Body positivity and co. are on everyone’s lips on social media. In an interview with BRIGITTE, Alex Mariah Peter talks about her attitude towards classic ideals of beauty and what influence her shower has on her self-confidence.
Alex Mariah Peter has been a role model for many since her victory in “Germany’s next top model” in 2021 at the latest! On Instagram, the model shares behind the scenes of jobs, travel, but also private moments. And it is precisely in these that Alex Mariah is mercilessly honest when it comes to topics such as mental health, beauty procedures or changes to her body. Together with Merz Aesthetics, the influencers are committed to ensuring that everyone can make self-confident, self-determined and well-informed decisions about their appearance – free from social pressure, discrimination or prescribed ideals of beauty. She spoke to BRIGITTE about why it means so much to her.
Alex Mariah Peter: The ex-GNTM winner in an interview about ideals of beauty
BRIGITTE: The claim of the new Merz Aesthetics campaign is “Show your Confidence”: What makes you self-confident?
Alex Mariah Peter: self-determination. When I know that I can just be myself, free from social pressure or prescribed ideals of beauty.
And when do you feel most confident?
I think you have to differentiate between self-confidence and self-worth. For me, it’s much more about knowing my self-worth and being at peace with myself. Confidence is more of a moment.
But your victory in “Germany’s next top model” was more than just for the moment. You were the first trans* woman to win. What does the victory still mean to you two years later?
I was also the first Asian woman to win the format, that’s important to say again! That makes me proud of both, but actually I’m more proud of the win in general. That I pulled it off and that I can apparently still encourage other people today. In general, however, the victory was not as important to me as the public attributed it to me.
Do you see yourself as a role model?
I’m not a fan of the word role model at all because it can indirectly mean that people are trying to be someone else. But I enjoy inspiring others to live their own life and be the best version of themselves.
On the subject of publicity: you are very active and successful on Instagram. Is there any criticism? And how do you deal with it?
Honestly, I hardly ever get any criticism for my body and if I do, I just ignore it. In general, I hardly read any comments and therefore do not let the opinions of strangers become an issue in my everyday life.
Does that mean you don’t read any positive comments either?
No, I don’t read the positives either. Of course, positive comments, praise and recognition are flattering, but actually I think it’s wrong to pay much attention to what others think of me.
You gained 40 kilos in the past year and then lost a lot again and shared the whole process with your community. Why did you choose this path?
It was already very obvious that my body had changed and that I no longer fit in a dress size 34 like I did with GNTM. So it would have been useless to keep it secret or not to address it. It’s just a fact and of course it’s reflected in my everyday life. I get booked more for beauty shoots because I just don’t fit into the sample sizes of fashion productions anymore. That also means my job has changed and with it what I share on social media and the like.
When it comes to your own body, the term “body positivity” comes up quickly – what does it mean to you?
I don’t think much of it, I actually find it terrifying. In my opinion, it also discriminates against slim women and implies that bodies that conform to the norm cannot feel a positive connection to their bodies that is not equally valuable. I know a lot of people expect me to believe in that, but I just don’t. Obsessively thinking positively about the body can also quickly have something bad. And you don’t only have to think positively of yourself to like yourself.
When do you feel most comfortable in your body?
To be honest, that depends on the situation and often fluctuates throughout the day. I rarely feel great all day long. However, if I had to pick one situation that I’ve felt good in recently, it would be in the shower this morning. I have dark glass walls in which you are reflected. I watched myself dance in the shower, sang out loud and just felt good and confident.
You are also very open about cosmetic surgeries. Is there a reason for that?
As part of public society, one also bears the responsibility to inform about interventions that correspond to the classic ideal of beauty. It’s not even about my transition. However, if I’m completely flat beforehand and then wear a D cup, it’s noticeable. I don’t have to and don’t want to hide that. I’m comfortable with my decision, so why not talk about it?
What are your thoughts before you decide: I’ll have it done now?
I’m definitely thinking about these things longer, at least a year. Only if there wasn’t a single day when I doubted or questioned the decision do I do it. Because I know myself and I tend to get carried away by things easily. Spontaneous interventions between coffee and cake are not for me. In order to protect myself from myself, I have to think about it carefully.
Do you also talk about it with friends or family? Do you involve them in the decision-making process?
Not at all. The idea and the decisions have to come entirely from me. It’s nobody’s business whether and which interventions I resort to. Sometimes I talk about it, but then I don’t want any feedback. I have to want it and if I like it, that’s the main thing.
Is there anything else you would like to change about yourself or your body?
Right now I’m happy with myself, so no.