Exclusive! Model Kylie Bisutti Talks Faith, Modesty And Marriage

What happens when becoming an angel isn't all that heavenly?

Former Victoria's Secret model Kylie Bisutti made headlines recently when she went public with her decision to hand in those iconic wings. It wasn't the decision itself that drew attention, but the reason behind it. 

At 19, Kylie beat out 10,000 other girls during the 2009 "Victoria’s Secret Model Search" for a contract with the lingerie giant. She strutted the runway as an angel during the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, with the likes of supermodels Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Doutzen Kroes. It was all she had ever wanted. But when she got it, something just didn't feel right.

A young Christian during this time, Kylie was beginning to read scripture more and more. As God's Word started to infiltrate her heart, she slowly realized that modeling lingerie wasn't in line with her beliefs. So when her contract was up with Victoria's Secret, she walked away. Now, at age 21, she's trying to be a role model for Christ. She's showing other girls that you don’t have to be a sex symbol to be happy and accepted and successful. She's spreading a message of how our bodies are sacred, and meant only for our spouses' eyes. She's speaking out for modesty. And in a world where sex sells, it's a bold and brave message. My Strict Christian Faith Is The Reason I Can't Find A Man

I had the pleasure of talking to Kylie about her big decision, marriage, being a role model for little girls, and life after Victoria's Secret. She might be sweet and soft-spoken, but Kylie's message is strong.

Your story made headlines just a few days ago. What sort of feedback have you gotten?
"I have gotten 99-percent positive feedback. So many young girls have responded to the story. I am completely in awe of what God has done, because obviously, it's not me who's able to do all this. All the glory to Him."

How did you get into modeling?
"It was always my dream. I got started at 14. At 16, I moved to New York to pursue my career. And then the big casting for Victoria's Secret was at 19."  What A Year In Marriage Taught Us About Love

When did you realize that modeling lingerie wasn't in line with your Christian beliefs?
"It was more of a gradual thing. The closer I grew to the Lord; I wanted to honor him in my marriage and life. I realized I wasn't doing that. I wanted little girls to see that you don't have to sexy or behave as a sex symbol to be loved in this life."

Are there any key passages in scripture that really made an impact on you?
"Oh yeah, definitely. Proverbs 31 was a big one. 'A wife of noble character…' I realized I wasn't doing any of the things mentioned in that passage. Then there's 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. ['Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.'] That was another big one. Reading that, I was convicted. As well as Matthew 18:6, which talks about causing children to stumble. I didn't want little girls to grow up thinking it's OK to see me, a married woman, on the cover of a men's magazine."

Speaking of marriage, what did your husband think of what you were doing, and what does he think of the career choices you've made now?
"We always had a good marriage, but he loves the decision I've made to stop modeling lingerie. Our marriage has really grown so much stronger because of it. It's better than ever. But even before, he was super-supportive. He just prayed for me. He wanted to have the Word open my eyes." 10 Tips For Strong Relationships

What role does faith play in your marriage?
"Faith definitely plays a huge role. My husband and I read the Bible and pray together, and we try to make Christ the center of our marriage. We've also done, for the past two years now, a couple's retreat at our house where about six or seven couples we're close to come over, and we all try to work on and grow in our marriages and relationships with God. We try to keep Him the number one priority."

Modesty is becoming a bigger thing these days. There are blogs dedicated to dressing well, but conservatively and not sexy. Even still, sex makes the headlines. What do you think the key is to promoting more modesty in our culture?
"I believe in the power of prayer. And we need to take a stand for modesty. I think, to me, the big thing is magazines and movies. If we could somehow get into that, I think we could affect a lot of girls." How To Add Prayer to Your Marriage Toolbox

Do you hope speaking more about your decision could start a modesty trend?
"I would love to start a trend! I think the key is getting people in the public eye on board. I am praying other celebrities and models will take a stand. I mean, gosh, girls as young as eight feel they have to look a certain way, look sexy. They have so much pressure."

If you could tell young girls and women one thing your decision, about respecting their bodies, what would it be?
"The more you try and pursue being sexy and thin, the further away you will go from being happy. When I started modeling, they always dyed my hair blonde—my hair is naturally brown. They put a lot of make-up on me. I had these permanent extensions (laughs), which I've now taken out. The more I felt like I had to change myself, the less happy and more insecure I became. I've dyed my hair back to my natural color. I wear less make-up now. I am so much happier. And people can see that."10 Best Valentine's Day Dates For Engaged Couples

Kylie said she will continue to pursuing modeling, and hopefully acting, but only in modest ventures that are in keeping with her Christian faith. You can check out the website, KylieBisutti.com, for more about her faith and future, and to see what she's doing to promote wholesome values in a pressure-filled world of temptations. 

Photo Credit: Getty