Get to know the role model to women everywhere, fighting for better representation in the fashion industry and other vital social justice issues…
Photography by Chloe Rosey
Jennifer Atilémile is a trailblazing model, and advocate for positive change. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Jennifer’s journey has been one of breaking barriers and championing diversity in the fashion industry.
Modelling for Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated, Jennifer’s modelling career has soared to new heights. Jennifer’s mission reaches beyond the world of fashion, with the firm belief that representation matters, she has made it her purpose to become a role model for young women everywhere. She wholeheartedly embraces her platform, advocating for social justice causes and lending her voice to campaigns for gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability.
What truly sets Jennifer aside from others is her profound commitment to creating a world where all bodies are celebrated and embraced. She envisions a future where labels such as “plus size” are no longer needed, and true body diversity thrives naturally in the fashion industry.
We sat down with Jennifer to talk through her early beginnings, aspirations for the industry and future plans…
Read the exclusive interview below…
How did you get into the modelling industry and what originally excited you about it?
I was originally excited about the glitz and glamour of modelling; it was a lifestyle that seemed so cool. Being from the suburbs in Melbourne, it just seemed so out of reach, it had such a mystery about it. Plus, I loved fashion. I love the creativity, the escapism and the uniqueness about fashion.
I had originally begun in the industry, scouted by a modelling agency (or so I thought), but was actually a “development school” that trained us how to be models and then placed us with agencies at the end of the course. One of the agencies at the time, told me they’d sign me if I ate “more salad”, and my mum at the time, because I was 15, said no to signing the contracts. I ended up finishing high school, then going to university, where I sent my images in to my first agency, and my career has snowballed ever since.
How do you combine your careers in modelling and activism, and has this always been important to you throughout your career?
I think sometimes just being visible as a model is activism, being a Black woman in a traditionally not represented body, being visible and empowered – that’s powerful. But it’s important to stay vocal about the things that really matter, growing up in Australia there was never anyone that looked like or looked like my Dad, or brother, represented anywhere, and the only representations were negative – I knew I wanted to change that. To show that diversity in all its forms is beautiful. Because I never got to see any kind of diversity, it made me feel like I had to change myself in order to be accepted by the wider society, and I don’t want another generation to grow up feeling the same way. It caused me a lot of harm to my -self-image, my self-esteem, and I engaged in a lot of harmful behaviors, some of which, I’m lucky to have survived. I also just think that it’s not hard to be a decent human being, and to be kind, and to advocate for fair equal treatment of others through the work that I do.
In becoming Victoria’s Secret’s first Australian curve model, you have become a role model to so many models and people in general. What has that been like? Do you ever feel any pressure or is it generally a positive position to be in?
I definitely feel pressure. But that pressure keeps me going, and that’s a really positive place to be. I’ve been given a responsibility with this platform now to advocate for change, and better treatment of people overall. Sometimes it’s really hard because, I feel like some people just don’t want to listen, some people online talk to me like I’m not a human with feelings, and it makes me want to give up. I think that comes with being the first to do something, there’s nobody before you to reach out to, to ask how they did it, or ask for mentorship, you’re all alone creating the blueprint for everyone else. But that’s powerful, and such a privilege.
Can you talk about working with Sports Illustrated? How has that experience been?
Working with Sports Illustrated has been a dream come true. Ever since I saw Ashley Graham on the cover, I knew I wanted to be in the magazine. When I had the opportunity to send through my casting video last year, I jumped at the opportunity and sent it in. Getting my acceptance call from MJ Day just before Christmas started this whole experience- it’s truly changed my life. The shoot itself was so supportive, everyone made me feel like an absolute princess on set – and the launch was amazing. Such a memorable experience to celebrate this massive achievement with the most supportive group of women.
You have worked with some incredible brands, are there any standout campaigns or companies that you have really connected with?
For me, I loved working on the Clarins campaign. Because I have a French passport, being able to work with such an iconic French beauty brand and travel back to Paris (one of my favorite cities in the world) was so fun. To also do a global Maybelline campaign and TV commercial was so cool, growing up I only ever shopped the drugstore beauty brands, so to be ‘that girl’, and to have people sending me photos of my face in pharmacies all around the world was supper surreal.
What was the experience like of speaking at the Australia Women’s Summit about the power of representation? What was the most rewarding part?
To be able to have a platform and speak about something so important was incredible. For me, advocating for body diversity just came with the job that I had, but I also speak up a lot for racial diversity too. Representation is so important for young people to see, because if you don’t see it, you don’t believe it. I had to believe in myself so much to be able to get where I am today, and I want to change that for other young people growing up. I don’t remember much from the experience, but I know that my voice shook – and there’s that quote, speak your truth, even when your voice shakes. I am very proud of myself for doing that. I wanted to make sure that the room of very important and influential people in Australian business, politics and media heard my story. And they did. It was the most rewarding.
Have you seen any positive changes in the fashion/modelling industries since you first started?
Absolutely. There are far more opportunities for so many models these days. Casting directors and production crews that I work with at least are very aware of having diverse sets, not just models, but all facets of production (at least in the US), which is so lovely to see. I still believe there is so much work to still be done, but I know it’s moving in the right direction. Even though I’m still critical of ways in which inclusion has come about, I am grateful that the industry is being inclusive. But that has to be the beginning of further change, it can’t just stop there, and I really do think there’s been a momentum slow down since the pandemic. But that’s what we have to keep being vocal, and keep fighting for change.
Where do you hope to see the industry in the future?
I hope to see an industry that is fully inclusive of all people. All genders, ethnicities, sexualities and abilities. That there isn’t still ‘firsts’, and people aren’t put in boxes. I think it’s important to celebrate firsts, biut we also need to be critical, and ask why it’s taken so long. The fact that it is 2023, and there are still things being done for the first time – that’s where I hope to see the industry in the future, so far progressed from all the critique we are giving it now, that it is fully diverse and inclusive.
Do you have a career highlight?
Career highlight would definitely have to be Sports Illustrated. I moved out of home at 15, and have had a fire in my belly ever since. I’ve made so many sacrifices and worked so hard, so for my hard work to be rewarded with this incredible opportunity, I feel like I’ve had my angels, my ancestors guiding me to this moment. I can’t wait to see where this takes me, but I’m only getting started.
What are you most looking forward to in your own future?
I’m looking forward to the excitement that is the unknown, and not knowing what’s coming next – but I know it’s exciting. I’m excited to see where my modelling career goes, I’d love to see myself on a major magazine cover, especially one back in Australia – I want to keep trying to land a big runway. But I’m also going to keep cooking and sharing my love for food with the world, I’m working on writing a book, and I’ve started the beginnings of working on some skincare. It’s all really exciting, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life.
