Ann Ward
Encyclopedia
Ann Ward Is an American fashion model, best known as the winner of Cycle 15 of America's Next Top Model
.
in Prosper, Texas
in 2009. She was mocked during school due to her height and slim figure, which caused her to develop self-confidence problems.
of the CW Network
reality television show, America's Next Top Model
, in which she competed against thirteen other aspiring models. Ward was immediately distinguishable for her 6'2" height. The judges were also shocked by her extremely thin waist, which was so skinny that judge J. Alexander could nearly wrap both his hands all the way around it. Upon first seeing Ward, show host and retired supermodel Tyra Banks
said, "There's something about her that I like!" A trailer for America's Next Top Model showed Banks's comments immediately after a discussion about Ward's waist, which created a public backlash that Banks was condoning overly skinny models. Later, Banks released a press statement clarifying this was not the case, claiming the editing gave the wrong impression, and apologizing for "any confusion, anger or disappointment" it caused.
described her as "the most reclusive and shy model to get this far in a cycle to date".
In the season finale, Ward and fellow contestant Chelsey Hersley
filmed a CoverGirl Cosmetics commercial participated in a Roberto Cavalli
fashion show and walk. To that point, Ward had not won any of the show's challenges, while Hersley had won three, even though Ann had been called first in panel six times (five of them in a row) and Chelsey not even once. Ward defeated Hersley and was crowned the Cycle 15 winner of America's Next Top Model. As a result, she received a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics, a contract with IMG Models
, the cover of Beauty In Vogue, fashion spreads in Vogue Italia
and Beauty In Vogue, as well as a prominent feature on the Vogue Italia website, Vogue.it. An emotional Ward said the victory was especially gratifying because she was mocked in her childhood for being "too tall [and] not normal", to which judge and fashion photographer Nigel Barker
said, "Guess what? You're not normal. You're 'America's Next Top Model.'"
; instead of having a two-page spread, she received a five-page spread in Vogue Italia.
Ward is set to be on the cover of Velvet Magazine sometime in the fall of 2011.
, Alexandria Everett, Hannah Jones, Asraf Isa and featured in the season finale of America's Next Top Model, Cycle 16 in the fashion show for Vivienne Westwood
with the season's finalists.
America's Next Top Model, Cycle 15
America's Next Top Model, Cycle 15 is the fifteenth cycle of America's Next Top Model and the ninth season to be aired on The CW network. It premiered on September 8, 2010...
.
Early life
Ann Ward originally came from the Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Prosper High SchoolProsper High School
Prosper High School is a school in Prosper, Texas, USA. It is part of Prosper Independent School District located in western Collin County, with a small portion of the district extending into Denton County. In addition to Prosper, the district serves a portion of McKinney. The 2009-2010 school...
in Prosper, Texas
Prosper, Texas
Prosper is a town in Collin and Denton counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 2,097 at the 2000 census.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 2,097 people, 678 households, and 589 families residing in the town. The latest 2009 census brought Prosper to a population of...
in 2009. She was mocked during school due to her height and slim figure, which caused her to develop self-confidence problems.
America's Next Top Model
In 2010, Ward appeared in Cycle 15America's Next Top Model, Cycle 15
America's Next Top Model, Cycle 15 is the fifteenth cycle of America's Next Top Model and the ninth season to be aired on The CW network. It premiered on September 8, 2010...
of the CW Network
The CW Television Network
The CW Television Network is a television network in the United States launched at the beginning of the 2006–2007 television season. It is a joint venture between CBS Corporation, the former owners of United Paramount Network , and Time Warner's Warner Bros., former majority owner of The WB...
reality television show, America's Next Top Model
America's Next Top Model
America's Next Top Model is a reality television show in which a number of women compete for the title of America's Next Top Model and a chance to start their career in the modeling industry....
