Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Yvette Jeanbart
About Yvette Jeanbart
At almost 60 years old, I’m entering this modeling contest to prove that beauty, confidence, and purpose don’t come with an expiration date.I've loved modeling since my days as a young woman. Being plus-size, I never pursued it professionally.
Learn More About Yvette Jeanbart
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
What would make me the next Runway Star? Simple—I was born for it. I've loved fashion, glam, and dressing up for as long as I can remember. I did amateur modeling when I was younger and always dreamed of taking it further, but life had other plans. The passion, however, never left. I love being a diva. Give me the sparkle, the style, the dramatic entrance, and the opportunity to turn heads. Fashion isn't just something I wear—it's a form of self-expression. Whether it's a glamorous gown, a bold statement piece, or everyday chic, I love bringing confidence and personality to every look. I'm not afraid of the stage, the spotlight, or performing in front of a crowd. I enjoy connecting with people, carrying myself with confidence, and having fun while doing it. As a plus-size woman approaching 60, I also represent something important: beauty, confidence, and style don't disappear with age. I bring energy, authenticity, life experience, and a genuine love for fashion.
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
This experience would mean the world to me. I'm a native New Yorker, I love fashion and performing. It will be a testament to women in their second chapter of life who wish or want to reinvent themselves. Proof that once a diva, always a diva. Women often fill every one else's cup and have nothing left to pour into their own. I want to show women of a particular age that it's never too late to go after your dream, try something new & different or to just have fun doing what they've always wanted, even if just for a few hours. I love expressing myself through fashion. I have a huge wardrobe and love taking photos in my various outfits. It makes me feel young, vibrant and most of all fulfillingly happy. A chance to walk during New York fashion week would be a dream come true!
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
In my almost 60 years on this planet, I've accomplished a lot, failed a lot, experienced a lot and I still have so much more that I'd like to do, places I'd like to travel, clothes I want to wear, and at age 58, I managed to build a digital product business, create a few ebooks, overcome my fear of speaking to people about my business and showing my face online. I've learned to change my mindset for the better and realize my potential and push myself to do what I want to do. My mission is to help other women my age accomplish whatever it is they have put on the back burner for years because of family, dead-end jobs, children, relationships, etc. I have successfully built a business and for the first time in my life, I'm an entrepreneur and doing things that I've only dreamed of. Success is a word that I'd like to stay in my vocabulary moving forward and I want to help other women realize and come into their own success too.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
Simple. With a $20,000 cash prize, I would definitely get rid of my debt, put money into my business to help it grow, travel to places I've never been, put some money away for a rainy day of course, spend more time with my family and children who live in other states. And of course I would absolutely invest some of this money to make it grow even more so. I want to continue my entrepreneurship with hopes of making my products known, to help other women like myself. It's all about giving back, but not to the point that you don't give to yourself in the exact same way.
Content from Yvette Jeanbart
Rise is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that helps sexual assault survivors across the country and around the world. They’ve created the most successful legislative reform movement in U.S. history: 120 laws passed, 1 UN Resolution and 112 million people’s lives impacted by their efforts.
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