By Alannah Castro
For Rita Hankins of Bartlett, Illinois, winning the 2015 Chrome APHA Member Model Search was an adventure unlike any other.“Because I’d never modeled before, I was really excited to have the opportunity to work with the other models and wear really fun and different styles,” Rita said. “My friends pushed me to enter. They just thought it would be really fun for me to try something new.”
After traveling to Fort Worth in August, Rita joined fellow grand-prize winner Scott Weiss and several other model-search finalists in a whirlwind two-day photo-shoot for Chrome’s 2015 fashion issue. Rita readily admits that participating in the shoot has broadened her style horizons.
“The shoot totally opened up my eyes to different style. The style for the shoot was a little more Southwestern, while in my area the style is a little bit more basic Western,” Rita said. “I can definitely incorporate this style into my wardrobe. It’s a lot more fun and colorful than what I’m used to wearing, and I like it.”
“Unbridled Fashion,” featured in the Winter 2015 issue of Chrome, puts APHA members in the spotlight as its models. Rita—a mother of two who owns and operates a boarding stable in Illinois—says she really enjoyed working with her fellow APHA members in a variety of settings at T Bar D Ranch in Justin, Texas.
“Every shot was a little bit different. They all have a little different character and feel to them,” Rita said. “I like interacting with the other models, and I also really enjoyed interacting with the horses. I liked working with other people better than shooting by myself.”
For APHA members who are thinking ahead to next year’s model search, Rita has this advice.
“Go for it because if I can win, the sky’s the limit!” Rita said.
Chrome is mailed to all current APHA members in North America, and available digitally to all members worldwide, so make sure your membership is current to ensure you receive this special issue. JOIN today.
