You recently shot the D&G autumn/winter 08/09 campaign with Mario Testino…
He was surprisingly friendly. He wasn’t intimidating. I assumed he’d be scary. He’s the dream photographer to work with.
When did you arrive in New York?
I went to Singapore for two months, then arrived in New York in January. So far, I really like it. There are so many types of interesting people and always something to do.
What other work have you been doing?
A catalogue for Celine handbags, the D&G shoot, a few editorials for various magazines and lots of catwalk shows.
Do you enjoy living abroad?
It’s not an opportunity every girl gets, so I’m making the most of it. Over the past six months, I’ve travelled so much…I’ve lost track of how many planes I’ve been on. Before I left, I could count them on two hands.
Will you be watching the current series of ANTM?
It’s hard to believe it was only nine months ago that I won the competition. Occasionally someone will remind me but I can’t really remember it. It was hard, but I’ve forgotten just how hard it was. The pressure was tough but I had the best possible outcome. I still can’t believe it.
How do you handle the pressure of being a model?
It’s easy to get caught up in thinking it’s all about physical appearance. Obviously that’s 70 per cent of it. But when you go to a casting, it’s also about how you make the designer feel. Personality is so important. I didn’t really understand this until I moved to New York.
Does fashion interest you?
I love fashion although after doing the shows, I wasn’t so concerned with what I was wearing because I thought ‘Well, they’re just going to put me in something anyway!’ But I love looking at magazines and wearing all the beautiful clothes.
Do models dress up when they arrive at a show?
A lot of models are quite stylish and get dressed-up but there are others who are just really low-key and just wear tees and jeans. I love feeling relaxed and comfortable because I spend so much time in pieces that are really tight and high heels!
How would you describe your style?
I don’t really wear jeans. I’m always wearing skirts or dresses. I think you can have more fun with them. When I shop, I always seem to come home with dresses. I love shopping in New York – I go to everything from high-end designer stores to chains like H&M. There are also a lot of great vintage boutiques. I have way too many black dresses and boots.
Do you spend a lot of money on clothes?
You start to really want the $2,000 bag but you need to keep things in perspective, you could buy the bag, or you could go on a holiday. That said, if I wear the same thing for a few shoots and I fall in love with it, it’s hard to walk away.
How do you keep healthy?
In New York, you walk a lot. Before the shows, I had 20 castings a day so I was walking so much. When I’m home in Melbourne, there is this organic market at the end of our street in Brunswick which I love going to.
What is the best job you’ve ever done?
The Vogue Australia shoot was pretty amazing. Everyone asked, "Is that really your hair?" but I had a wig on underneath. One of the best parts is getting your make-up done, you look so different! On the last shoot I did, I had really dark eyebrows and red lips and barely any foundation. Modelling is a bit like acting.
Which models inspire you?
I admire Catherine McNeil’s success. Lara Stone is also really beautiful.
– Georgie McCourt
vogue.com.au
I like Jhodi because she's the cheerleader of the group to bolster the girls' egos when Charlotte and Alex Perry decimate it. As a dynamic it works. 
