Introducing… ISABELLE LEE

The stunning MAXIM Australian Swimwear Model of the Year makes her magnificent cover girl debut. You’re welcome…

SANTI PINTADO

Hey, Isabelle, congrats on your MAXIM cover. How does it feel?

It feels super surreal. It didn’t actually sink in properly for a few weeks that I’d be getting my very own cover and feature in such a prestigious magazine. My cheeks were still so sore a week after from smiling so much – it’s so overwhelming. I can’t wait to show off all of my hard work to the world and share this moment with my family and close friends.

Tell us about this shoot.

This was a long one – 15 hours to be exact – and I was just getting over the flu! The overall shoot was an amazing experience, though — from the make-up/ hair, location, photographer and the impressive car which has now turned into my dream car. I was basically born into the car scene – I’m a bit of a revhead – if it’s fast and luxurious you have my attention. My other favourite part was wearing all the different cheeky swimwear.

Well, you look extremely gorgeous. When do you feel sexy?

Thank you! I feel my sexiest when I’m lounging around wearing my favourite red lingerie.

What’s your best asset?

I think my face is my best asset. I was always told from a young age I have a really pretty face and I’d break some hearts when I got older.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your life story so far.

Well, I have quite a story behind me. I was born in Canberra and moved away with family when I was 12 to a remote island in the Arafura Sea called Elcho Island. I spent a couple of years living there where I learnt a lot about my culture. Living on the island really opened my eyes to knowing who I wanted to be and with what morals I wanted to live by. I’ll tell you a quick story – one day on the island my friend and I went for a walk on the beach. I had seen something small moving around in the distance and said to my friend, “Let’s check it out.” So, we walked up to this object and it actually happened to be a baby crocodile. My first instinct wasn’t to wonder where mummy crocodile is, but to pick it up.

“I’M VERY NATURAL IN MY APPEARANCE, AND MY PERSONALITY, AND I ALSO ALWAYS TRY TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT.”

What the…?!