Top Model: Talulah-Eve Brown

Show: Britain's Next Top Model
Release Year: 2017

The eleventh season of Britain's Next Top Model premiered on March 16, 2017, on the Lifetime network. This cycle of the highly anticipated modeling competition show brought some exciting changes and introduced new elements. One such innovation was the introduction of weekly immunity challenges, which provided contestants the opportunity to protect themselves from elimination, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition.

 

Among the most significant and groundbreaking moments in this particular season was the inclusion of 22-year-old Talulah-Eve Brown, who made history as the first openly transgender contestant to ever appear on the show. Talulah-Eve’s participation marked a historic moment not only in the Britain's Next Top Model franchise but also within the modeling industry, which had, until then, rarely given a platform to openly transgender individuals in such a public and mainstream setting. Talulah-Eve’s presence on the show was symbolic of a broader cultural shift towards greater visibility and inclusivity of transgender people in the entertainment industry. She became a role model for many transgender individuals who aspire to pursue careers in fashion and modeling, showing them that it is possible to break barriers and defy expectations. The prizes for the winner of this season of Britain's Next Top Model were extensive and impressive. The winner would receive a modeling contract with Models 1, a prominent agency in the UK.

 

In addition, the victor would be featured in a fashion spread in Cosmopolitan magazine, participate in nationwide advertising campaigns for Sleek Makeup and Paul Edmonds, and receive a one-year supply of products from these two brands. Furthermore, the winner would also have the opportunity to be involved in advertising campaigns for major companies such as Colgate, Dorothy Perkins, and Boohoo. In the end, the crown of Britain's Next Top Model for this cycle went to 18-year-old Olivia Wardell from Romsey, Hampshire. Although Talulah-Eve did not claim the top prize, her journey throughout the competition became an inspiration to many, demonstrating courage and resilience in the face of adversity. While Olivia Wardell rose to prominence as the winner, Talulah-Eve has gone on to carve out her own path in the fashion world, television, and beyond. Since her appearance on Britain's Next Top Model, Talulah-Eve has become a household name, establishing herself as a model, fashion influencer, and TV personality. Talulah-Eve's rise to fame began with her trailblazing participation in Britain's Next Top Model, but she did not stop there. She has since worked with a wide range of prestigious brands, including becoming the first celebrity to collaborate with the British fashion brand Forever Unique.

 

Additionally, she has teamed up with well-known names in the media and fashion world, including Spotify, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, Sleek Cosmetics, and MTV, cementing her position as an influential figure in the industry. Her success is not limited to modeling and brand collaborations. Talulah-Eve has also ventured into acting, marking her debut in early 2018 with a role on-screen that gained attention. But she hasn’t stopped there - she is also pursuing a career in music, writing and recording her own songs, and using her platform to advocate for transgender rights and raise awareness about the challenges faced by the transgender community. She has expressed her desire to collaborate with other like-minded individuals, seeking out opportunities to create a movement that empowers others and sparks positive change. Reflecting on her journey, Talulah-Eve has shared deeply personal insights into her life. Her path to self-acceptance and fulfillment has been shaped by her experiences growing up in Burton-on-Trent. As a child, Talulah-Eve, born Aaron, always knew she was different from the other boys. At a young age, she was drawn to things that were traditionally considered feminine, such as dolls, sparkles, and long hair. However, this created tension with her mother, who had hoped her son would pursue activities like football and karate. Talulah-Eve’s desire to embrace a more feminine identity was met with confusion and, at times, resistance, but these early experiences laid the foundation for her eventual transition.

 

Throughout her childhood, Talulah-Eve faced significant challenges. At school, she felt alienated, often isolated in the bathroom during break times, as she struggled to fit in with either boys or girls. By the age of 12, she was dealing with deep emotional turmoil, including suicidal thoughts and an eating disorder. Her mother eventually discovered her struggles through her diary, and with the help of the school, Talulah-Eve received the support she needed to slowly begin overcoming these challenges. However, throughout her teenage years, the pressures of societal expectations weighed heavily on her, with peers labeling her as the “gay boy,” a title that never felt true to her identity. Despite the adversity she faced, Talulah-Eve persevered. She attended college, initially studying art, design, and fashion, before moving on to pursue a beauty and makeup course. It was during this period that she first ventured into the world of drag, a formative experience that helped her embrace her true self. Initially, Talulah-Eve had reservations about drag, perceiving it as a form of entertainment rather than a reflection of her true identity. However, when she dressed up as a woman for the first time, she felt an undeniable sense of joy and recognition. In that moment, she saw herself as the woman she had always known she was inside, a moment of clarity that played a crucial role in her decision to transition. 

 

Talulah-Eve began her transition at the age of 19 by taking hormones, which led to the development of more feminine physical features, including the growth of her breasts. As her body began to change, she began to feel more aligned with her true self. This sense of affirmation continued as she pursued gender reassignment surgery, which took place in 2016 after months of psychiatric assessments and specialists' consultations. Despite the challenges she faced, including concerns about her physical appearance during her time on Britain's Next Top Model, Talulah-Eve maintained a sense of determination and confidence. She was aware of the scrutiny she faced as a transgender woman in the modeling industry, and yet, she refused to let these challenges define her. She was determined to make her mark and prove that she could succeed just like any other model, regardless of her gender identity. Looking back, Talulah-Eve acknowledges that her journey to self-acceptance has not been easy. There have been many emotional and physical hurdles along the way. Yet, today, she is thriving in her career and personal life. Her family, who initially struggled with her decision to transition, has come to support her fully, and Talulah-Eve is now using her platform to raise awareness and support for other transgender individuals. Her message is clear: being transgender is not just about external appearances. It’s about authenticity, self-acceptance, and the courage to live as one’s true self.

 

Talulah-Eve’s story has become a beacon of hope for many, and her experiences, both the struggles and triumphs, continue to inspire others to embrace who they are. Since her time on Britain's Next Top Model, Talulah-Eve has continued to break down barriers, proving that transgender individuals can thrive in the fashion and entertainment industries. Through her modeling work, her collaborations with renowned brands, and her advocacy for transgender rights, Talulah-Eve has become an influential voice for inclusivity and acceptance in an industry that is often resistant to change. She is not just a model; she is a symbol of resilience, strength, and the power of embracing one’s true identity. Talulah-Eve's story is a testament to the importance of self-love, perseverance, and the value of living authentically. As she continues to make waves in the world of fashion, television, and music, there’s no doubt that Talulah-Eve will continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of transgender individuals seeking to make their own mark in the world.

 

via: Instagram

wikipedia and starnow.com and glamourmagazine.co.uk

Image credits: Instagram