World's First Latina Supermodel Patricia Velasquez Hosts Book Release Party for Memoir, "Straight Walk"
"Straight Walk: A Supermodel's Journey To Finding Her Truth" is the memoir by actress, model and business woman Patricia Velasquez, and the book had its coming out party this week, at Teddy's in the swank and historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.
Velasquez has worked the runway for Chanel, Gucci, and Carolina Herrera. She appeared in box office hits ("The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns), and she's made guest appearance on numerous shows, including "Ugly Betty," "CSI: Miami," "Arrested Development," "Rescue Me," "Ed" and "American Family." Now, the talent wants to tell her story.
The new book frames Velasquez's personal journey as she embraces her sexual identity. Published via Post Hill press, the book takes a no-holds-barred approach to the truth. The author leads with her poor upbringing in Venezuela, and she progresses to the rich runways of Paris, New York and London. She documents a life that has often been marked with isolation, lies and untruths. Then, she branches into self-acceptance, self-love, equal rights, diversity, empowerment and growth. And she, of course, does not forget to address her illustrious career, which has been filled with countless magazine covers and struts down the runway.
"After all of the hard work and energy that went into writing this book, it's so nice to be able to celebrate the release at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel with friends and family, and all those who helped make this possible," Velasquez said. "I'm so grateful that I was able to have the chance to talk about my life and continue to hope it inspires others to walk their truth."
The glamorous Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which was famed for welcoming Marilyn Monroe and the inaugural Academy Awards in 1929, also received well-known attendees who helped Velasquez to celebrate her book release. Actors Ryan Phillippe ("Secrets and Lies"), Will Kemp, Anne Ramsay ("Dexter), Clifton Collins, Jr. ("Pacific Rim), Hemky Madera and Ian Buchanan were all in attendance. As well as actress and musician Rain Phoenix, Mexican actress Marlene Favela, Mexican actress and dancer Adriana Fonseca, Venezuelan actress and singer Maria Gabriela De Faria, and Puerto Rican reality TV personality Joyce Giraud.
In addition to all of her other successes, Velasquez founded the Wayuu Taya Foundation, which aids the Wayuu indigenous group of Venezuela. She's a UNESCO Artist for Peace, and the Guajira, Venezuela-born model recently wrapped production on the film "Guys Reading Poems."