Q&A with Mi Piaci Muse: Jodie Heslop
In celebration of our AW22 collection 'Together', we sat down with Mi Piaci Muse, Jodie Heslop to talk about her journey to modelling, how she is redefining normal, what it means to be a modern-day heroine and more.
Can you tell us a little about yourself? J: I never know how to answer this question haha I'm 25 years old, born in South Africa and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. Truthfully all I do is work, eat good food, hang out with the girls and drink margaritas.
You are a rising modelling star! Have you always wanted to model? Tell us about your journey into modelling? J: You know what's really funny, I used to hate getting my photo taken! I literally used to be so shy and awkward and absolutely hated photos. It wasn't really until I was about 18 when I sort of grew into myself and really gained my confidence, but no I never saw modelling in the cards for me. As for my journey into it, I was sent a good ol fashion DM on instagram by @rubytakessnaps about casting for their new upcoming campaign and I was clearly feeling very good that day because I said yes haha - I went on to do their Resort 2022 Campaign and it blew up. I was everywhere. Online, in the newspaper, in magazines, it was actually crazy but basically from there an agency reached out to me and next thing you know I was signed!
In an industry that can focus on promoting one standard of beauty, your energy and look represent a new generation redefining normals- what does this mean to you? J: Honestly everything. I think it's so important to be able to see yourself being represented in every industry whether that be the fashion world, beauty or film etc. The standard of beauty has been so poorly misjudged for such a long time and don't get me wrong I think we still have such a long way to go but it's really refreshing to finally see not only bodies of all shapes and sizes but also BIPOC being so deservingly represented and celebrated.
What does ‘together’ mean to you? J: When I think of the word together, I think of connection, community and relationships. You know just connecting with others, coming together to experience something as one.
If you could walk one runway, where would it be? J: Has to be New York Fashion Week! No doubt about it!
Mi Piaci AW22 together celebrates the heroines in us all and embraces the bonds of Kinship. What do you think it means to be a modern heroine? J: Someone who Empowers others, who is loud, free, assertive and confident In themselves! basically just a boss ass b*tch.
Favourite AW22 style? J: Definitely the Andie Knee High Boot!
Shop Andie here
Being a Mi Piaci Muse, Do you have any Muses you look up to? J: oooh there's so many! Of course Rihanna (although I think it's safe to say she's everyone's muse), Paloma Elsesser, Adut Akech, There's a model in Sydney by the name of Mia Dennis who is just insanely beautiful, Ebonee Davis! I could go on and on but that's just to name a few.
Keynotes this season are individuality and inclusivity - what do these mean to you? J: In a world where people are trying so hard to look like others or fit into society’s mould I think it’s so important that we have these spaces and platforms that celebrate individuality while being so inclusive because it showcases that it’s more than okay to be different than what society tells you because I think once you start realising the fact that there’s so much beauty in being different it really frees you to be authentically yourself.
Best advice you've received? J: My mum once told me “Just be you and do whatever you want because people are going to talk sh*t about it anyway” Haha
Currently, reading? J: All the Euphoria theories
Favourite podcast? J: “Girls that Invest” I’m really trynna get that bag this year!
Favourite dish to cook? J: Not gonna lie I make a pretty mean lasagna!
Favourite local spot? J: Oh for sure @herosandwhichhouse and you can always find me at a @Looped event.
