Diplomatic! The last time we spoke, you said something to me, and I’ll read you the quote: You said, “I’m not the sex kitten that they’ve made me out to be, but I’ll give it to them when I have to. I know that’s what they want.” How does that differ for you when your audience is women and your audience is men?
It doesn’t really; I’m a lot more shy than what people think, and when I was doing Dancing With the Stars, that really became apparent. That was the first time I wasn’t with my sisters; I film my reality show at home with my family. It really couldn’t be a more comfortable environment. And so when I was thrown into this world of performing and just being me—you see it on the show and my sisters say it every day—I’m so boring! I’m just not outspoken like they are. And I was really glad that everyone kinda got to see the real me, but even in Dancing With the Stars people expected this really outspoken, sexy...
Ah, c’mon, you’re the vixen, right?
It was almost a struggle for me; these dancers have the most amazing bodies and they’re wearing next to nothing, and I’m over here trying to cover up more. And they’re like, “Wait, wait, wait, what?
We thought you were supposed to be so comfortable with yourself,” and this and that. The thing is, I’m not that comfortable. Every girl has their insecurities, and with the outfits that they put you in, it became this struggle between people’s perception of me and the reality. I think I’m halfway in the middle. I mean, who doesn’t like to be sexy? But I’m not the most outspoken person. I’m a little bit more uncomfortable than perceived.
How has that image of you changed since you did your first cover with us?
Because that was really, as far as big magazine covers— That was my first cover. I mean, you guys were my first, and I’m so proud of it and I thought it was so sexy.
Uh, yeah it was.
I loved it. I do think that I’ve grown, though, and I base it all on my show. People can make up any story to go along with a picture, but when you see someone’s real life, it just opens up a whole different perception of me—and it’s totally who I am.
KIM ON...GETTING INVOLVED:
"I'm gonna be completely honest: I'm not the biggest activist. I'm nothing like Leonardo DiCaprio and Adrian Grenier, but there's little things here and there that I do. It's a start. Everything in life is all about baby steps, you know? I'm just learning about it."
KIM ON...RECYCLING:
"We have different trash cans for glass and paper, so it's super easy. And with clothes, I do an eBay auction once every three months, and my whole family gets involved. If we're photographed wearing something, we don't typically like to wear it again, so we do these auctions and I give the proceeds to The Dream Foundation, which is kind of like Make-A-Wish, but it grants wishes to terminally ill adults."
KIM ON...NATURAL DISASTERS:
"I spend a lot of time in New Orleans—my boyfriend lives there half the year. My sisters and I met a family there who brought us to the Ninth Ward, which is the place where the most damage happened. They were living in a FEMA trailer, four people in a tiny one-bedroom for almost three years. So we surprised them with all new furniture since insurance didn't cover furniture."
KIM ON...GIVING BACK:
"When I was a kid and everyone would say what they wanted to be when they grew up, I was like, 'I wanna have my own charity.' I grew up with my mom taking us to the Special Olympics with my stepdad [Bruce Jenner] and with us volunteering at shelters for abused kids; those were just our weekends growing up. When my father passed away, I just wanted to do so much more—and there's so many easy things that people can do, even sitting home on their computer."
WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO FROM KIM'S SHOOT:
ADDITIONAL CREDITS:
Styling by Monica Rose and Angela Fink; Hair by Frankie Payne for Bumble & Bumble at opusbeauty.com; Makeup by Mario Dedivanovic at theartistloft.com using M.A.C. products; Shot at Siren Studios, Hollywood, CA
Opening Image: Earrings by CC Skye; Top by French Connection; Leggings by American Apparel; Ring by Le Vian; Bracelet by Amrapali; Bracelet by Landver; Boots by Givenchy
Second Image: Earrings by Vanessa Montiel; Jacket by Yeojin Bae; Swimsuit by American Apparel; Belt by American Apparel; Bracelets by Amrapali; Bracelets by Landver; Shoes by Burberry
Third, Seventh and Cover Image: Earrings By Vanessa Montiel; Bodysuit and Leggings by American Apparel; Belt by BCBG; Shoes by Balenciaga
Fourth and Eigth Image: Jewelry by CC Skye; Bodysuit and skirt by American Apparel; Shoes by L.A.M.B.
Fifth Image: Top by Dolce and Gabbana; Shorts by American Apparel
Sixth Image: Necklace by Ben Amun; Bodysuit and Leggings by American Apparel; Belt by BCBG; Shoes by Davis By Ruthie Davis
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