Vivian Wilson, a prominent transgender model, recently shared her thoughts on body image and her experiences with body shaming in an enlightening interview with *Cosmopolitan*. The discussion took place during the OUT100 event in Los Angeles on 21 November 2025, where Wilson candidly reflected on how her childhood experiences have shaped her perspective as a model in the fashion industry.
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The 21-year-old model, who is the daughter of Justine Wilson and estranged father Elon Musk, revealed that she faced ridicule for her weight during her younger years. “I was made fun of for my weight as a child,” she confided, noting that her insecurities lingered long after those formative years. Looking back at old photographs, she remarked, “I was not even chubby; I was just born in Los Angeles.” This reflection highlights the unrealistic standards often placed on individuals, particularly women, regarding body image.
Wilson acknowledges that these early experiences had a significant impact on her self-esteem. She described herself as a modest person, saying, “I wouldn’t like to show my body off at all,” and that the mere thought of displaying her figure made her feel uncomfortable. However, the landscape began to shift when her career in modeling began to blossom.
Determined to break through her inhibition, Wilson took a bold step by becoming an underwear model in 2025. She recounted her decision to collaborate with TomboyX for her first underwear campaign, stating, “TomboyX came along and said, ‘We’re doing an underwear shoot; we will pay you this amount of money,’ and I was like, ‘I love this company; I want to further my modeling career; this is the step I should take.'” This opportunity proved to be pivotal for Wilson as she embraced her body and sought to inspire others in the process.
Continuing to expand her modelling repertoire, Wilson appeared in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty lingerie and loungewear campaign, which launched in January. Her presence in this campaign further established her in the intimates sector of the fashion world and served as a notable milestone in her burgeoning career.
In her interview with *Cosmopolitan*, Wilson also addressed the harsh realities of the fashion industry, which can often focus heavily on physical appearance. She noted the incessant scrutiny faced by women on social media, especially trans women, stating, “There are a few things that got to me. It’s the internet’s favourite hobby to comment on women’s bodies.” She expressed weariness with the ongoing conversations surrounding how trans women are perceived based on their femininity or masculinity.
Despite the challenges, Wilson has steadily made her mark in the fashion scene, including a noteworthy appearance during New York Fashion Week last fall. She took part in Alexis Bittar’s Spring-Summer 2026 show, which carried a poignant message about the ongoing struggles for trans rights. Earlier in her journey, she also featured in a collaborative campaign with Wildfang launched during Pride Month, showcasing her efforts to advocate for inclusivity and representation within the industry.
Furthering her commitment to advocacy, Wilson stated her intention to utilise her platform to raise awareness on trans issues. “I’m always going to be vocal about [trans issues] because it is who I am. I’m a trans woman,” she said emphatically. Wilson’s determination to speak out is underscored by her belief that every individual should embrace their identity unapologetically.
In conclusion, Vivian Wilson’s journey illustrates both the impact of body shaming and the importance of self-acceptance in a world that often judges individuals based on appearance. Her experiences highlight the resilience required to navigate the fashion industry while remaining true to oneself. As she continues to carve out a space for herself, there is no doubt that Wilson will remain a vocal advocate for the trans community, inspiring others to proudly embrace their identities in the process.