, in which she competed against thirteen other aspiring models. Ward was immediately distinguishable for her 6'2" height. The judges were also shocked by her extremely thin waist, which was so skinny that judge J. Alexander could nearly wrap both his hands all the way around it. Upon first seeing Ward, show host and retired supermodel Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks
Tyra Lynne Banks is an American model, media personality, actress, occasional singer, author and businesswoman. She first became famous as a model, but television appearances were her commercial breakthrough...
said, "There's something about her that I like!" A trailer for America's Next Top Model showed Banks's comments immediately after a discussion about Ward's waist, which created a public backlash that Banks was condoning overly skinny models. Later, Banks released a press statement clarifying this was not the case, claiming the editing gave the wrong impression, and apologizing for "any confusion, anger or disappointment" it caused.
Life
Ward ranked first among the models for the first five weeks of the show, marking the first time a contestant received that honor. However, although her photos were lauded, she was also noted for her shyness, insecurity and awkwardness outside of photo shoots, as well as her difficulty during challenges that required talking. The Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
described her as "the most reclusive and shy model to get this far in a cycle to date".
In the season finale, Ward and fellow contestant Chelsey Hersley
Chelsey Hersley
Chelsey Hersley , is an American fashion model. She best known as the runner-up of Cycle 15 of America's Next Top Model.- Early life :Chelsey was born in Boise, Idaho...
filmed a CoverGirl Cosmetics commercial participated in a Roberto Cavalli
Roberto Cavalli
Roberto Cavalli is an Italian fashion designer from Florence.-Biography:Roberto Cavalli was born in Florence, Tuscany. His grandfather, Giuseppe Rossi, was a member of the Macchiaioli Movement, whose work is exhibited in the Uffizi Gallery. Cavalli decided to enroll at the local Art Institute,...
fashion show and walk. To that point, Ward had not won any of the show's challenges, while Hersley had won three, even though Ann had been called first in panel six times (five of them in a row) and Chelsey not even once. Ward defeated Hersley and was crowned the Cycle 15 winner of America's Next Top Model. As a result, she received a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics, a contract with IMG Models
IMG Models
IMG Models is one of the major international modeling agencies, currently representing only female models. Its mother office is in New York City, with branches in Paris, London, Milan and Hong Kong. It is a division of New York, NY-based IMG...
, the cover of Beauty In Vogue, fashion spreads in Vogue Italia
Vogue Italia
Vogue Italia is the Italian edition of Vogue magazine. Owned by Condé Nast International, it is the least commercial of all editions of Vogue magazine and has been called the top fashion magazine in the world....
and Beauty In Vogue, as well as a prominent feature on the Vogue Italia website, Vogue.it. An emotional Ward said the victory was especially gratifying because she was mocked in her childhood for being "too tall [and] not normal", to which judge and fashion photographer Nigel Barker
Nigel Barker
Nigel Barker is an English author, spokesperson, filmmaker, fashion photographer and former model. He is best known for his participation as a judge and photographer on the reality show America's Next Top Model.-Early life:...
said, "Guess what? You're not normal. You're 'America's Next Top Model.'"
Career
Ward's cover of Beauty In Italian Vogue was published in May 2011 and her editorial in Vogue Italia was published in March 2011, shot by Ellen Von UnwerthEllen von Unwerth
Ellen von Unwerth is a photographer and director, specializing in erotic femininity. She worked as a fashion model for ten years herself before moving behind the camera, and now makes fashion, editorial, and advertising photographs.Ellen von Unwerth found fame when she first photographed Claudia...
; instead of having a two-page spread, she received a five-page spread in Vogue Italia.
Ward is set to be on the cover of Velvet Magazine sometime in the fall of 2011.
Runway
She walked for Alex London with Jane RandallJane Randall
Jane Elizabeth Randall is an American fashion model, best known as being participant of America's Next Top Model, Cycle 15 where she placed 3rd/4th overall when she was eliminated in a double elimination with fellow contestant Kayla Ferrel.-Early life:Jane Elizabeth Randall was born in Monkton,...
, Alexandria Everett, Hannah Jones, Asraf Isa and featured in the season finale of America's Next Top Model, Cycle 16 in the fashion show for Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood
Dame Vivienne Westwood, DBE, RDI is a British fashion designer and businesswoman, largely responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream.-Early life:...
with the season's finalists.