ANTM Interview: Kortnie Coles

This afternoon, I was lucky enough to interview the most recent eliminee from America’s Next Top Model, the fun loving, easy going Texan, Kortnie Coles. This cycle’s only plus-sized model talked about why she struggled with the Ellis Island photo shoot, the crazy pose-off challenge and Celia’s big confrontation!

Full Q&A is below the jump!

Tell us about how you got involved in Top Model.

Before I auditioned, I had watched the show few times. I liked how the show had girls from different backgrounds, different races, different sizes, and had different personalities. I thought it was the perfect avenue to pursue modeling my own way.

What do you see in yourself that thought made you a Top Model?

Being a top model is not just about looks. Yes, you need to have the look and have the confidence. But any way you classify your looks – pretty pretty, quirky pretty, ugly pretty, whatever – you need more that that. You have to have personality and exude other qualities. A true top model cannot be a robot. I was excited to put myself out there and say it doesn’t matter what your size is or what your personality is like, you too can pursue modeling. I thought that was an important message to pass on to the young girls that watch this show.

What did you learn from your time on the show?

I learned so many modeling tips. I had no modeling experience prior to the show. I tried to take everything in at panel, soak it in and learn from it. I learned so much from Tyra, like smiling with your eyes, how to have the right kind of tension in your face, how to imagine a scene and placing yourself in it to tell a story. If you tell a story and express your role within it in your face, it will translate in the photo.

Who do you keep in touch with?

I made great friends on the show. My closest friends were Celia and Allison. We were the best of friends while I was in the house. We still keep in touch and hang out.

What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

Thank you, that’s so sweet! I’m just glad I didn’t shame or disappoint my family. I’m sorry I had to leave the show so early and couldn’t entertain you any longer. I don’t know all of you, but I love you.

Did you consider telling Tyra about Tahlia’s desires to quit when you were in the bottom two? What do you think about what Celia did?

No, I never thought about saying anything. I wanted to take the graceful route and accept my fate. When we were talking about Tahlia back at the house, we got too riled up. We thought it was unfair. No one else said what Tahlia said, and she got so much praise. The show was very important to the rest of us and we felt betrayed, in a way. Once she was in the bottom, I think I would have been happier if I stayed. In my opinion, Sandra should have went home. Not me.

As for Celia, how do I put this? Celia’s got balls. A lot of girls were thinking a lot of things, possibly a lot worse things, but no one had the guts to take it to Tyra and to stand up to her like that. Go Celia!!

What did you think about Sandra’s comment that you weren’t taking the show seriously?

Obviously, her taking it too seriously was getting her nowhere and was making her no friends. I’d rather be near the top with a few close friends than at the top with nobody. But it’s clear Sandra felt differently. She was okay with being a loner. She’s going to spend the rest of her life alone, but I’ll spend mine laughing and joking with my friends.

Are you planning on pursuing modeling?

Definitely. Right now, there are nice things I’m working on. After that, who knows? I’m very interested in modeling and spokesmodeling, they go hand in hand with other areas of entertainment. Anywhere they want me, I’ll be there.

Tell us about the pose-off.

It was so nerve-wracking! I was one of, what, two girls with boobs. That made it a double challenge for me. I didn’t want Grandma at home, watching the TV and being so proud of me then catching a glimpse of one of my girls. That would not be cool. I didn’t want to be the girl on Top Model that flashed all of America. I wasn’t exactly in my element for that challenge. If I could have been more silly and goofy, I would have done fine.

What challenges do you face as a plus-sized model?

We’re starting a revolution. It’s becoming more acceptable to be a plus-sized model. The industry is changing. A plus-sized girl won Top Model last year. There are now laws in Europe that prohibit models from being under a certain BMI. People are keen to get back to how it was in the 60s. Curvy bodies are coming back in fashion and I’m happy to be a part of that.

Who do you want to see win?

Allison. She has an interesting face and is a beautiful girl, but I know her. She’s a great girl. She’s humble and respectful and fun and quirky.

Why did you struggle at the Ellis Island photo shoot?

Pictures back in the day were bland. It was hard to mix the concept of bland while still bringing spice and flavor and fashion to the shoot. I went too far bland and was sent home.

You mentioned that the Ellis Island shoot was special to you. Can you tell us about your family history?

Sure! That’s something the show didn’t touch on at all. All four of my grandparents are immigrants. My father is Mexican, both his parents immigrated from Mexico. My other’s side of the family is Polish and her parents immigrated from Poland. I’m half-Mexican half-Polish but that was never mentioned once on air.

Did you keep your makeover?

Yes! Red hair is super fun. It’s nice to change. I trust Tyra and her opinion of what would look on me is probably better than my own! Plus, I’m so lazy. My hair has been long and brown and curly forever, out of the shower and off I go. But red is a nice change and it’s really fun.

Thank you for speaking with us!

Thank you, it was fun!

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