Why this Victoria's Secret model avoids mirrors

By Vanessa Brown

She's walked for Victoria's Secret, and modelled for some of the biggest brands in the world.

But Australian angel Bridget Malcolm has revealed that even she suffers from body insecurities.

Talking to Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies on Channel 7's The Morning Show, Malcolm spoke of how the fashion industry and the competitiveness of modelling had played an impact on her career.

Speaking of casting and rejection, the 25-year-old said she's put "a lot of coping
mechanisms in place" to deal with the industry.

"It takes a lot of getting used to," she said.

"I think it takes a lot of strength and character and confidence in yourself to realise this is purely hysteria and that you're much more than the thing they're rejecting.

Bridget says despite popular opinion, models too feel insecurities about their body - especially in the early years of work. Photo / Getty

"There's so many girls that go for so many jobs and there's only one girl that's ever going to get it. So to compare yourself is an exercise in futility."

Malcolm, who will be walking the runway in August for David Jone's Spring/Summer show in Sydney, said that despite being one of Australia's most successful modelling exports - she will often avoid mirrors and social media for the sake of her mental stability.

"On days when I wake up and look disgusting, I find if I go on Instagram and look at everyone else's picture perfect curated lives, I go 'wow I'm really failing at everything'," she said.

"I find taking time out to focus on myself and what makes me feel happy and strong and confident I find that very, very important."

Malcolm, who is married to musician Nathaniel Hoho, said that despite popular opinion - models too feel insecurities about their body - especially in the early years of work.

"Models get really insecure too," she said.

"A lot of my friends deal with it just as much as I do. It's hard because everyone has an opinion about your body.

"It can be really hard to separate opinions from what you know to be true."

Malcolm told news.com.au in 2016 about the "boring" regimen of getting Angel-ready ahead of the world's most watched lingerie show.

Bridget with fellow Victoria's Secret models backstage before last year's show. Photo / Getty

"The casting process for Victoria's Secret is much different to anything else I've gone for," she said.

"Normally at a casting, you have a quick chat and they look at your book. But with a Victoria's Secret casting, they take the time to really talk to you, see how you walk and really get to know as much about you as they can in a short period of time."

Malcolm said that to prepare for the show, she will ramp up her exercise and diet at least three months before casting.

"Last year ahead of the Victoria's Secret casting, I did two gym sessions a day," she said.

"But this year I am doing less, and focusing more on resistance and strength training which has really changed my body.

"You don't want to arrive at the casting burnt out and cranky, you want to be able to live your life and show them that on the day."

"Aside from working out, I pay very close attention to the way I eat and what I eat," she said.

"I eat clean year round, so I avoid all desserts, sugars and starchy type foods.

"Leading up to the show I drink lots of water, protein shakes and vegetables. I really love to cook so I do a lot of it myself.

"I always look forward to having something other than what I'm eating leading up to a show. But it's a couple of months of my life, and it's so worth it so I'm willing to make that sacrifice to be able to walk with Victoria's Secret again."