The Peach State. That is what Georgia, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies is affectionately called. Named after King George II of Great Britain, it is a state of great beauty and a complicated past.
Whether it is it’s dark history as part of the Confederacy and civil rights, to being the birthplace of the late Dr. Martin Luther King and U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Georgia is the modern-day home of hip-hop stars such as T.I. and Ludacris, world headquarters of conglomerates such CNN, Coca-Cola and the home of the 1996 Summer Olympics, the so-called Empire State of the South, is one of the fastest-growing and most influential in the realm of sports, entertainment and culture.
With notable residents such as singers like Ray Charles, James Brown, Luke Bryan, MLB Hall of Famers such as Ty Cobb, former Speaker of the House in Newt Gingrich, rappers such as Andre 3000, Future, 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane and 21 Savage and models such as Kim Basinger, Anna Benson, Johanna Braddy and Joelle Carter, Georgia is a hotbed of cultural talent.
Since it is in the football-rabid South, Georgia is a breeding ground for NFL players thanks to being the home of storied high school powerhouse Valdosta High and perennial national title contenders such as the Georgia Bulldogs based in Athens.
Just this past February, the home-state Atlanta Falcons played in the first-ever Super Bowl to go into overtime, only to fall to the New England Patriots, 34-28 in one of the all-time instant classics.
With two brand-new stadiums in the form of the 71,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium opening in downtown Atlanta this summer and the new 41,500-seat SunTrust Park for the Atlanta Braves in suburban Cobb County soon, everything is coming up roses in the ATL.
One of its own residents in swimsuit and lingerie model, Dalene Costley is another reason why Atlanta is truly at the top of its game.
Costley, a 30-something native of nearby Newnan, has appeared in men’s magazines such as Maxim–as a Top 100 Hometown Hottie–and FHM–as The No.1 Hot Date–has modeled for fashion brands such as Apple Bottoms Jeans, Peach and Nopi.
A true Southern stunner, the 5’4 brown-haired, green-eyed beauty—and former competitive cheerleader, as well as one for football and basketball—has the looks and body of a true swimsuit and beach goddess.
[Rob]
With spring now here, and an eye towards summer and the beach, below is my Q and A with Mrs. Dalene Costley as we talk fashion, modeling, spring break and that Falcons loss in the Super Bowl
Name: Dalene Costley
Age: 31
Height: 5’4″
Birthplace: Newnan, GA
Measurements: 32-24-33
Robert D. Cobb: What kind of model do you consider yourself? (Instagram, pin-up/glamour, fashion)
Dalene Costley: “I consider myself a very versatile model. I love to shoot costumes, fashion, casual, swimsuit, lingerie. I also like to try a lot of different looks from hair, to makeup to crazy clothing. I love to do it all.”
Robert D. Cobb: What brands have you modeled for? Which one do you enjoy modeling for the most?
Dalene Costley: “I have modeled for many different publications and brands from FHM, Maxim, Applebottom Jeans, Peach, Nopi. I would have to say I had fun doing each and every shoot I have done.
Each one is different, challenging and very rewarding for me. I see a goal, go for it, and achieve it. When I work hard to achieve a goal I have.”
Robert D. Cobb: Where has been your favorite place to shoot?
Dalene Costley: “I love to shoot in different locations, lake, beach, in studio, woods, I love to find different backgrounds with the different looks.”
Robert D. Cobb: What is the most exciting aspect of modeling?
Dalene Costley: “I enjoy a lot of aspects of modeling. I mean what girl doesn’t like to get dressed up and hair and makeup done to look gorgeous. The shooting makes you feel like a superstar inside it makes me feel accomplished when I see the finished product. I love what I do and will continue to love it.”
Robert D. Cobb: Within the industry, who is your inspiration?
Dalene Costley: “I love Adriana Lima! She is absolutely gorgeous”
Robert D. Cobb: What is your secret to staying in shape?
Dalene Costley: “I stay in shape by exercising 6 days a week, I lift weights for definition. I try different workout programs by beach body when they come out.
I also eat very healthy. I think about everything I’m going to eat is it going to be a positive or negative on my body if it’s a positive I eat it if it’s a negative I don’t.
I also get in beauty foods. Foods good for your skin, hair, and body.”
Robert D. Cobb: Outside of modeling, what are your hobbies?
Dalene Costley: “Outside of modeling, I create costumes and outfits. I love crafty things. I like going to the lake with friends. I also love to go to carnivals and fairs and spend quality time with my family.”
Sports question: Who are your favorite teams and clubs
Dalene Costley: “I actually live watching cheerleading competitions on ESPN. It brings me back to when I was a cheerleader. I’m also a (University of Georgia) Bulldogs and (Atlanta) Falcons fan. I gotta go with the home teams.”
Robert D. Cobb: How are you recovering from the Super Bowl loss?
Dalene Costley: “Glad the Falcons made it to the Super Bowl! (They) always got next year!”
Robert D. Cobb: With spring now here, what fashion and style tips do you have for your fellow sisters?
Dalene Costley: “Spring is about pastels and whites”
Robert D. Cobb: Do you have any plans for spring break?
Dalene Costley: “Spending time with my son over spring break. Arcades and movies! Time to be a kid again”
Robert D. Cobb: Any new swimsuit/swimwear trends to watch for this coming summer?
Dalene Costley: “I like to go with neon colors during summer, if not neon at least the scrunch butt kind they always flatter your figure better.”
Robert D. Cobb: What are your favorite cities to travel to?
Dalene Costley: “My favorite cities. I love Atlanta, of course, it’s my home. I also loved visiting Miami, Las Vegas, and Hawaii.”
Robert D. Cobb: What advice would you give to women aspiring to get into modeling?
Dalene Costley: “For any upcoming women looking to get into modeling, my advice would be to never give up. It’s a hard business to get to the top in but it’s not about the destination it’s about the journey along the way that makes it amazing!”
Special thanks to Mrs. Dalene Costley for her time and assistance during the Q and A interview process. Images are the respective property of their owners and used with permission.