There have only been five other full-figure models and none of them have even come close to the top five ranks no matter how much I hoped and shouted at the television. Despite having a terrible make-over (going blonde from noir) and constantly being referred to being too pageantee (or worse, acting like Anna Nicole Smith) Whitney was able to maintain control of her composure and learn new modeling techniques every week. She's probably one of the few models who have made it into the bottom two and survived to compete another week.
This is my fifth cycle of America's Next Top Model and I also watch Canada's Next Top Model. When this series first started I ditched it left and right but once I actually took in my first episode (I think it was a make-over one) I was addicted. I just love this show. And while I am thankful for Whitney's win I can't help but ask myself if she is the "token" plus size winner because of all the complaints going on in the fashion industry about stick thin models and the outcry that the average woman has not been properly represented.
I'm not saying that she isn't beautiful. She definitely is. She takes a great picture and knows how to shake her booty down the runway. But I don't necessary think she was the best this cycle (I adored Claire). And when I think of previous cycles there were a number of other incredibly talented plus size models that were overlooked or disqualified by what appeared to be strictly because of their size.
Tyra made a point during the last episode of saying that Whitney was not a plus size model. She is a "full-figured" model. I guess that helps kibosh the qualms from the plus size community she isn't plus size. While I agree with both these points (she's not plus size by retail standards but she is definitely full-figured by fashion industry standards) I'm happy to take her as she is. She wants to represent the average woman, she wants to break molds. You've got to love her zest no matter what your size. I wish her all the best as she takes full advantage of her ANTM winnings.
See more Whitney Thompson.
