Top Model USA Competitor and Local Actress Elaina Adrianna

Fresh off the heels of making her 2016 DC Fashion Week debut on the runway, local model and actress Elaina Adrianna is gearing up for Top Model USA’s national competition in August. The 22-year-old Bristow, Va. resident is also an aspiring actress, and wrapping up her senior year at George Mason University where she’s double majoring in communication and theater. On Tap caught up with the ambitious beauty, also featured on this month’s cover, to learn more about her aspirations and some of her favorite things to do in the District.

Elaina Adrianna: My hope is to [become] a full-time actress. I have been working on this dream ever since I was a little girl performing in a small playhouse in Hanau, Germany [a self-described Army brat, Elaina was born in Germany and returned with her family in middle school when she launched her acting career]. I plan to head out to California in a year or less. I’ve been preparing for this move for four years, so now I’m excited to finally get out there.

EA: I did a short horror film this past year, For We Are Many. Recently, I just finished working on another short horror film, An Evil Mind. In short films, I was lucky enough to be cast as the lead. I also landed a role out of hundreds at the International Spy Museum for a show called Spy Chasers. I am continuing my work on TV and movies, and hope to [be in] feature films in California soon.

EA: I loved walking the runway for DC Fashion Week, [which] allowed me the opportunity to walk for international designers, but I’d love to fly overseas and walk in an international show. My hope is to walk in New York Fashion Week next.

EA: [The DC Fashion Week] experience led me to the Top Model USA modeling competition at George Mason, and I decided to participate. The competition took place on May 1, and I won second place. I was approached by the Top Model team afterward and told that I would be moving on to the [national] Top Model USA competition in August. The winner in August has the chance to compete internationally for modeling contracts at a future competition.

EA: I love the different locations. My favorite so far was definitely Masseria, the location used for [On Tap’s June cover] shoot. I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant and its unique character compared to other DC locations.

EA: For my 21st birthday, I was taken to the Brixton [in the U Street Corridor]. It is a three-level bar with a rooftop bar [at the top]. It was such a good time. I always suggest it for a fun night out.

EA: I loved the clothing from [DC-based] designer Belle Flowers at DC Fashion Week.

EA: My absolute favorite is cork sandals. They go with absolutely everything and make your legs look long and gorgeous. I also always have to have a pop of color with every outfit; usually I go with a bold lipstick.

EA: One of my favorite bars is Madhatter. They offer Alice in Wonderland-type hats that you drink out of and an awesome dance floor to keep you entertained all night. There are also pop-up parties, which run under the name SEV Cities. They’re fun for any 20-something to party in DC and be exposed to local vendors with some awesome take-home gifts.

Keep up with Elaina Adrianna:  www.facebook.com/elainaadrianna1

Photo: Nick & Erin Donner
Dress & necklace: Hysteria in Old Town Alexandria