Video by Noel Calubaquib. Interview and article by Yelena Scheidler
Washington DC is becoming highly-noticed for its fashion and beauty worldwide as the president of the World Top Model and head of one of the most prestigious agencies in the world – Major Model Management, Fiori Tondi, traveled from Italy to judge at the World Top Model USA at Hyatt Regency, Bethesda, Maryland on November 19. Not only was the show designed to bring the greatest of modeling opportunities to the contestants, it also raised awareness of a key topic that impacts so many people: mental health.
The show was organized by supermodel and educator Cintia Hullen, Marcela Urioste and Doctor Mobi, and hosted by Darren Haynes, 11x Emmy Winning Sports Anchor at WUSA9 and Janna Sedlakova, a long-time model and author. The evening was full of fashion icons, designers, photographers, influencers, artists and more as everyone watched around 20 women compete for an opportunity to win the title of the World Top Model USA and progress into the world-level finals, competing among 60 other countries in Budapest, Hungary in December.
According to the judges, it was a tough competition and decision. Based on popular vote, the winner of the World Top Model USA was Samantha Martinez.
From Morgantown, West Virginia, this beauty holds on to a meaningful story that would inspire many. In 2019, Samantha suffered a major seizure that completely impacted her ability to walk for over 9 months. She was determined and gained her ability back, which then turned into runway, and now into winning such a prestigious title.
The World Top Model is an ultimate international model search event that holds competitions among 60 countries. At the end of each year The World Top Model winner is awarded funding, extraordinary modeling opportunities, press, attention, and the best of training.
The World Top Model USA show was taken to the next level of entertainment when RoRo Yone, the Global Top 10 Charting Hip Hop Artist, performed a 5 minute mix of his songs. He let all contestants take part in his performance, making it not only electric but beautiful too.
The entertainment guests also included The Gem Fatales.
Professional makeup for World Top Model USA was provided to all models by Dash Talents glam team, lead by celebrity makeup artist Yelena Scheidler. Artists included: Sarah Nour, Christy Campos, Simran Shahi, Sarah Bentman, Fotima Dostieva, and Terazia Jones.
Designers featured at the World Top Model USA: Ramona Designs, Malcolm Staples, DiDomenico Design, Aurelius Suits, Sonia Gatbarino Atelier, and more
Jojo Bragais Shoes, the official brand of the Miss Universe shoes, was a sponsor for the World Top Model USA. The winner received a pair of beautiful shoes in style Jehza that she will wear during the finals in Budapest. Baby Espree, US Representative of Jojo Bragais Shoes, traveled from Texas to personally present these beauties to the 2022 USA winner, Samantha. Please follow this brand.
Photography by Roy Negrosa and Noel Calubaquib.
To follow the World Top Model competition further, please visit World Top Model USA Instagram, World Top Model Official Instagram, World Top Model Website.