Adrianne Curry

Adrianne Curry and Christopher Knight

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Woman of Style - My Fair Brady's Adrianne Curry

Adrianne Curry's life has drastically changed since winning season 1 of America's Next Top Model and despite a fallout with host Tyra Banks, Adrianne's body of work - keeps getting bigger and better year after year. Hailing from Joliet, Illinois, the stunning beauty has modeled for Macy's and Merit Diamonds and for magazines such as Playboy (last months cover girl and centerspread), Stuff, People, Maxim, Marie Claire and Lucky. Her runway shows include actress Jaime Pressly's recent fashion show at Sútra Lounge in Costa Mesa, CA and during NYC's Fashion Week Spring 2005 for designer Anne Bowen.

Curry would say that appearing on VH1's 4th season of The Surreal Life with Da Brat, Chyna, Jane Wiedlin, Christopher Knight (current beau and Peter Brady from The Brady Bunch), Verne Troyer, and Marcus Schenkenberg is where real life changes started. We would agree that it catipulted Curry into the limelight. During the season, Curry and Knight began dating and then moved in with each other. Not only did their love thrive, but another show evolved, My Fair Brady, a show that documented their life together - with a proposal from Knight during the finale. Want to know what will happen next? Well, the show has been renewed for season 2 and will focus on the couple's wedding preparations, which will begin airing on VH1 this May.

We caught up with Adrianne at Crobar in Chicago during her "Playboy tour" and found out what it's really like to date a Brady, why Chicago is one of her favorite places to visit and the rough times she hit after winning America's Next Top Model, while also getting an inside look at her style.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: Out of all the things you’ve been a part of, from America’s Next Top Model to My Fair Brady, what has been the most rewarding for you? What’s it like to be Playboy’s February cover girl?
ADRIANNE CURRY: Out of everything I have done in my career, the most rewarding thing was The Surreal Life. I was criticized for doing it, but it launched my career like no tomorrow! When I won top model, I wasn't given the promised prize package. I was supposed to have a Revlon Contract. Turns out that they had struck a deal before they had even picked contestants out for the show. The deal was to do convention work, no press, no nothing. That wasn't what we were told on the show! I struggled in my career, seeing how I wasn't given the same attention and care that the winners after me received. When I heard about the Surreal Life looking for people, I was thrilled! Here I was, a no name, never was given the chance to be in a house with a bunch of big named once were's! UPN tried to keep me from going on the show, they even went as far as to call Mindless Entertainment (The production company for the surreal life) and tell them I couldn't do it, and that I was still under contract. Turns out my contract with top model was void for almost a year by then...so I said fuck it! I went on and my career blew up! Since The Surreal Life, I went on to another show with my now fiance, Christopher Knight. We just wrapped season 2 of My Fair Brady. I had a spread in Maxim, made their Hot 100 List, scored a few campaigns, and became the first Top Model winner/contestant to be featured on the cover of a legendary major magazine (Playboy)! I have had more success in both television and modeling in just the few months after the Surreal Life, than I ever did with Top Model. So, even though my Playboy cover was ground breaking, I keep true to those who got me there...Thanks to VH1, Mindless Entertainment, and of course, my naked ass.

FM: What’s the coolest part about dating a pop icon, Christopher Knight
(aka Peter Brady)? What’s the most surreal part of it?
AD: I wouldn't say there is anything "cool" about dating a brady, except getting out of tickets! I don't look at him as a pop icon. He has no idea what pop culture is, or what is going on with it now days. He is as clueless to pop culture as I am to his fans repeating lines from the Brady Bunch to him. I am thankful I can't remember anything from that show. It must be nice for Chris to finally be with someone who could give a crap less about Pork Chops and Applesauce! I am so proud of what he has accomplished in his career. He is a legend. I won't be watching any of his work though, it was a children's show. It's kinda like if I married the guy who voiced Barney 10 years from now. I most likely wouldn't go soak up the "I love you, you love me" songs. Well, never say never...we might have kids that want to watch it one day!

FM: Describe your signature style.
AD: My signature style? Wow, I didn't realize I had one. I guess it's edgy/glam. Most of the time I dress pretty edgy...when I hit the red carpet, I try to bring that with me. It's what has started my career! If I am wearing a beautiful dress, I'll most likely top it off with a handcuff bag from Cuffz By Linz. No matter how nice I may look, I like to bring a little rock into it.

