The B-Styles Curvy Girl of the Day: “Kasia Pilewicz of ‘America’s Next Top Model: Cycle 16”

My “Curvy Girl of the Day” spotlight goes to Kasia Pilewicz of Season 16 of “America’s Next Top Model”. Kasia Pilewicz made a pretty big splash on the internet last January when she was one of the plus-size models featured in V Magazine‘s Size Issue in a photo essay titled “Curves Ahead”.  In that issue Kasia immediately stood out to me in that gorgeous leopard bodysuit. I said to myself, “Now that’s how you flaunt your curves”. She has also been featured in Seventeen, Glamour and I’m proud to say that as the Fashion Editor of Skorch Magazine, we even featured Kasia on our October 2007 cover. Kasia has walked many runways including that of New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park and has been featured on talk shows such as The Rachel Ray Show, Live with Regis and Kelly and E News. You may have even seen Kasia in major campaigns such as Target and Macy’s. Well I had a chance recently to personally get to know Kasia a little better and I wanted to share that interview with you all today. Enjoy!

 

Watch Kasia on ANTM:

___________________________________________________

My Q & A with Kasia:

How were you discovered?

“I used to get stopped and told all the time as a teenager that I should be a model, but my parents were always skeptical of the business.  Since I was OBSESSED with fashion pretty much ever since I was born though, they finally gave in and let me go to some open calls in Chicago when I was about 16 or 17.  I did a little local modeling, but my parents made sure I focused on school first.  I was already 5’10” but my baby face always made me look years younger than my age, so in the beginning, I didn’t get much work in my market because I looked too young (believe it or not!).”

What has your experience on ANTM been like?

“My ANTM experience has been amazing!  I mean, it’s so MAJOR to have an opportunity to work with top industry people and for this kind of exposure.  It’s been a dream to fit this much experience into a matter of weeks, and to be able to work with top photographers, designers, stylists, models, hair/makeup artists, the list goes on and on….

I am one lucky girl <3″

How would you describe your fashion style?

“My style is eclectic, random, classic with a twist, mix of high/low, and constantly evolving.  It makes me happy 🙂 “

Where are some your favorite stores to shop?

“I love H&M, Forever 21, Bloomingdale’s, Urban Outfitters, Vintage Shops (love Allan & Suzi in my neighborhood; so many great ones in Chelsea), Thrift Stores (Housing Works has some treasures), those random boutiques you find in NYC, Top Shop, American Apparel, Nars, Sephora, Space NK, OMG….I think this list could go on for quite a while….”

What projects are you working on at the moment?

“I am working on the all-encompassing “Project Kasia,” lol!  We are not allowed to be doing much modeling work until the show is finished airing, so for now I’m testing more to stay sharp and to continue building my book.  I’m in ongoing acting classes, which really benefits both my modeling and acting careers.  I’m working to keep my mind and body in good health and good shape.  Every day I’m planning many more goals for myself, and I’m trying to take steps to start working towards them.  With all I’m working on, hopefully you’ll be seeing me around for a very long time!”

Has being a “curvy girl” ever affected you in a negative way?

“I have had my share of negative criticism for being a curvy model.  I believe some people think the fact that I’m a model gives them permission to criticize anything that’s not “perfect” about me, but honestly, I’ve always thought flaws make the person more beautiful and interesting.  How boring would we all be otherwise?  Slowly more and more people’s views of beauty are expanding, and I can only hope that I have a small part in helping to open people’s eyes and hearts to that.”

What made you even want to get into modeling?

“My love of fashion and performing made we want to get into modeling.  I love being in front of the camera, and I have loved it ever since I was a little girl.  I was extremely shy growing up, but something would flip and I’d come alive when there was a camera on me.  Combine that with fantasy photo shoots, unbelievable clothes, to die for hair and makeup…and I knew it was my dream job!”

What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in modeling?

“I think my biggest accomplishment thus far has been getting on America ’s Next Top Model at this point in my career, having already experienced a lot in the fashion industry, and really already making a name for myself as a high-fashion plus size model.  This is not an easy feat, and I’m really proud that all my hard work is getting me on the path that I want to be on…

There’s always more to be continued….”

 

Watch Kasia in action:

 

For Bookings, Contact Kasia at:

http://www.kasiapilewicz.com

http://www.facebook.com/kasiapilewicz

http://twitter.com/kasiafierce