Celia Ammerman
Encyclopedia
Celia Elizabeth Ammerman (born 1983) is an American fashion model
, best known for her appearance as a contestant on the twelfth cycle
of America's Next Top Model
.
, Kentucky
. She realized she wanted to work in the modeling or fashion industry at age 14 after trying on her mother's wedding gown. Her mother, a seamstress
, made Ammerman outfits and dresses from her birth throughout her childhood, which she also said helped develop her love of fashion. Ammerman took part in every runway show or photo shoot available in Lexington, Kentucky
, including at the Bella Rose clothing boutique and the non-profit Beaux Arts Ball. When she moved to Brooklyn
in July 2006, she lived in an apartment across from a chicken slaughterhouse. She has previously worked as a Thom Browne
specialist for the Bergdorf Goodman
department store.
reality television
show America's Next Top Model
, but was not chosen as a contestant. In 2009, an acquaintance who tried out for Stylista
, another CW reality show, introduced her to an America's Next Top Model casting agent, who encouraged her to submit photos and attend a closed casting call. This time she was chosen to perform in the show's twelfth cycle
. It was during her time on the show that she learned she was cross-eyed
, a fact she was not aware of until judge and photographer Nigel Barker pointed it out.
At age 25, Ammerman was the oldest contestant in Cycle 12, and the judges repeatedly expressed concern that she might be too old to be a model. However, she was also complimented by the judges on multiple occasions for her elegance, her love of fashion and its reflection in her personal styling, and what Paulina Porizkova
, a judge and former model, called her "non-traditional model looks".
During the fifth episode (March 25), after the judges voted to keep contestant Tahlia Brookins on the show, Ammerman told the judges she felt Brookins should be dismissed because she had been expressing a great deal of self-doubt and questioning whether she should stay on the show. Show host Tyra Banks
criticized Ammerman for making the public statement, claiming that decision should come from Brookins rather than her. During the seventh episode (April 8) of the show, Celia received her first (and only) first callout for her outstanding CoverGirl commercial, Tahlia was eliminated in the same episode.
Ammerman was among the final four contestants when she was eliminated from the show in the twelfth episode (May 6). During the same episode she was eliminated, Ammerman ranked first place in a dance challenge and was complimented by Banks for her bone structure and strength. In all, Ammerman won a total of 4 challenges on the show, with prizes including a Walmart.com photo shoot and jewelry from Ara Vartanian worth over $7,000. The day before the episode ran, several reporters predicted Ammerman to win the competition.
Following her appearance on America's Next Top Model, Ammerman shot her first fashion spread for the New York Post
style section. She showcased her top five looks for the spring season, including a Juicy Couture
swimsuit, a Brooks Brothers
prep jacket and trousers, a Matthew Williamson
nightdress from H&M
, an Alice + Olivia
belted halter dress and a Kate Moss
Topshop
jacket. In addition, thanks to challenge wins on the show, she has appeared in an ad for CoverGirl on Walmart.com and in the June 2009 issue of Seventeen
. She has also been featured on Racked.com, as well as in the September 2009 issue of Allure Magazine, and Short Hair Magazine. Ammerman appeared in the Vogue accessories supplement in the September 2009 issue of Vogue Italia
, modeling Prada
sunglasses.
, stamps
and Star Wars
action figures
. In April 2009, Ammerman was working at the Intermix fashion store in Manhattan
.
Model (person)
A model , sometimes called a mannequin, is a person who is employed to display, advertise and promote commercial products or to serve as a subject of works of art....
, best known for her appearance as a contestant on the twelfth cycle
America's Next Top Model, Cycle 12
America's Next Top Model, Cycle 12 is the twelfth cycle of America's Next Top Model and the sixth season to air on The CW network. It premiered on March 4, 2009. The cycle's catch phrase is "Get In The Fold." The cycle's promotional song is Lady Gaga's "The Fame".The first half of the cycle took...
of 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....