FM: What are your favorite shops worldwide? (any favorites in Chicago).
AD: I have to say my favorite stores are Von Dutch, Ed Hardy, Miss Sixty, Steven, Steve Madden, Sephora, Antik Denim, Cuffz By Linz online boutique, and Macys. However, when I am in Chicago, I find myself pulled to The Alley. They have such awesome stores there. I guess I am also a huge Marshall Field's fan, though I hear they are closing their doors.

FM: Where are some of your favorite places to travel and what do you always pick up for your wardrobe?
AD: I love to travel. My Favorite places to go are Chicago and New York. I have been many places in the world, but it's these two cities that feel like my home. I grew up in Chicago, and started on my own in NYC. They both require the same wardrobe, though Chicago may demand a little more warm clothes in the winter. I always pack a bunch of sue wong dressed to go out in, aldo or steve madden shoes, a few wife beaters with catchy or slightly vulgar messages, and a ton of jeans.

FM: What are you always on the hunt for?
AD: I guess the number one thing I am always searching for is Vintage/antique jewelry. I love it. Old Victorian brooches, necklaces, bracelets, ect. I am really into Bohemian garnets. Back in the day, wearing garnets showed more wealth than wearing a diamond. They were a symbol of strength and stature. I like old stuff, it's great to learn about the history that surrounds an item of jewelry.

FM: What women and men (from which city worldwide) have great style and why?
AD: I would have to say that the greatest cities of style are Paris and NYC. I think that Paris may win over NYC simply because I am a goth at heart, and they love black! Walking the streets of Paris looks like you're in the middle of a runway show. New Yorkers have a great sense of style. From high fashion to street clothes, everyone stands out.

FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought? Is it something you just have?
AD: Many people look at celebrities and their style and think that the only way you can get it too is to be rich as hell. This my friends, is untrue. Style is in the blood. You can go on E-bay and get an exact knockoff of a gucci dress. No one can tell the difference. One of the best dressed women I had ever seen was in a small village outside of Milan. She was breathtaking, in a flowing white lace dress. She was also a poor farmer girl. Style speaks volumes of who you are as a person. Sloppy dresser? This normally means sloppy bedroom/bathroom/workspace/ect.

FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?
AD: Most people would be surprised to know that a few years back, I was a raging drug addict (amoungst other things) with no future. I had a lot of really bad things happen to me in my life. To go through all the trials I have has lead me to a major revelation...that I can, and will be whatever I chose to be. Rough life experiences have brought me a blessing in disguise...wisdom beyond that of a normal 23 year old, determination, strength, and the ability to remain humble, even in hollywood. I realize how quickly things can be taken from you, so I do not rely on fame.

FM: Did you know when you started in the entertainment industry that you would rise to the success that you have?
AD: I had no clue I would be as successful as I am now in the beginning. Even after I won top model, I hit rough times. I even ended up back in my Mom's house with my tail between my legs. But as I said, I am a fighter..I can be quite determined. Over a year ago I told my family and friends exactly where I was going to go...and that is exactly where I am! You can ask a number of my friends how much I talked about getting the cover of Playboy, and how I was going to rise above and become successful. Now it's all a matter of keeping my success, and helping who and what I can with it.

FM: If you weren’t in the entertainment business, where would you be?
AD: If it weren't for the entertainment business, I could see myself being held back. I wouldn't have been able to spread my wings like I needed to. I wouldn't be marrying my soul mate. I would have been in a bad situation, I am out of it now. I hate to say it, but I would have robbed myself of becoming me. I would have never tasted the sweetness of freedom and total independence. I am rewarded for the very things I was ridiculed for, my spontaneity, my madness, my belief in nudity, and my brutal honesty.

FM: What tips would you give women and men in general to be well rounded, balancing out life and career?
AD: The best tips I can give anyone in succeeding in their lives and careers is to do what you want to do! You must find something you're passionate about. If you dont, you will never truly be fufilled in your lives. Don't have that perfect job? Don't cry about it, work your ass off to get where you need to be. I hate listening to people who complain about things in their lives not being perfect, or how much their jobs suck. Funny part is, most of them are in a great position! It is the people who have hardly anything that say how wonderful life is. I hate to wish it upon anyone, but to experience having nothing, to truly suffer life's worse obstacles, really helps that person appreciate anything good that comes their way.

FM: What do you see yourself doing in five years?
AD: In five years I see my modeling career either coming to an end, or already there. I might be an actress, or struggling one. I do however see college in my future. What would I study? I would either want to become a therapist, or get into Biology. I would love to work with or study animals, or help drug addicts/ sex victims rehabilitate themselves.

-Intro and Interview by Melissa Maynard, editor-in-chief/founder Factio-magazine.com.