F-Listed Interview: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Julie Henderson

Julie Henderson, only 22 and a model since age 13, has already reached the highest levels of the profession, appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2007, 2008, and this year, alongside such marquee names as Marisa Miller, Bar Rafaeli, and Heidi Klum.

More recently, she has made waves online with a Global Grind blog post in which she defended her “special friendship” with hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons: “I am nobody’s white  b*tch, gold digger, or fame chaser.”

F-Listed recently shot Julie a few questions via email.  Her thoughts on partying with models, nude photoshoots, LL Cool J, and how you too can date a model, plus some brand new unpublished photos, after the jump.    

F-Listed: You clearly have an unusual life – take me through an average day of being Julie Henderson.

Julie Henderson: Define unusual. I wake up, eat, and have a job just like every other woman..lol… Who am I kidding, being a model is tough, people!! You have to watch what you eat, are under strict criticism about your appearance, not for your marketing plan of last quarter, so of course it’s an unusual life.  I get to travel and work with many of the world’s most creative people in the fashion business and work long hours and have long stretches off.  To get through such an unusual life all any girl can do is stay healthy, positive, surround herself with good people, and go for the best.

FL: Models get some flack because a few are known to have unusual personalities.  Is that the hardest part of working as a model and with models? 

JH: No, crazy people work in every industry, but I have been fortunate enough to work with some very kind generous people.

FL: Do you hang out with other models in your off-hours? 

JH: Yes, I work with some of these women in swimsuits on the beach for seven hours a day sometimes. How can you not form a bond from that!?! And don’t go getting your mind in the gutter from that.

FL: What’s your take on this recent Miss California flap?  

JH: She’s gorgeous, but I don’t agree on her opinions in regards to gay marriage.  I mean, who does this girl’s hair and makeup?

FL: Who do you think is the most beautiful woman in the world right now?

JH: Mmmm….me?  Ha, kidding.  No, I think my mother is.

FL: I’ve spent my literally my entire life not dating models.  How can I fix this?  Really, any advice would be appreciated.

JH: Be yourself.  I like a confident guy that can make me laugh.  Not some poser wannabe with his tail between his legs.  It’s all about confidence, gentlemen.

FL: You’ve been seen at a number of events recently with Russell Simmons.  What’s the status of your relationship?

JH: Russell is an amazing person whom I have become very close with over the past few months. People have all sorts of thoughts and opinions, but the bottom line is, we enjoy each other’s company, and that’s it for now – next question please.

FL: Have you found yourself getting interested in the world of hip-hop or in his social and political awareness campaigns?

JH: Russell is an advocate for so many important different causes. I’m amazed at his ability to give back and fight the good fight, it’s been nice to be able to support the same issues – very important to me as well.  And all girls love hip hop.

FL: Who’s your favorite rapper that you’ve met so far?

JH: LL Cool J.  I have met him on several occasions, and I would have to say that he is one of the most gracious, genuine people I have come to meet, especially someone at his status. 

FL: You hang out with celebrities – tell me about the craziest party you’ve ever attended.

JH: Well I wouldn’t be invited back to these parties if I told you then would I?

FL: How about your own most embarrassing moment?

JH: Always trying to eat with 50 photographers around…you try it!

FL: You’ve done a lot of swimsuit work in your life.  Would you ever consider posing nude or topless, especially since a number of high-profile women have been doing it recently? 

JH: Depends on photographer and publication.  Russell James for one of his books, sure.  Joe Shmo for Hustler…no.  There is art and there is porn, and very rarely do the two meet.

FL: No one gets to be a model forever.  You’re still young obviously, but have you ever thought about what your ideal future would be after modeling?

JH: I’m always thinking of new things to do. But you will just have to wait and see what’s to come.

The first four photos are a sneak peek from the forthcoming American Photo, by Antoine Verglas.  The rest are from the 2009 SI Swimsuit Issue.  The rest of the gallery is here.  Julie’s website here.