Krista White spent eight years auditioning a dozen times before making it on to America's Next Top Model.
That persistence also landed her a starring role at New Zealand Fashion Week.
The 26-year-old has been modelling for Kiwi designers - a prize she won during the filming of the 14th
season of the show here last year.
"I already have my favourite designers. World is my absolute favourite and I also really like Cybele. Zambesi is just amazing it's just bananas to me ... so many of the New Zealand designers could make it big over in America."
Partying hasn't been on the agenda for the 175cm beauty: it's back to her room by 8pm most nights.
White said she had enjoyed working with Kiwi models who walked slower than Americans.
"Doing [a run-through] for Nicole Miller people were telling me 'slow down'."
She has watched episodes of New Zealand's Next Top Model: "I totally understand what they're all going through."
Season 14 of America's Next Top Model will screen later this year.