.
Early life
Celia Ammerman grew up in CynthianaCynthiana, Kentucky
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,258 people, 2,692 households, and 1,639 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,873.6 people per square mile . There were 2,909 housing units at an average density of 870.9 per square mile...
, Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
. She realized she wanted to work in the modeling or fashion industry at age 14 after trying on her mother's wedding gown. Her mother, a seamstress
Sewing
Sewing is the craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a needle and thread. Sewing is one of the oldest of the textile arts, arising in the Paleolithic era...
, made Ammerman outfits and dresses from her birth throughout her childhood, which she also said helped develop her love of fashion. Ammerman took part in every runway show or photo shoot available in Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 63rd largest in the US. Known as the "Thoroughbred City" and the "Horse Capital of the World", it is located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region...
, including at the Bella Rose clothing boutique and the non-profit Beaux Arts Ball. When she moved to Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
in July 2006, she lived in an apartment across from a chicken slaughterhouse. She has previously worked as a Thom Browne
Thom Browne
Thom Browne is an American fashion designer. He is the founder and head of design for Thom Browne, a New York City-based menswear brand...
specialist for the Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman is a luxury goods department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The company was founded in 1899 by Herman Bergdorf and was later owned and managed by Edwin Goodman, and later his son Andrew Goodman....
department store.
America's Next Top Model
In 2007, at age 23, Ammerman tried out for the CW NetworkThe 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
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
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....
, but was not chosen as a contestant. In 2009, an acquaintance who tried out for Stylista
Stylista
Stylista was an American fashion-themed reality-television competition series that premiered on the CW network in the United States, and Citytv in Canada on October 22, 2008. The series was produced by Warner Horizon Television and Tyra Banks through her Bankable Productions. The series was not...
, another CW reality show, introduced her to an America's Next Top Model casting agent, who encouraged her to submit photos and attend a closed casting call. This time she was chosen to perform in the show's twelfth cycle
America's Next Top Model, Cycle 12
America's Next Top Model, Cycle 12 is the twelfth cycle of America's Next Top Model and the sixth season to air on The CW network. It premiered on March 4, 2009. The cycle's catch phrase is "Get In The Fold." The cycle's promotional song is Lady Gaga's "The Fame".The first half of the cycle took...
. It was during her time on the show that she learned she was cross-eyed
Strabismus
Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. It typically involves a lack of coordination between the extraocular muscles, which prevents bringing the gaze of each eye to the same point in space and preventing proper binocular vision, which may adversely...
, a fact she was not aware of until judge and photographer Nigel Barker pointed it out.
At age 25, Ammerman was the oldest contestant in Cycle 12, and the judges repeatedly expressed concern that she might be too old to be a model. However, she was also complimented by the judges on multiple occasions for her elegance, her love of fashion and its reflection in her personal styling, and what Paulina Porizkova
Paulina Porizkova
Pavlína Pořízková-Ocasek is a Czech model and actress. At the age of eighteen years, she became the first woman from Central Europe to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated swim-suit issue. She was the second woman to be featured on the swim-suit issue's front cover consecutive times...
, a judge and former model, called her "non-traditional model looks".
During the fifth episode (March 25), after the judges voted to keep contestant Tahlia Brookins on the show, Ammerman told the judges she felt Brookins should be dismissed because she had been expressing a great deal of self-doubt and questioning whether she should stay on the show. Show host 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...
criticized Ammerman for making the public statement, claiming that decision should come from Brookins rather than her. During the seventh episode (April 8) of the show, Celia received her first (and only) first callout for her outstanding CoverGirl commercial, Tahlia was eliminated in the same episode.
Ammerman was among the final four contestants when she was eliminated from the show in the twelfth episode (May 6). During the same episode she was eliminated, Ammerman ranked first place in a dance challenge and was complimented by Banks for her bone structure and strength. In all, Ammerman won a total of 4 challenges on the show, with prizes including a Walmart.com photo shoot and jewelry from Ara Vartanian worth over $7,000. The day before the episode ran, several reporters predicted Ammerman to win the competition.
