Rebecca Jennings Chats with Whitney Thompson
Five other full-figured models tried before her but it was the Twenty-one year old student from Atlantic Beach, Florida who became the first full-figured model to win the coveted title of ANTM Cycle 10.
Whitney was often accused of being too “beauty queen” and and not “high fashion” enough. Despite the negativity she was able maintain her composure and apply what she learned about herself and the other models to the following week.
As the first plus size winner of America’s Next Top Model, Whitney received a contract with Elite Model Management, a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl Cosmetics and a cover of the July 2008 Seventeen Magazine.
RJ: How are you?
WT: I’m very good. Busy, but good..
RJ: We’ve noticed that you’ve been traveling a lot recently, are you travelling for work or pleasure?
WT: I travel for both work and pleasure. Most of the time I go somewhere because of work but I always try to stay a few extra days and just relax.
RJ: After ANTM aired, was it difficult to book jobs or were they just pouring in?
WT: I haven’t had any trouble getting jobs yet (fortunately). It’s always case by case with top model winners.
RJ: Since the show aired, what is the most memorable job you’ve booked?
WT: I just recently did some work for the Vogue shapes issue and that’s really exciting. I didn’t think they would even know who I was.
RJ: What did you think about the Harpers Bazaar Australia spread with Crystal Renn? Do you believe the fashion industry is opening its eyes to plus size models?
WT: Crystal Renn is gorgeous!!! Each market is different though when it comes to plus sized models. Spain is big, Germany and America are too but now I am starting to see more interest in places like Australia and Japan which I think is really exciting!
RJ: We’re a lingerie company so we have to ask you a few lingerie questions! What kind of panties do you wear – boy shorts, thongs?
WT: I love boy shorts! I’ve never been a big thong person, probably because I think of them as neccesity for work instead of fun undies.
RJ: What do you look for in a bra – underwire, push-up, full coverage?
WT: I love push up bras! If you’ve got it, flaunt it! haha but sometimes it’s nice to just be comfy too.
RJ: What do you sleep in at night? Something sexy or comfy?
WT: In the winter I wear comfy clothes to bed but in the summer I just wear panties and maybe a tank top. I can’t sleep if I’m not comfortable and your birthday suit is the easiest way to be sexy and comfy at the same time.
RJ: Are you dating anyone?
WT: I am not dating anyone right now. I have been dating the same guy off and on for 4 years and we broke it off when I moved to NYC but we still talk on the phone. I guess it’s just complicated.
RJ: How did you meet?
WT: We were high school sweethearts. I managed the football team and he’s a football player.
.RJ: What do you look for in a guy?
WT: I look for someone with a really good sense of humor but who is laid back. I am naturally an introvert so I like guys who don’t have to be the center of attention all the time. I like to stay in and be boring a lot, so I need someone like that.
RJ: What’s next for you? Anything exciting on the horizon?
WT: I just signed with a new agency and I’m really excited to get started with them. We have a lot of things in the works!
RJ:What’s one thing you would love to do that you haven’t done yet?
WT: I would love to do a really sexy spread in like, Sports illustrated or something!
Check out Whitney’s Elite portfolio here and be sure to see her spread in the Vogue Australia Shapes issue coming soon!