Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Raynita Thornton

Must finish first in their group to advance to the Quarterfinals.
The next 2 highest ranked competitors will advance to a Wildcard round.
Voting for this round ends on August 15, 2026 at 9:00 PM EDT
About Raynita Thornton
I’m 57 years old - I am a paralegal in Bronx Family court for 33 years - my parents have been together for 65 years - I love fashion and have always dreamed of being a model. I have a 38 year old son who people think is my boyfriend or brother- lol
Learn More About Raynita Thornton
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
I have a passion for fashion and I’ve always dreamed of being on a runway. I also have been hearing from co workers “Ray you’re in the wrong profession, you should be in the fashion business or a model.”
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
This experience would mean the world to me!…. It would be a dream come true!… I’ve been living with a regret of not pursuing my dream of being in the fashion world, but with this opportunity I feel like I can accomplish this dream even at the age of 57…. I want to fulfill this dream sooo bad!
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I am very proud of my accomplishments as a single mother - my son is 38 years old and he is a wonderful young man and he took after his mother by having a fashion sense of his own!
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
I would help out my family, and travel to see my son who lives is Germany.
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