FASHION FORWARD
What was your first modeling or acting role ? In high school , I started out modeling for a vintage clothing store / website in Anacortes [ WA ].
In 2014 , you entered the Cover Girl Search and became a finalist . What made you decide to enter ? Who doesn ’ t want to be on the cover of a magazine ? I was really interested in it . My friend had done it prior , and it sounded like a good opportunity to get to know more people in the industry .
How did you get involved with Playboy ? I was contacted by Josh Ryan , a former Playboy photographer . He asked if I was interested in testing for being a playmate . I said , “ Hell yeah !” and was in Los Angeles the next day at the Playboy Mansion .
How does it feel being the last nude playmate of the month ? I shot my pictorial in March 2014 , and at the time I had no idea what month I was going to be or that I was going to be in the last nude issue . I was so excited that they decided to save me for such a special issue .
What other opportunities have you had this past year ? I recently was contacted by the president of Victoria ’ s Secret who introduced me to one of their photographers , Russell James . I saw his work while in Berlin a year ago and remember thinking , “ that is where I want to be . I want to shoot with this guy .” I ’ m so grateful I had that opportunity .
You were chosen for America ’ s Next Top Model in cycle 22 [ last season with Tyra Banks ] but decided to leave after the first episode . Why ? I guess I was naive to know what reality TV actually was versus how I perceived it . You watch the show not knowing what goes on behind the scenes . The show was all about creating fake drama and that ’ s not something I wanted to be a part of .
Besides modeling , you have been cast into a couple of movies . Can you tell us about the roles ? My first film was an indie horror film with Director Steve Wolsh for Kill Her Goats . My role was a high school girlfriend that was played along with her boyfriend . The film is currently in editing , but no news on when it will be released .
This past June , I worked on the feature film , Dog Years , starring Burt Reynolds and Ariel Winter , cast as one the girlfriends from the main character ’ s past . The release date will soon be announced .
How did feel being behind a camera in action versus posing ? I ’ m still new to acting , but both are so similar to me . Whenever I ’ m in front of the camera , I try my best to be whoever I need to be - not Amberleigh . I am a very shy person , but with modeling and acting , I don ’ t need to be . I get to be somebody else and I think it is so cool .
What has been your favorite experience so far ? Everything I ’ ve done is my favorite , but I think being able to shoot with my favorite photographer , Russell James , is on the top of my list .
Are you planning on moving or staying in Washington ? I would like to keep doing what I ’ m doing - live in Washington and be able to travel .
Have you worked with any fashion brands ? I ’ ve done a test shoot with Guess .
What do you consider your style ? My style is very chill : pants , jacket and hair up in a ponytail .
What would say to those who want to break into the modeling world ? I would say to work hard and be persistent . There are so many opportunities in the industry and it is constantly changing .
50 l VILLE l FASHION ISSUE