Gia Genevieve is the modern day Marilyn Monroe with her blonde bombshell hair, red lips and luscious curves. She grew up in LA and then went to pursue modeling in NYC. Her big break was last year when she was on the cover of Playboy which was shot by Ellen Von Unwerth.

Model: Gia Genevieve
Photographer, stylist: Lauren Engel
Hair stylist: Edison Lu of Hair Lounge

Makeup artist: Mika

Tell us about your upbringing and how did it shape the person you are now?
I grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles. My parents would take me into Beverly Hills and Hollywood with them on weekends so I got to see the more glamour side of things. My mother has always dressed well and is a big fan of vintage. She’s who I get my personal style from and obsession for flea market digging. I owe my sense of humour to my hilarious father. They’ve been supportive of my career always saying to just do whatever I love.

Your look is similar to Marilyn Monroe, would you say she’s your idol?
Marilyn is one of my idols. I love all the bombshells from the retro periods and even the modern vixen Dita Von Teese. That classic sophistication and emphasis on a women’s figure has always inspired me.

Define confidence. Do you feel comfortable in your own skin?
Confidence to me is knowing I have the ability to do anything I set my mind too. It’s freedom from living in fear and taking charge of my life and just going for it.

“Confidence to me is knowing I have the ability to do anything I set my mind too. It’s freedom from living in fear and taking charge of my life and just going for it.”

What made you decide to change from plus size to straight size?
Going to straight size happened organically. I wanted to be in my best shape possible for my playboy cover and after I shot that I thought, why not just go the whole way. I’ve always wanted to be healthy and in shape and when I proved to myself that it was possible, I went for it. It’s a lot of work. I exercise 5-6 sometimes 7 days a week but now it’s because I really enjoy it and not because I have to. Staying away from sweets and fried food has honestly been the hardest thing. I’ll indulge in a donut every now and then however. I’d go crazy if I didn’t.

What influenced your decision to move from LA to NYC?
When I signed to Wilhelmina a couple years ago, I realized I needed to be here to fully pursue my dreams. I dropped everything and found a place on Craigslist and just went for it. It’s been going pretty well.

What is your perception on true love?
Ugh, true love lol. I believe people come into your life for a purpose and when that purpose has fully been fulfilled or you both have nothing left to offer then it is time to part ways. If I meet the person who continuously fulfills me and brings new meaning and new purpose than that is what I consider true love. So far that hasn’t happened… But I’m a hopeless romantic so I’m sure it will.

Lingerie: Stella McCartney of Bendon Lingerie

Lingerie: Pleasure State of Bendon Lingerie

Lingerie: Maison Close