Fearless Women Are Sexy!

Food, fashion and a fierce sense of self – this masterchef star is blazing a trail as who’s sexiest person of the year

- Melissa Field

Melissa Leong is having quite the year. Not only has she become a bona fide TV superstar, thanks to her starring role on MasterChef Australia (and Junior MasterChef Australia), she’s also been widely lauded for her passion and knowledge of food, and as a fashion icon.

Leong also champions inclusivity. ”People contact me all the time to say that me being on MasterChef means they’re getting to see faces like mine – and theirs – in positions of power,” the Sydney-born 38-year-old says. “To be an Asian woman on the cover of the Sexiest issue will also mean something to others who aren’t used to seeing a difference in this capacity.”

Leong’s also embracing the accolade. “To be asked to be the cover girl for this issue is an awesome feeling. If I’d told a younger me that this would be happening, I wouldn’t believe it – no way, no how.” Here, the iconic star talks food, fashion and the strong, sexy women she admires

Starring MELISSA LEONG

The star was involved in every step of creating her stunning look for WHO’s cover shoot. “When I saw this pink Jasongrech tulle gown, I was like, ‘Well, I need to try that on,’” she tells WHO. “It’s ephemeral, very feminine and it shows the right amount of body confidence.”

“WHEN YOU’RE PURELY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOURSELF, THAT’S INSPIRATIONAL – AND SEXY”

“They’re my best friends, they’re my brothers,” Leong says of her MasterChef Australia co-stars Jock Zonfrillo (left) and Andy Allen.