Today we’d like to introduce you to Justine LeGault.
Hi Justine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my career in Montreal, where I was first scouted while working as an extra on The Aviator, directed by Martin Scorsese. At the time, I had studied filmmaking and was drawn to film sets simply to learn how they worked from the inside.
One day someone asked if I was a model. Plus-size modeling was still very new at that time and I wasn’t even aware it existed as a category. He then suggested I contact an agency he knew that was looking to expand their board. I met with them soon after, was quickly signed, and sent to the United States to pursue my career.
Not long after, I appeared on the cover of ELLE in an image that went viral for being one of the first major magazine covers to feature a larger body without retouching. From there, I traveled extensively and lived in New York, Los Angeles, and eventually Miami.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a trailblazer in an emerging space came with its own set of challenges. Early in my career, I was often the only larger body on set, and booking after booking, I learned how to claim my place and win over creative teams that perhaps had preconceived ideas about what a model should look like. It required resilience and a level of self-belief that isn’t always visible from the outside.
For a long time, the road felt smooth-ish because I had very little expectations and was simply enjoying the ride! Opportunities continued to unfold, and I stayed open to them, moving between Europe, the United States, and Canada.
During the pandemic, (I was then living in Los Angeles) my pace abruptly shifted and I went from sometimes working in 3 countries per week to now having to stay still for a while. I discovered how grounding it felt to build simple routines; honoring personal commitments, staying consistent with workouts and walking my dog, and even developing a love for cooking. That period reshaped how I think about balance and stability within a creative life. It made me realize how important it is to also make space for a personal life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been an international model and creative for over two decades, always embracing a curvy/plus-size body, ranging from sizes 14–20 throughout the years. Through my modeling, I help brands tell stories that feel real and inclusive. I’m proud to have been part of moments that challenged the typical industry norms, from magazine covers to editorials and campaigns around the world.
There’s this rebellious edge in me that likes to challenge the status quo – I’m driven to push boundaries and expand how we think about a woman’s beauty. In my ideal world everyone would feel seen and empowered. Each time someone tells me that my work helped them feel better about themselves, it reminds me exactly why I do this. That never gets old.
I also genuinely value building real connections with other creatives in the industry. There’s something special about being on set when everyone’s pouring their heart into the same vision. That collaborative energy is where I feel most at home.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope fashion continues to evolve toward a more inclusive landscape. While body diversity feels like it’s experiencing a setback at the moment, I’m encouraged to see more models of different ages and backgrounds represented on runways and in campaigns. I’m also loving that actresses in their 40s and 50s are finally having their moment in film and TV – it brings so much more depth to storytelling. My hope is that we’ll see that same evolution happen with body diversity in lead roles, not just supporting characters.
My mind is always exploring new creative endeavors. Whatever I end up doing next will be rooted in a wide and honest idea of beauty. One that reflects real people, different bodies, ages, stories, and energies. Beauty, to me, is not a narrow image but a living spectrum, and that perspective will always be part of what I create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fordmodels.com/miami/profile/justine-legault/
- Instagram: Itsjustinelegault
Image Credits
Lily Cummings
Genevieve Charbonneau
ELLE Quebec
Tyler Kandel
Clin d’oeil Magazine
Dennis Stenild
NYFW
