.” I guess it could be just good editing that’s making Alexandria come off so badly, but doesn’t she sound delusional?

2. Is anyone else starting to feel really bad for Molly and that horrible horrible weave? Which is now giving her a rash? I am.

3. I know Sutan is not on ANTM because he’s killing it as Raja on RuPaul’s Drag Race (if you’re not watching it already you need to start) but could he come back? I miss him and don’t like new makeup artist guy Vincent as much.

4. Isn’t Monique a great director? A three-way kiss will surely tame Alexandria’s attitude (or make for some good TV). No but for real, she good.

5. Can we agree it is never OK to read someone’s diary? Ahem, Monique. Even if Alexandria is a major B it’s still wrong.

6. Can Murato the baby jaguar win ANTM? He is fieeeerce.

Read more »
Entertainment

Ten Questions for America’s Next Top Model, Cycle 16

Apologies for missing the last two episodes! CW wouldn’t let me watch online in Paris, but don’t worry I DVR’ed and I’m totally caught up.

1. Alexandria, what is with that hat? Really. You can’t be such a hater and then put on a hat like that for confessional.

2. Can we take a moment to mourn the loss of Molly’s weave, aka the worst weave to ever have happened to a person? OK.

3. First walking in a beach ball on a balance beam submerged in water, now a runway covered in fire and being lit on fire–is ANTM trying to kill its contestants?

4. Did Brittani just say “pooey” upon learning they’d have to do a commercial? Hee.

5. Sara. Enough with the women’s studies 101. Since when is being a beautiful sexy woman and being a feminist mutually exclusive?

Read more »
Entertainment

10 Questions for America’s Next Top Model, Cycle 16

1. Is Tyra talking faster than normal? And does this remind anyone of her short-lived stint on Fresh Prince? We’ve also got to give Tyra credit for her spot on and hilarious imitations of Top Model contestants. To wit: “My favorite designer is Hello Kitty,” “I am Angora Nylandra Tafatia Michaels,” and my favorite, “I’m not a cookie cutter, I cut the cookies, and I’ll cut you.”

2. Plus size is now “fiercely real”–got it?

3. What happened to all the rejects who thought they’d been selected as finalists?

4. Jaclyn has more of a baby voice than a baby face, no? I like her hair.

Read more »
Reviews

Naeem Khan Fall 2011: A Hit With Glamour Girls of All Ages

It’s pretty standard to do a cursory front-row scan upon taking your seat at a fashion show–you’re generally likely to spot at least one tertiary CW star, perhaps an America’s Next Top Model alum, and maybe (just maybe) an Olsen or Kardashian. But we stopped dead in our tracks upon glimpsing Iris Apfel sitting directly across from us at last night’s Naeem Khan show. Apfel’s pretty much the coolest 90-year-old style icon around, and true to fearless form, she was decked out in an entirely red ensemble accented, of course, with her signature oversized specs. Next to Apfel sat Ranjana Khan, Naeem’s lovely jewelry-designer wife, as well as noted couture client Becca Cason Thrash, whose appearance in the 2007 BBC doc The Secret World of Haute Couture (seriously, YouTube it ASAP if you haven’t witnessed the amazingness) left us following her every move.

It’s easy to see why Khan’s designs have carved out such a devoted fan club–these clothes are pretty much as luxe as one can find, short of shelling out for true couture. This particular collection featured several stunning numbers in multicolored paisley-print organza, cocktail looks edged with Far-East-inspired threadwork, and sheaths trimmed with fringe beading. Oh, but those were the more subtle looks.

Read more »
  • Elana Fishman
  • Friday, Feb 18, 2011 / 2:00 PM
  • 1 Comment
Fashion News Roundup

Fashion News Roundup: Bill Cunningham’s Documentary Trailer Debuts, an ANTM Winner Scores a Major-Label Contract, and Naomi Heads Back to Court

Cunningham as Subject: The trailer for the highly-anticipated documentary about New York’s favorite street style photographer Bill Cunningham is out, featuring commentary by Anna Wintour and other fashion insiders. {Zeitgeist Films}

Naomi Makes Trouble, Again: This Thursday, Naomi Campbell will return to the courtroom, her home-away-from-home in recent years, to face Moodform Mission, a cosmetic firm started by her former agent Carole White. White’s lawyers are looking to dismiss Campbell’s countersuit, which claims White misrepresented her role in the company, and Moodform Mission is instead seeking $8 million in damages. {WWD, subscription required}

Success at Last for ANTM: For the first time in ages, America’s Next Model has spawned a model with whom the industry is actually interested. Cycle 15 winner Ann Ward’s first round of Polaroids for IMG are out, and a spread in Italian Vogue is next. Ragazza fortunata. {The Cut}

Read more »