Denise Bidot‘s – of Muse Models – eight year career in the fashion industry has earned her much recognition worldwide. She has graced the runways of brands like Zizzi Clothing and been the first plus-size model to walk for two straight-size brands. She has been and continues to revolutionise fashion, while at the same time spreading the message of self-love and diversity.

Interview by Mildred Cheng

Photography: Lauren Engel
MUA: Romana Lai
Hair: Edison Lu of Hair Lounge
Stylists: GeeJay and Marice

Have you always been confident in nature?
Like most women, I can’t say I have always been super confident. I watched my mom struggle with her weight and yo yo diet when I was growing up. It was very eye opening because I learned pretty early on, that beauty wasn’t based on a size. I decided a long time ago to be happy and love myself, flaws and all.

Do you think that our society will be able to reach a stage where skinny girls are no longer seen as more attractive?
I have never been one to say one thing is more beautiful than another. As a matter of fact ny motto is “There is no wrong way to be a woman.” I think the more we see diversity in the media the more we open up the doors for different types of beauty to be seen and appreciated. Everyone will always have their preference, and that is not for me to judge. All I hope is that with the movement we are making, that we help women feel good about themselves and realize they are beautiful just the way they are.

You said in a previous interview that you would like us to get back to the 90s where women were real and embraced themselves that way. What do you think made the change happen and is there a possibility to go back to that mindset?
The 90s was such a revolutionary time in fashion. Everything was powerful and made a statement, even down to the models. It was a time when supermodels really shined and fashion ads had so much texture and life in them. What made it even more iconic, is that those models looked real, and not everything was “perfect” or “photoshopped.” I was a more simple time, women would wear a good pair of jeans and a tank top and look flawless. Makeup was minimal and there was something very real about that.

Previously you said that going to castings you felt uncomfortable about wearing lingerie–how did you begin embracing yourself?
I have never been shy and even if I’m at castings with other models I’ve never had a problem being in my bra and undies. My first modeling job, almost 9 years ago, was lingerie. There is something empowering about wearing beautiful lingerie.

“The 90s was such a revolutionary time in fashion. Everything was powerful and made a statement, even down to the models. What made it even more iconic, is that those models looked real, and not everything was “perfect” or “photoshopped.”

What do you think made the switch from an era of celebrities on campaigns and magazines back to supermodels like Cara and Kendall?
It’s refreshing to see models like Cara and Kendall. They are bringing back the supermodel and I love it. They are embracing their uniqueness and using social media to have a voice and its also really cool that they are all friends and it looks like one big model army .

In the eight years you have been modeling, how have you seen the plus-size industry change?
Back when I started it was a completely different industry than what it is now. I remember most of the clothes being outdated and really uncool, but suddenly in the last few years there have been so many new plus size brands popping up with great fashion forward pieces, it’s great! Also the integration of plus size models in runway shows and campaigns has been so cool to see unfold.

How did you get started in the TV industry and where do you see yourself with that?
I started acting when I was 13 and when my modeling career took off I put acting aside, but I definitely think it’s time to get back into tv and film. As a curvy woman, I’d really love to see a romantic comedy or a superhero movie with a curvy woman as the lead, being unapologetic and sexy; and of course I’d be very ok with that role being played by me. I am being patient and auditioning for projects, so we will see where is takes me.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I am a big dreamer and I have many goals I still want to accomplish. In five years I see myself still modeling of course (because I love what I do), with my own fashion line, a book deal and hopefully starring in either my own Tv show or playing a FBI Agent or superhero in a film. I have a pretty clear vision of how I see myself in the future and I love challenging myself to do more. If there is anything I’ve learned throughout my journey, it’s that anything is possible.

What are your three main virtues in life?
Love, Honesty and Hope <3