Modeling career
Prior to Top Model, Ammerman had been featured in Exposure &, Kentucky, CiN Weekly Magazine, Ohio, CCQ Magazine, deliriusdesign.com, NY & Borderline Magazine. Her runway credits included: Belvedere Vodka, NY, Aveda Hair Show, Ohio, Beaux Arts Runway, Kentucky.Following her appearance on America's Next Top Model, Ammerman shot her first fashion spread for the New York Post
New York Post
The New York Post is the 13th-oldest newspaper published in the United States and is generally acknowledged as the oldest to have been published continuously as a daily, although – as is the case with most other papers – its publication has been periodically interrupted by labor actions...
style section. She showcased her top five looks for the spring season, including a Juicy Couture
Juicy Couture
Juicy Couture is a contemporary line of both casual and dressy apparel based in Arleta, Los Angeles, California founded by Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor in 1996...
swimsuit, a Brooks Brothers
Brooks Brothers
Brooks Brothers is the oldest men's clothier chain in the United States. Founded in 1818 as a family business, the privately owned company is now owned by Retail Brand Alliance, also features clothing for women, and is headquartered on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, New York City.-History:On April 7,...
prep jacket and trousers, a Matthew Williamson
Matthew Williamson
Matthew Williamson is an English fashion designer. His collections often have an Indian influence, perhaps related to the time Williamson spent working in India for the clothing store Monsoon...
nightdress from H&M
H&M
H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB is a Swedish retail-clothing company, known for its fast-fashion clothing offerings for women, men, teenagers and children....
, an Alice + Olivia
Alice + Olivia
Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet is a contemporary women's clothing brand designed by founder Stacey Bendet.Alice + Olivia has grown into 50 million dollar brand including a mens line and a children's line since its launch at Barneys in 2002...
belted halter dress and a Kate Moss
Kate Moss
Kate Moss is an English model. Moss is known for her waifish figure and popularising the heroin chic look in the 1990s. She is also known for her controversial private life, high profile relationships, party lifestyle, and drug use. Moss changed the look of modelling and started a global debate on...
Topshop
Topshop
Topshop is a British clothes retailer with shops in over 20 countries and online operations in a number of its markets. Its sales come primarily from women's clothing and fashion accessories...
jacket. In addition, thanks to challenge wins on the show, she has appeared in an ad for CoverGirl on Walmart.com and in the June 2009 issue of Seventeen
Seventeen (magazine)
Seventeen is an American magazine for teenagers. It was first published in September 1944 by Walter Annenberg's Triangle Publications. News Corporation bought Triangle in 1988, and sold Seventeen to K-III Communications in 1991. Primedia sold the magazine to Hearst in 2003. It is still in the...
. She has also been featured on Racked.com, as well as in the September 2009 issue of Allure Magazine, and Short Hair Magazine. Ammerman appeared in the Vogue accessories supplement in the September 2009 issue of 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....
, modeling Prada
Prada
Prada S.p.A. is an Italian fashion label specializing in luxury goods for men and women , founded by Mario Prada.-Foundations:...
sunglasses.
Personal life
Ammerman collects coinsNumismatics
Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. While numismatists are often characterized as students or collectors of coins, the discipline also includes the broader study of money and other payment media used to resolve debts and the...
, stamps
Philately
Philately is the study of stamps and postal history and other related items. Philately involves more than just stamp collecting, which does not necessarily involve the study of stamps. It is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps...
and Star Wars
Star Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
action figures
Kenner Star Wars action figures
The Kenner toy company produced a line of Star Wars action figures based on characters in the original Star Wars movie trilogy. Over 90 unique action figures were produced and sold from 1978 to 1985, during which time over 300 million Star Wars action figures were sold...
. In April 2009, Ammerman was working at the Intermix fashion store in Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
.