Monday, 02 April 2012 11:43
For our annual Cover Model Contest, we asked you—the reader—to vote on which Gainesville Fashion Week model you’d most like to see on the cover of our Fashion Issue.
You voted, and we listened. After more than 16,500 votes, we saw that two deserving models were battling it out for the lead. Since we couldn’t pick just one, for the first time, we printed two versions of INsite—one featuring first-time GFW model Christen Finkbeiner, and one featuring returning GFW favorite Joe D’Anieri.
After the winners were announced, we wasted no time in setting them up with a photoshoot with photographer Rob Foldy. The location? An old warehouse on South Main Street. The day? St. Patrick’s Day! (And yes, after seeing the final photos, the whole staff was green with envy.)
After Christen expertly let us aim a well-worn Shop Vac at her carefully tussled tresses (how else do you think we could create such great wind in a warehouse?), she zipped off to work at Abercrombie & Fitch. Joe, who showed up just as Christen was taking her final shots, arrived with an entourage of one—his mom. Believe it or not, this sports star is still in high school!
After gamely staring into the camera for the more “serious” shots, Joe let loose by showing off some of his athleticism when we asked if he could do a cartwheel. He hadn’t before—but in no time, he was practicing handstands like a pro. You heard it here first: We see a rivalry between the tennis courts and the runway.
Here are some of our favorite scenes from the day. Meet Christen, Joe—and all the other Cover Model Contest finalists—at this year’s annual Gainesville Fashion Week, April 11-15.
By Maghan McDowell
Cover images by Rob Foldy
Behind-the-scenes photos by Alexandria Ugarte
Christen’s hair by Erin Anding
Makeup by Moira Hassler
INsite is Gainesville's premier entertainment magazine. Check INsite for celebrity interviews, movie star profiles, local band interviews and concert reviews. You'll find features on Gainesville fashion and style, beauty tips, and health and fitness advice. Check out Swamp Rentals for info on Gainesville Apartments and My Gainesville Restaurants for the latest restaurant reviews.