Model Lexie Bader Knows No Bounds
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ESTHER LEE LEACH
WRITEN BY ANNIE BLOJ // CULTURE & STYLE EDITOR
LOCATION: HALCYON HOTEL // CLOTHING: RACHEL MARIE HURST
MAKEUP: AMY DICKERSON FOR LIVE LOVE LASH // HAIR: MACKENZIE DAVIS FOR KENZE HAIR STUDIO
Lexie, this was such a fun and inspirational shoot for us at Cherry Creek Fashion. Being able to partner up with the Daily Blast Live television show to share your story as a double amputee was an honor. The icing on the cake for us was that as an experienced model, your light and confidence completely shone through during the shoot! You knew your angles, were completely game for the whole experience and your attitude blended seamlessly with designer Rachel Marie Hurst’s fun and fresh outfits. We had such a great time getting to know you better.
Annie Bloj: Lexie, you’ve already had a successful career as a model, how did you get started?
Lexie Bader: I have been modeling since I was 15 years old, and I started from a family friend who has been on the cover of Vogue. I had her teach me makeup, hair, style, and how to be confident with myself and not caring so much about what others think of me. She helped me get my first photoshoot and get signed with agents.
AB: What do you love most about modeling, how does it make you feel?
LB: The one thing I love about modeling is the high fashion, the amazing designs, and the self-confidence it gives me, seeing the photos or being on the runway makes me feel amazing about myself, along with the excitement of being on stage. Working with designers and seeing the amazing work and artistic side behind it is also very cool and inspiring.
AB: Due to chronic pain caused by a snowboarding accident, over the past 8 years, you’ve had to undergo dozens of surgeries and ended up having to decide to eventually amputate both legs. How do you feel now that you are on the other side of the second surgery?
LB: After my second amputation surgery, I feel so free from surgeries and the chronic pain. Finally being able to work on me, my career, hang with friends, and work out; it’s a good feeling to feel like all my other peers. I have been dealing with some depression and more anxiety, which I knew would happen. Dealing with that has been hard but I also have a very supportive boyfriend, family, and friends. I am so much happier in general though, being able to work for the first time in years, working out, climbing, being able to hang with friends, and not be in chronic pain.
AB: How do you see the fashion world changing to embrace the differences in our bodies?
LB: One of my modeling dreams is to get into a Target commercial or advertising campaign because they show the various sides of disabilities and represent all different types of people, it makes me so happy to see that. So with my modeling, I hope to inspire others that “don’t fit” the model mold and show others that having differences is an amazing thing and to be confident with those differences and show others it's a good thing to show them off. Being different is a solid A+, and to go out and do the things that make you happy, that makes you feel beautiful and confident, and showing others that being different and not fitting the “basic” mold is a beautiful thing.
AB: Your Instagram page @abader.26 highlights not only your modeling experiences but also the physical fitness goals that you continue to smash. What are you looking forward to accomplishing personally and professionally in the future?
LB: In the near future, I am looking forward to snowboarding next season, working on my dream job and accomplishments. Modeling and traveling as much as possible and helping others, I'd also love to get into motivational speaking. But I’m mostly excited to start working to build my life pain-free. Just mostly working on my life and goals to have the best life I possibly can have, even though I am starting later than others.
AB: Lexie, you are such an inspiration to us all- never giving up, always moving forward. I’m sure your positivity and confidence will take you far. Thank you for opening up to us and thank you to Daily Blast Live for this collaboration!
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE COVER SHOOT WITH DAILY BLAST LIVE
Lexie Bader: @abader.26
Photographer: @estherleeleach
Writer: @theblojreport
Clothing: @rachelmariehurstrmh
Hair: @kenzehair_studio
Makeup: @amy_dickerson_grote for @livelovelash
Location: @halcyoncherrycreek