Whenever a new cycle of America’s Next Top Model premieres, plus size women anxiously wait to see who the next plus size contestant will be. This cycle were introduced to curvy model Kasia Pilewicz. DVD had an opportunity to speak with Kasia and find out who she thinks her biggest competition is, what it’s like hanging out with Tyra Banks & much more.
I read that you’re from Illinois, have you found it difficult to break into the modeling industry since you’re from the Midwest and not New York or LA?
“I made the big move to NYC because I knew there were many more opportunities for me here. I know if I had stayed in Chicago, I wouldn’t have had as much of a shot at the type of career I wanted. I don’t do anything half-heartedly…so when I realized exactly what I wanted, I did something about it. So to answer your question, yes it’s much more difficult to break into the high fashion modeling industry if you stay in the Midwest; but that’s why I took a big leap to the fashion capitol!”
As the only plus size model, do you feel like it takes more work to be considered serious?
“I feel really lucky that the majority of people I’ve been surrounded by during my career have been supportive and have seen something special in me as a model – regardless of my size. However, there are definitely times when I have felt I had to prove myself and work harder just to have the same respect as a straight size model. I have prepared myself for this though, since I’m not a size two, I am something different in the high fashion world. Luckily, high fashion LOVES different! I have always been more than happy to step up to the challenge and fight for my spot as a top model both on the show and in my previous work as a model. I hope my perseverance and drive are paying off and paving the way for even more diversity in the fashion world.”
You are one of the few girls who have secured modeling jobs prior to being on the show. Do you think more is expected of you because of your experience?
“I do believe the bar is set pretty high for me on the show because of my past experience, and I actually really appreciate that. I’ve worked extremely hard to get my career to the place it was before the show, and I only intend to keep growing and challenging myself more on ANTM and beyond. I have huge career plans beyond this experience, so they’re only helping me by having high expectations of me on the show 
“
Photo Credit: America's Next Top Model
On the show you seem to get along with everyone, why do you think this is the case?
“I’ve always been the type of person who gets along with many different kinds of people, and it has really been an asset for me in the competition. I think I get along with most people because I’m a really free spirit, and I also like to see the good and the beauty in people. We all have flaws, but we all have good in us too. I really value my sensitivity and ability to empathize with people. The other girls are really wonderful and really all touched my life in unique ways.”
Who do you consider your biggest competition?
“I think Brittani and Molly are two of my biggest competitors because I know the industry well, and these two have some natural model goods!”
If you win, what is the first thing you’re going to do?
“If I win, the first thing I’m going to do is get my butt out there and start working! I’m so anxious to go back out into the real world and keep doing and achieving bigger and better things.”
How much time do you girls get to spend with Tyra during the show?
“We got to spend a pretty good amount of time with Tyra (although we all wish it was more!). Of course we see her every panel, and if we’re lucky, we see her at a teach or when she pops by to see us at the house. Tyra is a busy, accomplished lady, and I know it’s probably hard to fit in more time to spend with us. But I will say this, whenever we got to hang out with her, I always felt like she was so excited to be there and to get to know us. LOVE!”
What type of impact do you want your presence on the show to have?
“I want my presence on the show to impact people in a positive way and to show them that you don’t have to fit into a narrow mold to be successful. I hope through me they see that being an open person, being true to yourself and doing what you love is so important…but never at the expense of other people. I’m so touched with all the kind letters I’ve gotten saying that I’m an inspiration. I’m so humbled and grateful for this, and knowing that I’ve impacted even one person’s life makes everything worthwhile for me.”
Photo Credit: V Magazine
If you don’t win, who do you want to see win?
“If I don’t win, I’d want to see Jaclyn win, because she’s beyond sweet and kind, and she is such a great role model for young girls today. Hannah, Brittani or Molly would also be great winners, because they all have unique personalities and beauty that I think many people can relate to and be inspired by.”
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
last cycle a supposedly underweight model won and all the eating disorder wackos are posting about skinny models.
so this cycle a supposedly overweight model will win (and kasia will win) to restore the balance.
ANTN is now less about the best models but more about who tyra wants to see win .. and as such is no longer worth watching.
i love this show i watch it every wednsday
Great interview, Kasia! Way to show the world that you don’t have to be super skinny to be beautiful! Good luck this season!
omg i luv yaaa <3