JENNIFER ATILÉMILE

 5ELEVEN sits down with Australian model Jennifer Atilémile, whose impressive portfolio includes campaigns for Clarins and Tommy Hilfiger. Alongside her modelling career, Jennifer is a passionate advocate of body diversity and inclusion, utilising her powerful social media presence and compelling writing skills to raise awareness and encourage change within the fashion and beauty industries.

Words by Tatiana Summers.

Jennifer Atilémile photographed by Anne Peeters. Styled by Kate Lauren Harper. Hair by Jacque di Condo. Make-up by Carolina Rojas. Jennifer Atilémile appears courtesy of Chrissy Walker PR.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I'm Australian. My dad is from an island called Reunion next to Mauritius, and my mum is Australian with Irish Danish descent from way back in the day. So, I’m Australian and French with my dad being the French one.

What led you to pursue a career in modelling?

I don't know what exactly led me to pursue modelling per se, but I guess I always wanted to be a model. When I was younger, I got excited about that world, and seeing it in magazines, you're like, “oh my gosh, this is so glamorous! I want to be a glamorous girl!” 

Then, at 15, I auditioned for Australia's Next Top Model, although I never actually did the audition. That dream of modelling didn't really come back around until I was at university. I remember seeing bodies like mine on the cover of Vogue Italia and thinking “that looks cool, I could do that!” I sent my photos into my old agency, and I got signed pretty quickly.

What would you consider your most significant achievement in your modelling journey so far?

I think one of my biggest ones was my first ever cover for Love Want in 2024. For me, it was a reminder that I was on the right path. It was amazing as I shot it with a photographer that shot one of my first ever campaigns in Australia. It was this beautiful 360 moment as she had clearly seen something in me back then and always wanted to shoot me for her magazine. So, that was like a really beautiful thing.

My campaign for Clarins was also a really big one. Seeing myself in airports and on billboards all over the world was really cool.

What is your favourite thing about being a model or being in the modelling industry? 

I think there's definitely a creative element about it that I like. I grew up doing musical theatre from a really young age and I love performing. For me, modelling—especially in an editorial fashion context—has a real element of dress-up and playing a character. Nothing is ever the same each day; it’s constantly changing, and that’s what I love. I do feel like I’m flexing that creative muscle, because it’s kind of like performing in a way. I get to be in front of the camera and become someone else for the day. That’s what I really love: I get to step out of my everyday life, become someone else, and then return to being me.

Who or what inspires you? 

Ashley Graham. I really feel like she was the woman that moved mountains for the rest of the community and opened doors so that we could all have the careers that we have. I also admire models like Precious Lee and Paloma Elsesser. All these amazing women doing amazing things and just breaking barriers.

You’re known for advocating body diversity in fashion. What are your current thoughts on inclusivity in the industry, and how can individuals contribute to positive change?

It’s obvious that there's been a regression in inclusivity. Size inclusivity is gone. We’re not seeing that same progress that we were making four or five years ago. It makes me really sad because I felt like we were going in the right direction and making everyone feel so seen – it’s a real shame.

One of the biggest things that I would love to see is more diverse models being given a chance by casting directors and editors. I feel like there are so many beautiful people out there, waiting to have their moment.

Most people are afraid of change. They know that they have a formula that works, and they don't want to rock the boat. But I feel like the best way to get out of your comfort zone is to do something that makes you uncomfortable. You have to take a risk – do something different that pushes you. Maybe that means taking a chance on a different face, body type, ethnicity, or gender. That’s what propels us forward, because if you don’t start to see change, you don’t even think it’s possible.

How does it feel to be part of the movement toward greater representation, and to serve as a role model for women? 

It feels like a big responsibility. There’s a lot of pressure to be a role model and don't want to let people down. Sometimes, I don't want to be a role model – I just want to exist. Just me, living my life is, is enough. I don't need to be the first, I don't need to be the spokesperson. I just think by doing, I am.

Outside of modelling, what are your passions and hobbies? I can see from your social media that you’re a bit of a foodie, so I'm kind of intrigued about kind of where that kind of came from. 

My dad's a chef and I've grown up with food my whole life. I just love to share things that I love with other people. One thing I love about food is that it brings people together from all walks of life, from all different cultures, and you can celebrate each other through food and a shared love of cooking, eating or talking. So much can be said and done over a conversation at a dinner table and I think that that's a really beautiful thing.

I also love to write! I went to university, and I've got a master's degree in Journalism and International Relations. I love to write and share my opinions and thoughts on things with everyone and I always thought I'd be like a journalist or write a book… but I still could be all those things! 

What’s your current favourite dish to eat or cook?

As we’re going into summer, I'm really experimenting a lot with like crudos. I'm also in a real sweet era and I've been experimenting with pancakes. I actually made matcha ricotta protein pancakes the other day which were really good.

Is there a piece of advice you’ve received in your career that has really stuck with you?

Be yourself. One of the things that I always say, is that there is literally only one you in the entire world. With social media and algorithms making us think the same, dress the same, and look the same, everyone’s trying to be like everyone else. I think in a world full of all these micro trends where everyone is kind of conforming to look the same, it's really cool to be different. I think that's what ultimately will pull us out of this regression: celebrating who we really are.

In your view, what’s the key to living a happy and fulfilling life?

Making sure that you take time for yourself. Lean into what you love and be a nice person. You need to surround yourself with people who make you feel like the best version of yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself.