Miranda went to school in Brisbane and has since become an international sensation as a model and the face of David Jones. She spoke to Di Cant recently.
Q: What did the ten year old Miranda dream she would be when she grew up?
A: A ballerina or a princess.
Q: Your modelling career began early in Brisbane. What did you take away from that training and experience?
A: I modelled on a casual basis in Brisbane while I was completing my OP at All Hallows School. It was during Year 11 in 1999 that my first boyfriend (someone who I loved so much) was killed in a car accident. All Hallows School showed me compassion and understanding and modeling gave me an avenue to escape my pain. I will be forever grateful to my friends in Brisbane and to the people in the modelling industry (especially my agency: June Dally Watkins) for believing in me and helping me through this difficult time.
Q: Inner beauty - we can see it is important to you. Do you meditate and do regular daily pilates?
A: I believe it is nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice. I honestly try to live my life everyday from the point of view of gratitude and appreciation. I practice Nicheren Buddhism, chant regularly, meditate and do yoga regularly. Inner peace and inner beauty is very important to me.
Q: Congratulations on being announced as the face of David Jones, can we look forward to seeing you in the spring/summer shows in Brisbane and Sydney?
A: I hope so. I will definitely be coming back home for the launch of David Jones summer collections. Whether I make it back to Brisbane or not will depend on what David Jones has in store for me and what international commitments I have at that time. I am hoping to return to Brisbane and catch up with some friends at the same time.
Q: Do you still get a buzz out of walking the runway or do you prefer editorial?
A: Most definitely. I love the runway, especially in Australia because I can showcase the talent of our Australian designers and I love that.
Q: What are your favourite Australian fashion brands?
A: Collette Dinnigan, Alex Perry, Sass & Bide, Peter Morrissey, Scanlan & Theodore, Zimmermann, Lisa Ho, Natasha, Seafolly...
Q: Given the choice of any design house in the world who would dress you for a red carpet event?
A: YSL (Yves Saint Laurent).
Q: Do you have an indulgence, shoes, bags, dresses?
A: All of the above!
Q: What is the best advice you have ever received and from whom?
A: An extraordinary life begins with just one step. My Mum.
Q: What would you advise young girls who are aspiring to become models?
A: Nothing is easy, especially in modelling. There is an enormous amount of rejection in this industry and you have to be really strong to withstand it. If it is your dream then believe in it and follow it and don't lose sight of yourself in the process. To be your absolute best you need to look after your body, treat it with respect and give your body everything it needs, nutritionally, emotionally and physically. Your body can't shine on the outside unless it is healthy on the inside. Also, treat everyone else who crosses your path with respect and you will have that respect returned and you will achieve your dreams.
Q: Summer is already with you in New York. Which trend are you loving the most? Do you have a favourite colour. With those divine blue eyes I wonder if it is blue?
A: I don't really follow trends as I like to mix designer with vintage. My all time favourite colour is red.
Q: What is your favourite style of clothes for men; suits/jeans/sports active?
A: Jeans and a cool t-shirt.
Q: Favourite Food?
A: My Nan's home made steak pie. Even though I am an ‘A' blood type and I am not supposed to eat meat. I literally cannot wait to get home to Australia to have Nan's pie.
Q: Favourite perfume?
A: Kai - it is an organic essential oil-based perfume.
Q: Where would you ultimately like to live - where is home for Miranda in ten years time?
A: Australia hopefully. But I plan to get married one day so that decision will not be my own and will depend on who I marry and where we decide collectively that we want to live and raise a family. I know wherever it is it will have to be close to my family though.
Miranda's official website: www.mirandakerr.net
