Star in a Bra so far! With Krista Cousins

Last week first ever US Star in a Bra winner Krista Cousins embarked on her first ever trade show: Curve NY. We caught up with Krista to hear about her first ever job as Curvy Kate ambassador, and how she’s faring as America’s Bra Star!

Hi Krista, we heard you stole the show at Curve NY! How has your Star in a Bra journey fared so far?

It’s been great! Very exciting but still a bit unreal that sometimes I wonder if the excitement will ever wear off (I hope not!?) It’s been less than two months since I’ve won so really I’m eager to see what’s to come…

What’s the best thing about being a Bra Star?

The best thing is that my body type is appreciated and not ridiculed as in some other modeling. Also it’s so cool to really represent and stand for something, I’m sort of a symbol in that way and it makes me feel proud. Also everyone at Curvy Kate is superbly nice sometimes I wonder if they are robots with personalities programmed to “nice”!

How did it feel when you saw yourself in your Star in a Bra pics online and/or the catalogue?

I was so nervous and swore up and down that the pictures didn’t look like me at all! However I finally “opened my eyes” so to speak and it was so cool especially when I saw myself in a huge (maybe 10ft?) banner.

How was your first trade show? Can you tell us a bit about it?

It was exhausting and fun! The trade show was a lingerie and swimwear expo where companies showcase their goods to buyers to carry them in their stores (so hopefully more Curvy Kate in stores all over the USA!). It was no contest in that our booth was best looking and I’m definitely not just saying that. Imagine walking into an expo and seeing a booth covered in pink and purple ribbons, colorful flowers, pretty glass beads, it would definitely catch your eye. My role, of course, was the model! In order to give the best representation possible of the lingerie and swimwear, the client gets to look through the brochures, touch samples and also I would come out and model each item in the catalogue with each page turn. It was very fun but obviously not easy at first being in heels and constantly changing (I embarrassingly came out with my underwear insides out 3 times) but I really got the hang of it and everyone even the clients were laid back and nice to talk to.

Would you say that a correct fitting bra has affected you?

Definitely! Since it hasnt been too long since I won and I’ve been busy, I have been wearing bras that aren’t the right fit but when I was wearing the Curvy Kate sets I felt much better and it reminded me of how good it feels to wear the proper fit, even your posture is better!

How does it feel to be a role model for curvy girls in your country and worldwide?

Awesome! A woman in Australia contacted me through my blog asking for advice on taking her pictures to get noticed by the judges and I stressed the importance of being yourself and not trying to look super sexy or something like that but rather tap into her true self and she made it to the top 20! I’m so proud of her. Anyway, it makes me feel great because I want more girls to be ok with being themselves, it devastates me to hear them tear themselves apart: personalities, bodies and all. I want them to stop blaming themselves for who they are but instead become confident in blaming the media and clothing manufacturers for not celebrating their normal, natural and healthy bodies.

Are you looking forward to your next Curvy Kate shoot?

A thousand times YES! I’ve never been to Europe and London is such an intriguing city. I might try to stay a little extra to explore. I’m super nervous to model along side Sophie, Laura and Lauren etc. as they are so stunning!

Which are your favourite sets from the upcoming Autumn/Winter 2012 collection?

Obviously Entice, I’ve said it so many times but I really love it! I also am excited about Smoothie coming out as its a great everyday bra and works so well with everything you own but still isn’t boring. Ive also got my eyes on Gia in red and blush, still suitable for every day but very pretty and different.

Can you tell us three random facts about you?

1. I’m a huge nerd! I love video games, cartoons, the internet, school, comics etc
2. I love to dress in costume and never buy costumes but rather make my own for most halloweens, it’s my specialty.
3. When I was a kid I would only eat cereal with warm milk.

What message would you give girls who wanted to apply next year?

As cliche as it sounds- be yourself! Being a Curvy Kate girl is about sticking to your guns, smiles all around and accepting who you are. Be confident in your beauty and ignore anyone who tells you otherwise. Just look at yourself and who you want to be and the judges and the public will see that too! Even if you don’t make it, you’ve proven to yourself what you can do and your opportunity will never be over as long as you keep believing in your beautiful self!

We couldn’t agree more, Krista! We can’t wait to see you in London.