From Runway To Canvas: 7 Surprising Facts About Nicole Fox, The ANTM Cycle 13 Winner Who Vanished From The Spotlight
The world of high fashion is notoriously fleeting, but few winners of America's Next Top Model (ANTM) have made such a dramatic and intentional pivot away from the spotlight as Nicole Fox, the striking, red-haired victor of Cycle 13. Winning the "Petite Model" cycle in 2009, Fox captivated judges with her high-fashion look and consistent portfolio, but her journey after the show quickly led her down a different, more artistic path. Today, over a decade later, she has traded the runway for the canvas, forging a quiet, fulfilling life that is a world away from the drama of reality TV, and her current identity as an artist is a testament to her creative depth.
As of late 2025, Nicole Fox, now known as Nicole Arianna Abuhamada, is an artist and mother living a private life in Maryland. Her professional focus has completely shifted from modeling to the fine arts, a passion she cultivated long before her time on the show. This article dives into the complete profile of the unique winner and uncovers the key facts about her life, from her ANTM triumph to her current creative endeavors.
Nicole Fox: Complete Biographical Profile
- Full Name: Nicole Arianna Abuhamada (née Fox)
- Born: March 6, 1991
- Birthplace: Louisville, Colorado
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) (The maximum height for ANTM Cycle 13, the "Petite Model" cycle)
- Education: University of Colorado at Boulder (Studio Arts and English double major)
- Known For: Winner of *America's Next Top Model* Cycle 13 (2009)
- Spouse: Jacob Abuhamada
- Children: One son
- Current Residence: Maryland, USA
- Current Profession: Artist, Painter
The ANTM Triumph: A High-Fashion Anomaly
Nicole Fox's win on *America's Next Top Model* Cycle 13 was not a surprise to fans who appreciated her unique, almost alien-like beauty and her consistent performance. The cycle, which premiered in 2009, was groundbreaking because it was the first—and only—to feature models who were 5'7" and under, focusing on the "petite model" niche. Nicole, standing at 5'7", was right at the height limit, but her look was anything but standard.
Her signature features—the striking red hair, pale skin, and a unique, often melancholic gaze—made her a favorite of Tyra Banks and the judges. She received four first call-outs throughout the season and was praised for her ability to transform into high-fashion characters. Her portfolio is often cited by fans as one of the best in the show's history, demonstrating a natural talent for editorial modeling that transcended the reality TV setting.
The prize package included a contract with Wilhelmina Models, a spread in *Seventeen* magazine, and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics. While she fulfilled her contractual duties, including modeling for brands like Heritage 1981 and Steve Madden, her heart was already being pulled toward a different creative outlet.
From Model to Muse: Nicole’s Transition to Fine Art
The most significant and surprising chapter of Nicole Fox’s post-ANTM life is her complete embrace of the art world. This wasn't a sudden career change; art was her true passion all along. Before the show, she was a student at the University of Colorado at Boulder, double-majoring in Studio Arts and English.
Today, she is known professionally as Nicole Arianna Abuhamada, a dedicated artist and painter. She and her husband, Jacob Abuhamada, live a private life in Maryland where she focuses on her creative work and raising their son.
Her artistic talent is substantial and has been recognized academically. She received scholarships for figure painting and her portfolio from prestigious institutions like the University of Colorado at Boulder and the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.
While she maintains a very low profile, her work can be found online, often under her married name. Her style is deeply rooted in her academic background, focusing on figurative work and painting. This shift from being the subject of a photograph to the creator of a visual piece speaks volumes about her desire for creative control and personal expression, proving that her unique visual sensibility was always more than just a model's pose.
Exploring Her Post-Show Creative Endeavors
While the fine art world is her primary focus now, Nicole Fox's creative journey included a few notable stops in other media before she settled into painting.
1. Modeling and Print Work (Immediate Post-ANTM)
Following her victory, Nicole appeared in a six-page spread for *Seventeen* magazine and was featured in online campaigns for major brands. She walked in Los Angeles Fashion Week and continued to book modeling jobs, demonstrating that she had the potential for a long-term career in the industry. However, her distinct look, which was perfect for high-fashion editorial, was perhaps too specific for the mass-market commercial modeling that often sustains ANTM winners.
2. A Brief Stint in Acting
Like many models who transition to other media, Nicole dipped her toes into acting. She appeared in a few independent films, showcasing her dramatic presence. Her acting credits include the 2017 horror film *Circus Kane*, where she co-starred with former child actor Jonathan Lipnicki, and the 2014 film *The Well*. This period of her career demonstrated a willingness to explore different facets of the entertainment industry, but ultimately, it was not where she found her long-term calling.
3. The Private Life of an Artist
Today, Nicole Arianna Abuhamada maintains a highly private existence. She has largely eschewed the public social media presence expected of reality TV stars, a choice that has allowed her to focus entirely on her family and her art. This deliberate step away from the public eye is perhaps the most fascinating aspect of her current life. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she did not leverage her ANTM fame for continuous visibility. Instead, she chose a path defined by intellectual and artistic fulfillment, far from the cameras and the catwalk. Her current life is a quiet, creative success story, proving that for some, the greatest prize is the freedom to pursue a passion outside of fame.
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