Emily Ratajkowski on posing topless: 'Women need to have space to be sexual.'

Kelsey Hendrix | May 19, 2016

Emily Ratajkowski is one of the sexiest women in the world. Of that, we are certain.

It's been almost two months since the two-time SI Swimsuit model and famous video girl joined forces with reality TV's biggest star, Kim Kardashian, to create arguably the most epic selfie of all time—a topless one, of course. But for the first time, in an cover story for the Evening Standard, Emily is addressing what led to such a provocative social statement.

It all started when the model showed the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star support for a nude selfie she was receiving harsh criticism for. "Kim was kind enough to send me flowers," Emily explained. "Then we decided to do a selfie with our tops off, flipping off the camera, which I think speaks for itself.

"I tweeted about what the idea was behind how women need to have a space to be sexual," she said.

David Bellamere for the Evening Standard

This isn't the first time that Emily has spoken openly about being a sexual person. In an August 2015 interview with GQ UK, she revealed that she's a major proponent of "making sure you get what you want in sex."

"Being in love and acting sexually on it in a million different ways is empowering," she explained. "I love men's butts I shouldn't have to feel embarrassed of that."

BONUS: See some of Emily's best moments from SI Swimsuit!

Emily Ratajkowski was photographed by Yu Tsai in Kauai.

Emily Ratajkowski 2014 Swimsuit 3 — Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Emily Ratajkowski was photographed by Walter Iooss Jr. at Caille Blanc Villa, in Soufriere, St. Lucia. Swimsuit by MANDALYNN.

Emily Ratajkowski was photographed by Yu Tsai in Kauai.

Emily Ratajkowski 2014 Swimsuit 1 — Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Emily Ratajkowski was photographed by Walter Iooss Jr. at Caille Blanc Villa, in Soufriere, St. Lucia. Swimsuit by MANDALYNN.

Emily Ratajkowski 2014 Swimsuit 7 — Walter Iooss Jr./SI

Emily Ratajkowski was photographed by Walter Iooss Jr. at Caille Blanc Villa, in Soufriere, St. Lucia. Swimsuit by Elizabeth Southwood for Sauvage Swimwear.