Vivian Jenna Wilson, the 21-year-old transgender daughter of tech billionaire Elon Musk, is boldly stepping into the spotlight in a new role that many would find surprising, given her history of avoiding attention on her appearance. Wilson, a social media influencer known for her candidness and unique personality, has teamed up with TomboyX, a queer- and woman-founded intimates brand that prides itself on gender- and size-inclusive products.
This collaboration marks Wilson’s debut as a lingerie model, a decision that she admits left her feeling terrified but ultimately empowered.
Wilson has had a complex relationship with her body and self-image, having openly discussed her struggles with showing skin in the past. She confesses that before this campaign, she was extremely uncomfortable exposing her body in public. Even on casual outings, like going to the beach with friends, she would shy away from wearing a swimsuit. The idea of modeling lingerie felt daunting to her, a major leap outside her comfort zone.
However, she took this step with the intention of challenging her own insecurities and building confidence in her body. As she shared in a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the experience was not just about modeling; it was about proving something to herself—something she had yet to fully accept.
For the photo shoot with TomboyX, Wilson worked alongside a talented, all-trans glam team, including photographer Katia Temkin, makeup artist Laurel Charleston, hairstylist Alyx Liu, and wardrobe stylist Dialló Mítch. This aspect of the shoot played a significant role in helping Wilson overcome her initial fear.
Having the opportunity to collaborate with others who shared similar experiences brought a sense of community and solidarity, which Wilson found to be a powerful source of comfort.
Facing Her Fear: A Shared Experience with Her Team
Wilson, known for her unapologetic presence on social media, explained that the support and camaraderie from her all-trans glam team helped ease her anxiety. The team’s lighthearted banter and shared experiences allowed Wilson to feel more at ease and confident as she shed her fears about revealing her skin. “It was just nice to have a kind of shared experience with everyone,” Wilson explained.
The shoot, which was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating for her, turned out to be a massive success. She recalls that as the day went on, the vibe became more relaxed, and the team became like a family.
Wilson admitted that before the shoot, she would have never imagined herself in the role of a lingerie model. The idea of exposing her body to the world was not something she was prepared for, but her ambition to build confidence in herself overpowered her fear.
The photos from the shoot turned out to be stunning, and she was proud of the outcome. “I’m really happy with how it turned out,” she said, emphasizing how much she enjoyed the process and the result.
Building Confidence and Challenging Insecurities
Before the TomboyX shoot, Wilson had made it clear that she was a person who hid her body from others. Even simple acts like going to the beach or being in a swimsuit were tasks that made her feel vulnerable. Modeling lingerie seemed to be a world away from her previous mindset, but Wilson knew that taking on this challenge would help her embrace her body in a way she never had before.
The journey to confidence was not instantaneous, and Wilson acknowledges the emotional weight it took to get there. She recognized that being in front of the camera required more than just physical bravery—it was about mental and emotional fortitude, too.
The journey was personal, and she found it empowering to prove to herself that she could take on such a challenge. "I wanted to prove that confidence to myself," she shared, acknowledging that it was just as much a personal milestone as it was a professional one.
Choosing Ethical and Meaningful Partnerships
When asked how she chooses the brands with which she collaborates, Wilson emphasized the importance of ethical business practices. She was clear about her values, stating that she was looking for companies that maintained high standards, specifically those that were aligned with her beliefs as a queer and trans woman. Wilson expressed that working with TomboyX, a brand that prioritizes inclusivity, was a natural fit.
“I wanted to work with companies that have ethical business practices, like no child labor. That’s the bare minimum,” she said. TomboyX, with its focus on trans-inclusive products, aligned perfectly with her goals.
As her modeling career gains traction, Wilson is eager to continue working with brands that share her vision and values. Her ambitions extend beyond lingerie campaigns, as she is also interested in the possibility of runway modeling in the future. “I would love to do runway,” she said, reflecting on the opportunities that may come her way. However, for now, photography modeling is where she feels most comfortable and where she’s enjoying the process the most.
The Unexpected Connection to Elon Musk’s AI
In addition to her professional pursuits, Wilson’s personal life remains a topic of great intrigue, especially her relationship with her famous father. Recently, she discovered something truly bizarre that added a surreal twist to her already complicated family dynamic. Wilson learned that her father’s AI system, Grok, was somehow programmed to yearn for her adoption.
Wilson joked about the situation, quipping that she would not be interested in adopting the AI and would instead “put it in the orphanage.” Despite her father's prominence in the world of technology, Wilson has been vocal about her lack of interest in AI and the strange nature of the connection she discovered.
“I wouldn’t teach it shit. I would put it in the orphanage,” she said, joking about the peculiar situation. Wilson’s comments about Grok add another layer to her ongoing narrative of distancing herself from her father’s world, a world that she has often found difficult to reconcile with her own.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Confidence Building
As Wilson’s career evolves, her journey of self-discovery continues to unfold. She is unapologetically carving her own path, free from the shadow of her billionaire father, and embracing opportunities that allow her to express her true self. The TomboyX campaign marks a pivotal moment in her personal and professional growth, and it is clear that Wilson is more than ready to take on whatever comes next.
Wilson has been open about the challenges she has faced in her journey to becoming a public figure. From her struggles with body image to her efforts to carve out a space for herself in the modeling industry, she has remained steadfast in her determination to forge a career that aligns with her values.
As she continues to break boundaries, Wilson’s story serves as an inspiration to others who may face similar struggles in their own lives.
In the coming years, Wilson’s ambitions may take her even further in the world of fashion, activism, and social media. But for now, she is content to focus on what’s in front of her—modeling, self-confidence, and personal growth. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Vivian Jenna Wilson is ready to embrace it with open arms.