When I was growing up, model Alison Brahe was on every front cover of every magazine in Australia. Every month. She was also on every one of my schoolbooks. I loved her.
When I started working at CLEO in 1994 as Beauty Editor, I had the opportunity to shoot my hero for covers and shoots – she was more beautiful as a person than any of her images. Cliché but true.
So, you can imagine my delight to see Alison this week sitting front row at the Morrison Spring/Summer 2012 show. Now a mum of three ( Lotus, River & Bohdi) and married to Cameron Daddo, she lives in LA working with underprivileged kids teaching them self-esteem.
I grabbed her before she jetted out of Sydney (and luckily she was with mate and uber-photographer Carlotta Moye who snapped her for me.)
Did you love the show?
It was so exciting – the very first fashion show I have ever been too. Ever. Loved it.
Favourite piece?
A beautiful top that looked like a tank but then looped at the back.
Beauty Trick: Only wash once a day – leave some oils on your skin. I cleanse at night only and use jojoba oil on my skin and that’s it. I don’t stick with any one thing – I try different products.
Beauty Secret: It’s sleep. Sorry, but nothing else works.
Signature Scent: Christian Dior J’Adore – my Dad gave me a bottle and I am hooked.
Fashion Fallback.
I’m a maxi dress girl – it hides everything and you can wear flat shoes.
Best advice for female self-esteem?
There is no quick fix. I am a work in progress. I often think when I say something nasty to myself like “You’re fat” – how would I respond to a friend who said the same thing? With kindness and coaching. I think we all need to learn to be our own best friends.
And for kids?
Don’t make other people’s feelings about you. Their vibe and bad mood is their problem – try not to transfer it onto you or take it personally. If you can teach your kids that… I think it’s the answer to everything.
