Nicole Fox carved out a distinct path in the entertainment and art industries after capturing the crown on Cycle 13 of America's Next Top Model. Standing at five feet and seven inches, she entered the competition tailored specifically for petite models in 2009 and immediately stood out through her high-fashion aesthetic, artistic background, and introverted demeanor. Unlike many reality television contestants who chase fleeting celebrity status, Fox transitioned into editorial print work, indie feature films, and fine arts.
Search intent for Nicole Fox centers on understanding her trajectory from a shy studio art student at the University of Colorado Boulder to a reality television champion, and subsequently exploring her transition into acting and contemporary illustration. While superficial biographies focus solely on her television run, readers frequently search for details regarding her post-show print contracts, her filmography, and her creative work outside the spotlight. This article explores her formative years, her performance on reality television, her print campaigns, and her artistic evolution.
Early Life and Artistic Roots in Colorado
Born on March 6, 1991, in Louisville, Colorado, Nicole Arianna Fox developed a passion for the visual arts early in life. She attended Monarch High School before enrolling at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she majored in studio arts. Before auditioning for television, her primary ambitions revolved around fine art, painting, and journalism.
A chance encounter with a local Denver art photographer shifted her trajectory. Recognizing her striking, doll-like facial structure and editorial proportions, the photographer encouraged her to audition for America's Next Top Model. Although she possessed zero formal modeling experience, her background in studio arts translated directly into an intuitive grasp of composition, lighting, and bodily angles during photo shoots.
Winning America's Next Top Model Cycle 13
Cycle 13 of America's Next Top Model introduced a unique premise: breaking industry standards by casting contestants who stood 5'7" and under. Throughout the competition, Fox was recognized for her quiet intensity and vulnerability. While other contestants engaged in house drama, she maintained a laser focus on the artistic execution of each challenge.
Judges routinely praised her ability to deliver high-fashion photographs without relying on conventional loud energy. Tyra Banks frequently highlighted her unique look and expressive eyes, famously telling her she had "IT" during panel evaluations. Fox reached the final three without ever landing in the bottom two—a rare feat in the show's history—ultimately securing the win over runner-up Laura Kirkpatrick. Her prize package included a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics, representation by Wilhelmina Models, and a cover and six-page spread in Seventeen magazine.
Post-Show Modeling and Editorial Print Work
Winning the title launched Fox into professional print campaigns and fashion spreads. She appeared in major publications such as Seventeen, More Magazine, OK! Magazine, and Illiterate Magazine. Her CoverGirl print advertisements for LashBlast Mascara circulated nationwide.
Despite internet rumors in early 2010 claiming she would become the face of Alexander McQueen's spring collection, those reports were quickly debunked by both her representation and the fashion house. Even without that specific campaign, she continued securing commercial work, including appearances for brands like Forever 21 and editorial features that played up her ethereal, avant-garde aesthetic. You can review her official portfolio details through the Fashion Model Directory.
Transition Into Independent Film and Acting
Rather than remaining solely in traditional commercial modeling, Fox pivoted toward independent cinema and television acting. Her distinct look and ability to portray complex emotional states made her a sought-after talent for indie psychological dramas and thrillers.
Her filmography expanded steadily over the next decade:
- The Bold and the Beautiful (2011): Appeared in a recurring guest role as a runway and fashion model.
- Ashley (2013): Starred as the lead character Ashley Collins in this indie teen drama directed by Dean Ronalds.
- Redlands (2014): Portrayed Vienna in an artfully evocative independent film that received critical praise from outlets like The Washington Post for its stark visual storytelling.
- Girl House (2014): Played Mia in a psychological horror-thriller centering on online content streaming houses.
- Additional Credits: Appeared in The Last Survivors (2014), Tag (2015), and Circus Kane (2017).
Beyond narrative films, she made memorable brief appearances in mainstream media, such as serving as Stan Lee's assistant in a crossover Marvel Avengers Dr. Pepper commercial.
Return to Fine Arts and Publishing
As her acting and modeling schedules evolved, Fox returned to her foundational passion for visual arts. Balancing her creative pursuits, she expanded into children's literature and illustration. In 2021, she published the illustrated picture book Lipton Loves, which follows the daily adventures of a tabby cat. Her artwork reflects the same moody, introspective qualities that defined her modeling portfolio, anchoring her identity firmly as a multi-disciplinary visual artist.
Common Misconceptions and Rumors
Several persistent myths followed Fox long after her reality television victory.
- The McQueen Myth: As noted, online forums frequently cite that she fronted Alexander McQueen's mainline collections, which was a false rumor blown out of proportion by fan blogs.
- Total Disappearance: Many viewers assume reality winners vanish completely if they aren't on daily television; however, Fox maintained a steady career in indie films and gallery art rather than pursuing tabloid fame.
- Height Limitations: Critics often assumed a 5'7" model couldn't transition into editorial work, but Cycle 13 specifically proved that high-fashion proportions depend on skeletal structure and camera angles rather than sheer height alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cycle of America's Next Top Model did Nicole Fox win?
She won Cycle 13, which was uniquely formatted for petite models standing 5'7" and under.
Is Nicole Fox still modeling?
While she established a successful run in print and editorial campaigns immediately following her win, she transitioned primarily into independent acting, fine art, and illustration in recent years.
What movies has Nicole Fox starred in?
She starred in several indie films, including the drama Ashley (2013), the thriller Girl House (2014), and the critically praised drama Redlands (2014).
Did Nicole Fox go to college?
Yes. Before joining reality television, she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder as a studio arts major.
