face of the millennium model search winners (2000)

Popular Vote Winner
Erin Adkinson
Size: 16
Height: 5'9"
Measurements: 41-31-44
Hair: Honey blonde
Eyes: Brown
Location: Tallahassee, FL
EHAdewdrop@cs.com
http://www.plusmodels.com/Erin/
No modeling experience
Not represented
Semi-finalist in the 1999 Mode/Wilhelmina Model Search

What was your reaction when you discovered you had won the Face of the Millennium contest?
"Oh, my goodness!" I was truly surprised. There were SO many gorgeous girls entered in the contest, how could people choose only one?

Why do you want to be a model?
Being a plus-size model would present the opportunity to become a role model for young girls and women who struggle to conform to the images of "conventional beauty" that overpower the media, and in turn, affects the views held by today's society. People need to understand that Beauty is NOT just a small size. Beauty is a strong balance of emotional and physical health. In addition, I would very much enjoy the opportunity to travel and to wear beautiful clothing and make-up.

What would you consider to be the sign of ultimate success as a model?
Recognition in the industry as a professional person who is both flexible and reliable. The ultimate compliment would be for young girls and women to take my lead and accept who they are.

Is modeling something you want to make a full time career of? If not, what else do you see yourself doing?
I don't see myself modeling full time. I would enjoy modeling part time. I would truly love to be a family & marriage counselor in a small town (Like DeFuniak Springs, FL) or would be quite content to run my on specialty shop near the beach in Seaside, FL. I just want to be my own boss one of these days.

In this business, who do you most respect and why?
Even though Gabrielle Reese is not really a plus model, per se, I truly respect her and where she has gone with her career. We were in some classes together at Florida State University and since that time, I have watched a shy, somewhat withdrawn girl blossom into a beauiful, confident spokesmodel for several major clients. Even though most of her modeling centers around sports (volleyball), she is the epitome of health and fitness and is not ashamed of her size.

As an industry, where do you see plus-size modeling going?
I know the plus-size industry will continue to expand (no pun intended). Plus modeling is geared much more toward REAL women, the same real women who make up 75% of our population and spend millions of dollars a year on plus-sized clothing. Hopefully soon, fashion designers as well as modern day society will deem plus-sized women as role models, rather than the models that sport that undernourished look which is prevalent in media today.


Photographer's Choice
Pamela Deiab
Size: 12/14
Height: 5'9"
Measurements: 42-32-41
Hair: Dark brown
Eyes: Green
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
habiby1@aol.com
http://www.plusmodels.com/Pamela/
Not represented
Professional modeling experience

What was your reaction when you discovered you had won the Face of the Millennium contest?
I have to admit I was shocked. There were so many stunning women who entered, many of which I felt were more worthy contenders than I. I was excited just to be chosen as a semi-finalist.

Why do you like modeling?
I love modeling, although I entered into modeling more as a bridge to get into acting. I love being in front of people, on stage, in front of a camera, it comes very naturally for me. The money is also a tremendous perk.

What would you consider to be the sign of ultimate success as a model?
Success is really relative to every one. I feel success is being proud of the accomplishments I have made, sharing my love of fashion with other women like myself. Mostly, knowing I am having a great time doing something I love.

Is modeling something you want to make a full time career of? If not, what else do you see yourself doing?
I did work in modeling full time, briefly, but unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, I decided to focus on having a family, children and staying in one place. The traveling became too difficult with three kids, and it was tough on my husband. Right now, I am enjoying being a mom and part time model. If the right job came along, though, I might re-evaluate my priorities. :)

In this business, who do you most respect and why?
That's a difficult question. Most models in the spotlight, and local talent, too, participate in volunteer work within their communities. I don't really. I guess respect goes out to any woman who follows her dreams, and does the best with her talent and for others.

As an industry, where do you see plus-size modeling going?
In just the five years I've been in the business, I have seen tremendous changes in the industry. When I began, height wasn't a real issue, even in the big agencies, size sixteen was ideal, and many a booking were lost due to my "fragile" size 12/14 frame. The market is enormous and will continue to grow at breakneck speed. Women are affirming big designers by buying their fashions. Even Donna Karan is joining ranks with Versace, Ellen Tracy, Dana Buchman, Ralph Lauren, and the like. It's exciting to see.

A few comments about Pamela by photographers:

• I would like to cast my vote for Contestant No.22. This was an extremely difficult process, as all of the finalists as just georgeous women, and all seem to have a great deal of on-camera presence. All appear to be very photogenic. I narrowed the choices to ten by evaluating each candidate according to several factors, including appeal of facial features, height-to-dress size balance, and apparent style.
  The final choice was a subjective decision, and based almost entirely on the "universality" of the beauty of contestant no. 22. She has a look that, in my opinion, will appeal to people of both sexes and different age groups, and she projects a high level of "class" that should make her the most effective promoter of whatever product she is chosen to advocate. Her look is so remarkably beautiful and stylish, that people will instantly be receptive to her message. She has an apparent way of appealing to the camera that simply sets her apart. In my opinion, this contestant has the potential for a remarkably successful modeling career, if she is equally blessed with other essential tools.
  
  
• My pick is #22 She has great eyes and great bone structure. She also has nice full lips.