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Fashion trendsetter and multi-talented Denise Keller is the ultimate social butterfly and one happy soul. She lets us in on her experiences of hanging out with Snoop Dogg, being a talk-aholic and why New York City is her heaven-on-Earth.

Denise Keller has a huge, infectious smile. She has lips that stretch wide with every happy thought and sexily pursed when she is in thinking mode. While those lips are no Angelina Jolie, they certainly have a charm of their own. If fact, those lips are surprisingly recognizable. And it is those slender, alluring lips that have launched Denise’s much-publicized career, something that she was seemingly born to do – talk.

Born Denise Lorraine Keller to a German father and a Chinese mother, the iconic face of MTV Asia got her lucky break when she was only 13 at a shopping mall. At an age where girls are experiencing strenuous puberty and acne attacks, a talent scout was signing Denise up at a modeling agency. Like the very “now” Chanel Iman, Denise travelled the world while she was a fashion model, strutting down international runways at New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

These days, most parts of Asia wakes up to the cheerful spirit of Denise Keller. In 2003, she was handpicked my MTV Asia to be a VJ. With a five-year experience in hosting and interviewing courtesy of MTV, she is now one of the most notable faces to look out for in the industry. Her travelling skills prove to be valuable, because she was intentionally sent to New York City to cover the MTV Video Music Awards for MTV Asia.

Now, at 27, Denise has taken on yet another challenging role as the host of Discovery Travel & Living’s new lifestyle series Passage to Malaysia. As a Singaporean experiencing the cultures and traditions of Malaysia, she is reminded of her ancestry and Asian roots as she films the travel series.

For someone as down-to-earth and as likeable as Denise is, it is safe to say that she has experienced far more international stardom than any Singaporean or Malaysian artistes put together – gracing the covers of illustrious magazines the likes of Elle and Harper’s Bazaar, and now Oxygen, of course. She is also sailing in the coveted titles as the ambassadors of timepiece Longines and most recently as MasterCard’s Fashion Ambassador. Needless to say, we will be seeing more of her…

Which is better or more fulfilling, modeling or VJ-ing?

Both personas demand different things from me. I’ve been modeling since I was thirteen and have not stopped ever since. It can be quite a grueling process dealing with tight timelines, hair and make-up team, fashion director, photographer, stylists, etc. Being a VJ, on the other hand, would require more wit, fun spontaneity on the MTV set, and expecting the unexpected. Both jobs, however, demand my full concentration and commitment to the set and the behind-the-scenes team to ensure that all efforts put into every shoot, every episode would be enjoyed by the audience from beginning to end. It’s been a challenging ride but very fulfilling and satisfying to be able to find my balance between both personas – which explains why I still love it!

You’ve modelled all over the world. Which is your favourite city and why?

No matter how many times I get asked this question, it’s always tough to answer because I love so many cities! I find Asia extremely vibrant and dynamic – one can witness renovation works constantly in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, almost everywhere. I have to say Tokyo rocks my world, as well as New York City. Both fashion capitals are phenomenal cities – fashion mecca, and ultra glamourous celebrities and celebrity wannabes. The fashion statement is daring, un-boring and forward. In NYC especially, the bright lights and massive career opportunities shone right in my face after winning Ford Supermodel of the Year in Singapore in 2000. Meeting Eileen Ford, Prince, and Dalai Lama, and auditioning on the famous Fifth Avenue was an undeniably awesome experience. Since then, I visit the city that never sleeps every year for an extra heavy dose of the inimitable New York City experience.

Since you appear on TV all over Asia, you must have a lot of fans. What’s the weirdest / creepiest experience you’ve ever encountered with a fan?

This may sound very strange to some people (well, maybe not the bomb squad) but I have always been apprehensive about opening boxes. It’s baffling to me, I have no idea why! Maybe the CSI and Heroes shows may have had their effect on me. I usually receive a lot of boxes which house lovely gifts from fans and friends. The boxes are wrapped in beautiful paper and huge bows, but the whole box concept freaks me out. Yet I love the gifts in them – what a dilemma!

Did you have to hone your hosting skills or were you born with the ability to simply chat away?

Since I uttered my first word when I was barely a year old, I have never stopped talking. Loquacious – yes, that’s one apt word to describe me. But I enjoy listening and observing when others talk too – it can tell you a lot of the person’s values and traits – such as honesty and down-to-earth quality – traits which I value very close to my heart. But I digress; back to the mic… I can say that hosting has become something I do naturally. It looks easy but honestly, there is a lot of technical aspects to look out for, on top of maintaining the audience’s attention, creating an appealing social atmosphere and accurately delivering my scripts which have to be memorized. Also putting celebrities and personalities at ease in front of the camera, and cajoling their real selves to come to life onscreen, you’ve got to be ready and think on your toes, and create instant chemistry. No one ever said it was easy!

As a veteran VJ, you get to interview and hang out with superstars ranging from pop to rock to hip-hop. Who, in your opinion, is the best interview subject?

