Yoanna House, America's Next Top Model Winner, debuts at Mercedes Benz Fashion
Week in Los Angeles
Dreams Do Come True One couldn't miss the soft smile on Yoanna House's
face as she appeared on the runway in the dynamic Petro Zillia Fall 2004 ready-to-wear
collection by Nony Tochterman; after all, House had only one week earlier won
the America's Next Top Model contest on UPN television network in front
of millions, and here she was living the dream of walking down the catwalk for
an emerging fashion design star. In later shows, she would adopt the expressionless
posture that defines a top catwalk model, but for now, Yoanna was basking in the
moment. And the moment was grand; the audience response was delayed as many took
a second look and thought, "wait a minute, isn't that ...?", but then
a strong applause started and grew as Yoanna reached the end of the runway, made
her turn, and started back.
The buzz was electric; here she was straight from reality television - a former
babysitter now walking the runways of international fashion. At Fashion Week,
there were varying opinions as to who should've won on the show America's Next
Top Model. And while other participants were around (e.g. Mercedes Scelbe-Shorte
walked for a number of designers), Yoanna House was the name that kept popping
up: "She's a natural!" "She's doing a great job to have
so little preparation time." "Yoanna is going to be huge."
She would get warm applause everytime she appeared during the week.
At that same moment in Petro Zillia's show, another spark ignited; Yoanna's transition
from television to catwalk marked the second such recent jump, following Paris
Hilton's Spring 2004 runway debut, but it was clearly the first time for a non-celebrity
personality. Yoanna is likeable and talented, and like the American Idol
participants, not professionally trained. Yet here she was, living the fashion
model dream. Hollywood had pulled off the unimaginable, transforming a bright,
attractive young woman into a fashion star. That realization made many in the
audience sit up and take notice, and it sparked the imagination of the fashion
circuit.
| FACTS
ABOUT YOANNA HOUSE (from the Official UPN website for America's
Next Top Model) |
| age: 23 |
height: 5'11" |
weight: 134 |
| birthdate:
04/08/1980 |
hometown: Jacksonville,
FL |
occupation:
babysitter/clothing designer |
| favorites:
"Breakfast at Tiffany's", "Wonder Years", Indie pop
music, sumo wrestling, rally racing |
Yoanna House's appearance on the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week runways also
added a heartwarming element to Los Angeles Fashion Week itself, which is
working hard to establish Los Angeles as a bonafide fashion powerhouse.
Where her agent could have saved Yoanna's debut for a summer event in Europe,
it seemed most appropriate that her first catwalks would be in Los Angeles
near Hollywood. The combination hinted at the one of the important motivations
behind Los Angeles Fashion Week - establish a direct proximity and intimate
connection between the glamour of television and movie stars and the fashion
scene. Hollywood is bringing the international fashion scene to Los Angeles.
Yoanna appeared in the Petro Zillia Fall 2004 Collection fashion show wearing
a sherbert striped wool jacket, wrapped over a matching print blouse with
knit waist section and a banana wool pleated skirt. The look is festive,
crisp, and very jazzy. Reminiscent of the speak-easy era, Tochterman's full
line-up of wool-accented fruit colors made for a Fall 2004 collection that
promises to sweeten the dinner parties this October. Tochterman's gentle
layering of preppy jackets and luscious wool skirts was the perfect forum
for Yoanna's interpretation of the Audrey Hepburn style of the early 2000's. |
RELATED STORY: MODELS
WITH CEREAL BACKSTAGE
New Total Protein Lower-Carb Cereal Was a Hit With Los Angeles Models and
Designers During Fashion Week
First Major Food
Company to Offer a Cereal for a Low-Carb Lifestyle
  April
2004 (Newstream) -- New Total Protein cereal from General Mills was in
demand backstage at this year's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox
Studios in Los Angeles. High-profile models such as Yoanna House and Mercedes
Scelba-Shorte (America's Top Model) were seen crunching while preparing
backstage, and show attendees Nicky Hilton and Kimberly Stewart had their
taste of the lower-carb, higher-protein cereal while visiting with designers
after the shows.
Total Protein was
introduced in response to consumer demand for reasonably priced lower-carb,
higher-protein products that offer the nutrition and taste of traditional
cereals. With 100% of the Daily Value of 11 vitamins and minerals, eight
grams of net carbs, and a hearty 13 grams of protein, Total Protein cereal
is an easy way for consumers to moderate their carbohydrate intake, while
enjoying the great taste and nutritional benefits of a familiar brand.
Lloyd Klein kicked
off Fashion Week on March 29th at 12:00 p.m. The show marked Klein's miraculous
return to the runway after a devastating car crash in February left him
in critical condition forcing him to cancel his New York presentation.
Following Klein were Rachel Palley, Coco Clicks, Maria Bianco Nero, Petro
Zillia and Gen Art. Continuing throughout the week were Von Dutch Kids,
Michelle Mason, Tomer, Rami Kashou, Custo Barcelona, Pegah Anvarian, Jenni
Kayne, Karanina, Monah Li, Sue Wong, Naqada, Heike Jarick, Sheri Bodell,
Trina Turk, Lords, Davies, Frankie B., MartinMartin, Single, John Sakalis,
Editte Keshishyan, Danang, Corey Lynn Calter, Richard Tyler, Shay Todd,
Joe's Jeans, Grey Ant, Eduardo Lucero, Oligo Tissew for Oliver Twist,
Susana Mercedes, Sanctuary and Louis Verdad.
About Total Protein
Available nationwide
in March 2004, Total Protein consists of lightly sweetened toasted wheat
flakes. Each ¾ cup serving of Total Protein contains 13 grams of protein
and 8 grams of net carbs, as well as 100% of the Daily Value of 11 vitamins
and minerals, including B-vitamins to help release energy, and antioxidant
vitamins C and E to help maintain a healthy immune system. Total Protein
follows the nutrition tradition established in 1961 with the introduction
of Total cereal. Since Total was introduced more than 40 years ago for
a "vitamin conscious public," the brand has continued to be a leader in
meeting the nutritional needs of Americans.
"It is important that
people follow a health plan that includes exercise and a healthy eating
plan - and that includes some carbohydrates," said Helenbeth Reiss Reynolds,
MPH, RD. "Consumers can miss out on key nutrients with some of the popular
low-carb diets, and Total Protein is an excellent source of vitamins and
minerals."
General Mills is a
leading maker of consumer foods and has created such favorite brands as
Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Cheerios, Wheaties,
other Big G cereal brands, Yoplait, Progresso, and more. General Mills
is also a leading supplier of wholesome and tasty baking and other food
products to the foodservice and commercial baking industries.
The other cereals
in the Total family are Total Whole Grain, Total Raisin Bran, Brown Sugar
and Oat Total and Total Corn Flakes.
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