There are some faces in this world that are beyond words. While it would be easy to describe Jade Jackson’s look as girl-meets-boy or the ultimate feminine take on androgyny, which there is no denying, it’s obvious she has so much more than that. Beneath her edgy cropped do with side swept fringe cascading from her hairline into her stone blue eyes, there lies an impeccable bone structure that lends itself to the most classic beauty. Her chiseled jawline, soft peachy pout and sharply defined nose makes for an arresting profile, add to that a killer physique and legs eleven, you can start to see why the industry has fallen head over heels for Jackson. Even Models.com are smitten “Body, bone structure and mega-personality: it’s that very compelling mix”.
We managed to catch the Vivien’s Model from Melbourne en route to NYFW where I can only assume she is set to dominate. Here is our pre-fashion week interview with the future star of Australian modelling.
When were you first discovered? Where were you? And were you surprised?
I went into Vivien’s Modeling agency in Melbourne after numerous people suggested I give modeling a go. The final lucky straw was while I was working as a nurse in surgery and someone asked if I did modeling. I figured I would regret it if I didn’t “give it a go” so I did.
Did you ever consider modelling before you were scouted? Why/why not?
No. I was quite naive to the world of fashion growing up.
Last year was a monumental year for you personally, walking in 10 major shows during Fall/winter 11/12 show season including Haider Ackermann, Richard Nicoll and Jaeger, can you talk us through this experience? Do you have a favourite standout show/designer?
It all happened so fast that it never really sank in until after the shows. You go to so many castings during fashion week that it’s easy to get caught up counting the ones you lost rather than celebrating the shows you walked. Haider Ackermann is a standout for me. I’ve been lucky enough to walk in two shows for him. I find his shows so powerful. He is a very talented designer and genuine nice person.
Can you share an anecdotal story with us or any funny/extraordinary moments from the shows?
I won’t mention which show but when we were about ten minutes away from walking out onto the catwalk as we were getting into our clothes, a model ran out and left to go to another show after her agency called her and told her to go! Her agency originally thought she would be able to do both of them but as we were running late her agency told her to leave and run to the second show which they considered to be for a more elite designer. Such a horrible thing to do to the designer!
So as she ran off causing mayhem backstage they ended up fitting the girl who left look on me including the size too big shoes! One thing unaccounted for in the rush was how close her look was to my original look which I was still to wear. Somehow I managed to get changed into my second look (shoes included) in time before having to go back out! I honestly thought i would be walking out one shoe on one shoe off.. Panic!
Australian models are now making huge success overseas, with both Abbey Lee and Miranda Kerr in the top 10 on models.com, why do you think Aussies are so well received overseas?
I think Australian models are received so well overseas due to their attitude and multicultural diversity. Australians tend to have a reputation for being hard workers with a laid back, good attitude. That and they are physically diverse. You often can’t tell if a model is Australian until the accent slips out.
Do Aussies tend to stick together backstage at the international fashion shows? Have you made friends with many of them?
I have not met an Australian model overseas during fashion week that hasn’t been nice. I feel we look out for each other. A sense of community as with most of the girls from the same countries do. I’ve made a bunch of Australian friends along the way.
What are your favourite things to do backstage?
It nearly always seems to be a mad rush backstage between hair, make up and backstage photography I find I spend most of the time trying to keep still for the h&m artists and pose for the cameras. Otherwise it’s email catch up time (if I remembered to bring my phone charger)!
You were also cast in the H&M 11/12 campaign alongside Freja and Anja, two of the world’s highest ranked models, this must be a highlight of your career? What was it like working with these two?
I was still relatively new to the international scene when I booked this job. I knew Freja and Anja were highly regarded models but it wasn’t until after the shoot I knew exactly how big they were. That and I didn’t know I would be doing the main campaign shots standing next to them! Standing next to them with Terry Richardson behind the camera you could say was a little intimidating haha.
Jade Jackson with Freja Erichson and Anja Rubik for H&M campaign
Jade Jackson starred in the latest Ksubi lookbook
You recently shot the latest Ksubi campaign, it seemed like a perfect fit for you, is Ksubi a brand you love to wear off-duty?
I have my Ksubi jeans, t-shirt and dress packed in my suitcase ready to go back to New York!
Already 2012 has seen an amazing achievement with the French Elle editorial just out, what are some of your new year aspirations? Where would you like to see yourself in 2012?
Thank you, I’m very excited about the French Elle editorial! I would love to see myself having great success in all aspects of my career for 2012. But on a personal level I aspire to be in the moment and enjoy each day as it comes. I’m very lucky to have this opportunity and believe living in the moment is hard but important to do.
What are you doing when you’re not modelling?
If I’m back in Australia I am catching up with my boyfriend, family and friends. If it’s time between castings or shoots I love to explore the cities I live in.
Do you have any quirky habits?
I always start to tell a story then realise it’s not worth telling then awkwardly stop half way. Very annoying my friends tell me!
What’s your favourite food?
I can’t think of a standout favourite food but my favourite meal is BRUNCH!
As a Melbournite, what is your favourite coffee haunt?
Oh so many. The alleyways running along Degraves street in the cbd. Kanteen by the river in Richmond. Porgie + Mr Jones in the eastern suburbs and Annoying brother which just opened up in Fitzroy North off Nicholson street.
What is the key to de-stressing after a long day on set?
A nice hot shower or bath followed by bed or cuddled up on the couch with a movie.
What do you think of model-off-duty style?
In general very fashionable and often more outgoing than your average person due to confidence in knowing what suits them.
Describe your personal style?
Work in progress. Getting better each season. Haha.
Who are you favourite fashion designers/clothing labels?
At the current moment Sass & bide. Marc Jacobs. House of Holland. Chanel. Haider Ackermann.
Do you have an idol/icon?
Not in particular. I have a lot of respect and admiration for my family.
What would you be doing if you weren’t modelling?
Possibly work as a nurse in surgery, maybe further study. The current dream is a little organic cafe. Grow my own veggies and make my own bread.
What celebrity have you been told you look like?
I mostly get told I look like model Karolina Kurkova or numerous other models here and there but I have once had “David Bowie” as a look a like. I like to believe it was simply due to my hair on set.
See more videos on modelinia.com
via Modelinia
Images via models.com, Models1, Swingin Paris, Fashion Gone Rogue, RUSSH, Costumer solution, Bonae L’Amour, The Cool Hour.