I’ve been with MTV for five years now… gasp! Time really flies by when you’re having enormous fun on the set day in and day out. Superstars, let’s see… Snoop Dogg – I hugged and giggled like a little girl when I first saw him, which made it quite obvious that I’m a big fan! Run DMC, I remember, had really cute shoes; Beastie Boys were unforgettable since we shared a common recreational sport – yoga; a smooth ladies’ man is Shaggy and his unmistakable swagger; Interpol – we talked about netizens, specifically those who may be mentally challenged; and the list goes on.

Being selected as a host for Discovery Channel’s Passage to Malaysia must have been a breakthrough. How did you prepare yourself for such a challenging role?

Stocking up on all kinds of books on Malaysia helped tremendously. Also, my grandmother, whom I’m very close to, is Malaysian. She was born and raised in Negeri Sembilan before moving to Singapore – a blessing for me since I grew up on Masak Lemak Lada Api – spicy syiok! The tender chicken chunks with loads of chili and tumeric go down well in the tummy with soft white rice. Rice is an Asian staple which is especially delicious when eaten with coconut-based Gulai Kuning, another Negeri Sembilan favourite. Mouthwatering local dishes, kampong stories and grandmotherly love for the past twenty-over years have truly prepared me for this new role as a host on Discovery Travel & Living.

Now that you know Malaysia so intimately (more than most Malaysians ever will in their lifetime), what do you think is the “ultimate Malaysian experience”?

I’m definitely not an authority on the ultimate Malaysian experience – I’m still discovering the country and its hidden secrets. What I can definitely vouch for are the people. They are big-hearted and full of warmth and love for their environment and the community. Therein lies the beauty of Malaysia. And of course, not forgetting the homecooked Asian food, with specialties found in every city that never fails to satisfy the tummy and the palate.

What’s your most memorable experience while shooting Passage to Malaysia?
Shooting Passage to Malaysia has opened up a whole new world for me. What fascinates me is studying orang utan poop, achieving tao with leeches and drinking tuak like it’s going out of style.

If you were given a chance to meet someone famous dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Elvis – do I need to explain more?

Do you have a muse or someone who inspires you?

My soulmate. The industries we’re in are diverse – me, fashion, and him, business and finance. Yet, we share amazing chemistry and are able to find humour in daily life. He’s spontaneous, extremely funny and witty which allows me to laugh at myself and grounds me by being content in the little things in life.

Has fame changed your lifestyle? If your fairy godmother gave you a chance to turn back the clock, would you?

Fame is annoying at times, but I treat like it like another four-letter word. Focus on it too much, and you might just lose touch with reality. Ignore it, like I do, and you become the sole designer of your life experiences.

Fashion wise, do you pick out your own outfits or you’d rather depend on a stylist?
I always believe that working with the stylist produces a closer working relationship and better results, than allowing a stylist to work for you. Being closely in touch with the fashion industry, and being an avid shopper myself, I have developed my personal sense of style – classic, comfortable and chic. Less is more, so I describe my personal vision of how I would like to present my look for each public or private event, or TV show to the stylist – who is Calvin (Cheong) for this shoot, for example. With the stylist’s professional advice, we develop a wardrobe that both parties are happy to use.
What do you do to relax? Your lithe figure totally says that you are a yoga practitioner. Are you into it as well, like a lot of famous faces are?

I think famous and not-so-famous people find yoga a very relaxing form of exercise. I’m no exception, having been loyal to it for close to ten years now. Reading is also a favourite pastime of mine, as well as boxing, soothing foot rubs and body massages, and chilling out with friends.

Are you a beach babe or a city slicker?

A hybrid, most definitely! That of a country bumpkin and a city slicker.

Your cure for a hot day?

Cold lemonade soda with crushed mint leaves and a good book always calm the nerves, and put me on lounge mode. A light afternoon snooze helps in amp-ing my energy for the rest of the day. And the one thing I can never do without is Sloane Clinic’s Superlift Program which utilizes the light lift laser that tones and firms my skin without any redness – which is perfect for my crazy schedule as there is no downtime and my day goes on without a hitch.

Give us some tips on travelling / packing light.

Ration yourself to one versatile outfit per day. It really depends on your trip though – the destination, duration, activities, and who you’re going to meet, business or pleasure. If it’s for work, throw in a pair of pants, a smart shirt or blouse and a business jacket which looks serious enough in meetings, yet can be transformed into dinner wear by taking off the jacket, and adding a lariat necklace or an interesting piece of jewellery. Work with a maximum of two pairs of shoes – one for walking and heels for everything else. Add to the very short list a pair of jeans, two basic tops, a dress and bikini that can be easily rolled up and stored into the inner compartments of the hand luggage, and your cosmetic pouch and you’re all set for a summer weekend getaway!

Who would you choose as your travelling companion?

Bear Grylls – host of Man vs Wild. He makes any fish out of the water tasty. The only thing I can’t do is drink my own piss to survive.

Is there a movie or song that reminds you of summer?

Off the Florida Keys, there’s a place called Cocomo Boys,
that’s where you wanna go to get away from it all….CO-CO-MO….

Bodies in the sand tropical drink melting in your hand

we’ll be falling in love to the rhythm of the steel drum band
Down in CO-CO-MO….

You’ve come a long way in the entertainment industry. Looking back at your career, is there anything that you would have done differently?
I live life with no regrets. Life is a journey to be travelled and explored without any inhibitions. So don’t hold back – live and let live.