Chrissy Teigen – proudly opinionated model, cook book author and social media user – has opened up about her "uncomfortable" start in the fashion industry.
"I would much rather shoot completely naked than in a swimsuit, it's just been my thing," she told Elle Australia, of which she'll grace the cover of the January issue, on sale Monday.
Chrissy Teigen as she appears in the January issue of Elle Australia.
"I've never been much of a beach girl. I grew up in Washington – it's freezing in that ocean. So it's so out of my comfort zone, and it's the craziest thing that I'm probably most known for Sports Illustrated, when that's how I feel the most uncomfortable."
In the interview – where she gave editor-in-chief Justine Cullen a global news update, fed her turkey jerky and served up a blow-by-blow account of the birth of her daughter, Luna – Teigen canvassed how she overcame her nerves on set and in doing so became one of the most successful and recognisable Sports Illustrated models.
Elle Australia's January issue hits stands on Monday.
"I really pride myself working with such amazing people – so you just put your trust in everybody and know that you're coming together with a common goal of making the photo beautiful and making you look good. I like letting people shine," she said.
Despite despising togs, Teigen appeared in Sports Illustrated's famous swimsuit edition in 2010 when she was named "Rookie of the Year". She then went on to star in every consecutive annual issue until 2014, where she graced the cover of the 50th anniversary edition.
Her nakedness came under fire recently though when she wore a dress held together by novelty-sized safety pins by Saudi designer Yousef Akbar when she walked the red carpet at the American Music Awards with her musician husband John Legend.
Teigen apologised for "flashing" the world's media and for forgoing underwear via her popular Instagram account.
"Apologies to anyone harmed mentally or physically by my hooha," she wrote thanking her laser hair removalist.
Jenna Clarke is fashion and lifestyle writer/editor with Fairfax Media.