If Denise Bidot looks familiar. There’s a reason why. The 30-year-old Puerto Rican and Kuwaiti plus-size model has spent the last 10 years changing peoples’ minds about what a “model” is and can be.
Bidot’s face has been attached to brands like Nordstrom and Old Navy not to mention seen on billboards, runways and advertisements from Target to Times Square. She’s also made headlines for being more than just a pretty face. In 2014 Bidot became the first plus size model to walk in New York Fashion Week and has appeared on runways from Sweden to London. Between dipping her toe into reality TV (remember Curvy Girls on NUVO TV?) she has been outspoken about promoting self love and self acceptance to anyone who will listen. Her latest effort is the “There’s No Wrong Way to be a Woman” campaign that “aims to teach women there’s no perfect body shape, color, ethnicity or ability.”
Bidot who hails from “a family of educators” kicked down the door of convention as a rebellious 18 year old. She left her native Miami for Los Angeles to become an actress. When she learned she wasn’t getting acting gigs because of her size, she opted out of being in front of the camera and went to work behind it as a make-up artist instead. The switch paid off. While working on a photo shoot, a photographer took test shots of her and posted them online. Her career was born shortly after.
We caught up with Bidot to find out what her movement is all about, what she thinks about dating Latin men and what she’s planning to conquer next.
‘LL: It’s been almost four years since you came into the spotlight. Tell us what you’ve been up to since debuting on reality TV?
Denise: I’ve had a really wonderful ride. The last four years propelled me to another level. I worked really hard, had faith that it would work out. As a single parent it was great to figure out who I was and to be able to share that journey with my daughter Joselyn. I started getting booked consistently and have been working with Target for years now, Lane Bryant happened right after that and then New York Fashion Week 2014. It was this really wonderful opportunity to do something bigger than myself. I’ve always been really transparent in who I am and what I stand for. I’ve always felt like the underdog. When I saw that crack in the door I ran through it.
‘LL: You have a huge following on social media. How has that helped you?
Denise: I’ve been lucky in that social media was playing a part in helping to take peoples careers [to the next level] when I got started and I’ve been able to see that and be part of that evolution. I’ve always been transparent that my purpose is to help other women feel beautiful. My fans have always been able to count on me for support. I was lucky to have figured out my strength is what makes me different. I’ve always tried to shine that light on other people. [Social media] followers feel very connected to me and are always so vocal about supporting me. It’s a beautiful thing.
‘LL: What’s been your biggest challenge?
Denise: I’m not perfect by any means: I have stretch marks and cellulite. But all of my flaws have only been empowering for me so I’ve never let anything stop me or put me down. I always believed my message was stronger and bigger than anything else. If you know who you are there’s nothing that can break you.
‘LL: How has the industry changed since you started?
Denise: When I started 10 years ago modeling people didn’t equate curvy girls with fashion. I think we’ve always been alienated or the “stepsister.” The last few years we learned we can bring everyone together. And with companies actually listening to consumers now they’re understanding that everyone wants to feel beautiful and accepted. Everyone wants to walk down the streets of New York and feel like they’re walking a catwalk.
Learn about Denise’s movement and what she thinks about Latino men after the jump…
‘LL: What inspired your campaign, “There’s no wrong way to be a woman”? What do you want it to accomplish?
Denise: I kept being asked, ‘What’s different about being a curvy woman?’ It was always an “us” vs. “them” thing. I thought it was so unnecessary. We’re all women fighting this battle of self acceptance and self love. I showed women of all backgrounds that they can do absolutely anything. We all need to learn to be a little rebellious. I always say if I would have let what I was supposed to do run my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
‘LL: How does it feel to know that your work is being recognized by others like the National Association of Hispanic Journalists?
Denise: I received the NAHJ Latina Innovator Award and I’m super excited! It’s an honor especially when you’re doing it just to be a good human. I’ve really fought hard to stay true to myself. Any philanthropic efforts fuel my fire. Helping someone flourish that’s a big step. We’ve gotten such a huge response from women across the world, the LGBT community, it’s really stripping all boundaries.
‘LL: You’ve helped make curvy women fashionable. What other barriers do you want to break in modeling?
Denise: I want to encourage diversity in a real way. People keep saying it but I want to see it more on the pages. As a half Latina, half Middle Eastern woman and they don’t know where to put me. There’s usually only one spot for the curvy girl. I can’t wait to see not just one spot but a space for all. Everyone mixed together, not just for a PR stunt. Educate each other and the industry we’re in. It’s a constant conversation that needs to be happening.
‘LL: What would people be surprised to know about you?
Denise: I’m extremely goofy and clumsy. There hasn’t’ been a client yet that hasn’t seen me fall.
‘LL: What’s your definition of a ‘LLERO?
Denise: I love manners. I love a guy who will hold the door open for me, pull out the chair. That’s one of the few things, say “please” and “thank you”, treat the waiter at the restaurant nicely. I’m all about character. And I’m a sucker for a good conversation and smile, a sexy well-mannered man.
‘LL: What’s the best/worst part about Latino men?
Denise: I’m a sucker for a man who knows how to dance. I’m learning to dance a little better. If I could find a man to do a tango with me…it would be great. My least favorite thing? I don’t have one. I think everyone has their flaws. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.
‘LL: What’s next for you?
Denise: I’m working on a few different projects: a book, speaking engagements and a school tour. I’m also going to be auditioning for TV and acting gigs. I want to transition this campaign to a bigger empire. So many people reach out to me and send me their stories. We’re trying to come up with a good platform. That is a priority.
