DJs turns up the heat
Perth-raised supermodel Jessica Gomes proved David Jones made the right choice enlisting the swimsuit bombshell as its new brand ambassador at the department store's spring/summer launch in Sydney last night.
Speaking to AAA ahead of hitting the runway, the 27-year-old former La Salle College student dismissed any suggestions that she had felt pressure at having to fill supermodel Miranda Kerr's heels.
The former Victoria's Secret model had fronted the department giant for five years before relinquishing her ambassador duties in March.
"I've been so busy in the lead up I haven't even had time to think about it," Gomes said backstage.
"I've done it so many times before, so it just feels like any other time I've been down the catwalk."
Designer Camilla Frank and Jessica Gomes pose after the David Jones Spring/Summer 2013 Collection Launch. Picture: Getty Images
Admitting that she still suffered from stage fright ahead of her runway shows, Gomes said she felt a sense of comfort knowing that two people close to her heart were in the crowd - her older sister Gisele and boyfriend Sebastian Drapac, who flew in to Sydney from LA.
"It's the first launch that he's come to," she said of Drapac.
"It's great to have him here; he's seen how hard I've worked to get here. I'm so excited that they're here, because this is a big moment for me."
Jessica Gomes backstage before the David Jones launch last night. Picture: Getty Images
Queensland indigenous beauty Samantha Harris and 2011 Australia's Next Top Model winner Montana Cox were among other runway stars to strut in the parade.
Sought-after male model twins Jordan and Zac Stenmark also walked in the show, having been booked exclusively by DJs. Following a successful two-year stint abroad, which has seen them work with the likes of Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, the brothers said they were "honoured" to be part of the coveted fashion show.
"It's great to come back here and work with such an iconic Australian brand," Jordan told AAA.
Zac added: "They set the tone for department stores here in Australia."
Jessica Gomes, and Zac and Jordan Stenmark showcases designs by Jets at the David Jones Spring/Summer 2013 Collection Launch. Picture: Getty Images
Gomes wasn't the only Perth beauty to impress on the runway.
Joining the Sports Illustrated star were two other top modelling exports from WA, Amy Finlayson and Emily Green.
At just 21, Green has already begun to pave her way to a global fashion career having signed with top agency IMG worldwide earlier this year.
She has also been globetrotting with her photographer boyfriend, Carlo Fernandes, who shot her for a designer look book in Auckland earlier this year.
Since breaking into the fashion scene in her teens, Sydney-based Finlayson has secured modelling gigs in Australia and overseas, including stints in London and New York. And while modelling is one of her greatest loves, the 25-year-old is also working towards completing her Curtin University arts degree, which she has been studying externally.
"I'm just trying to juggle studying, working and having a social life," she said. "It's very hard. You've got to be very self-motivated."
Perth models Emily Green and Amy Finlayson backstage at the David Jones launch in Sydney. Picture: Iain Gillespie/ The West Australian
Among the A-list stars to frock up for the event at DJ's flagship Elizabeth St store was a pregnant Rachael Finch, who arrived on the plush white carpet with husband Michael Miziner in tow.
Due in six weeks, Finch showed off her belly in a figure-hugging Carl Kapp frock.
Also spotted in the crowd were leading Perth-raised designer Kym Ellery with boyfriend Luke Stedman, Great Gatsby star Elizabeth Debicki, TV queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Ita Buttrose, cricket great Glenn McGrath with wife Sara Leonardi-McGrath and marie claire editor Jackie Frank, who is headed to Perth in September for the Perth Fashion Festival.
Montana Cox, Jessica Gomes, David Jones chief executive Paul Zahra and Megan Gale pose after the David Jones Spring/Summer 2013 Collection Launch at David Jones Elizabeth Street in Sydney. Picture: Getty Images
