Melissa Leong is having quite the year. Not only has she become a bona fide TV superstar, thanks to her starring role on MasterChef Australia (and Junior MasterChef Australia), she’s also been widely lauded for her passion and knowledge of food, and as a fashion icon.
Leong also champions inclusivity.
”People contact me all the time to say that me being on MasterChef means they’re getting to see faces like mine – and theirs – in positions of power,” the Sydney-born 38-year-old says.
“To be an Asian woman on the cover of the Sexiest issue will also mean something to others who aren’t used to seeing difference in this capacity.”
Leong’s also embracing the accolade.
“To be asked to be the cover girl for this issue is an awesome feeling. If I’d told a younger me that this would be happening, I wouldn’t believe it – no way, no how.”
Here, the iconic star talks food, fashion and the strong, sexy women she admires …
Who do you think defines the word sexy?
I’ve been giving this a lot of thought! Monica Bellucci is – and forever will be – the embodiment of sexy. I think people write her off for just being beautiful but, in the way she’s crafted her career in acting and filmmaking, she’s so much more complex and inspirational than that. [US congresswoman] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is sexy because she’s utterly fearless and she’s so articulate. The other person is Tracee Ellis Ross. I’m obsessed with her.
I think you can tell that the theme here is fearless women are sexy.
Uniqueness and individuality seem to be your themes too …
Yes. I was reading an article about how there’s an Instagram face that a lot of people are aspiring to, whether that’s by using Facetune, makeup or even getting surgery to achieve this very homogenous look. But I think to myself, “Why would I want to look like or be like everybody else?’ I absolutely just want to be myself and there’s power in that.
How would you say you got to this place of self-confidence?
I think it’s about learning to be resilient. There have been times in my life where I’ve felt knocked down and doors have closed on me, but I’ve tried to rise above those situations. What can I learn? How can I be better and how can I find my own path?
If someone refuses to open the door or give you that opportunity, there’s always another way. I think that when you’ve made a voice for yourself, no-one can take that away from you. Instead of playing by other people’s rules, there’s something to be said for blazing your own trail as well.
How does fashion make you feel?
It’s well-documented how much I love fashion. Great clothes can make you feel like you’re wearing a coat of armour. They can make you feel like your best self and there are some magical garments – like the ones on these pages – that just make you feel better, like a supercharged version of yourself. I firmly believe that putting on a great dress, some fabulous earrings or a bold lip is all a part of self-care. I was known to put on red lipstick at home [during Melbourne’s lockdown], just because…
You really threw yourself into creating your looks on this shoot. Why was that important to you?
I think when you’re communicating who you are to the world, you don’t ever want to be lax about putting in the work. I’ve worked very hard to be who I am – I wanted to have that input here because identity is incredibly important.
What does sexy mean to you?
I don’t think the word “sexy” is so literal any more. We’re not talking pure objectification of someone who just looks amazing. Sexy is about everything someone brings to who they are. I think individuality is sexy.
To me, also, I think sexy is a combination of intelligence; it’s a unique perspective on life and it’s being bold enough to hold on to your convictions and live life on your terms. I think sexy is to be fearless and real. When you have nothing to hide and you’re just purely and unapologetically yourself, that’s inspirational – and sexy.
For more, pick up a copy of WHO’s Sexiest People issue. On sale now!
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