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Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 05:06pm
Picture: Sonny Vandevelde
VandeveldeCatherine McNeil is Australia’s hottest new modelling export. She’s also 18 which, believe me, in spite of the gas-bagging that’s currently going on around the world vis-à-vis underage models, is quite a bit older than some of the girls you see on the circuit. She doesn’t need a chaperone. But how sweet then to see McNeil with her grandmother Sandra McNeil in tow this week. I first spotted the pair backstage at Diesel and then again this afternoon, this time fresh out of the Zac Posen show – which McNeil opened – and into the front row at Jayson Brunsdon (above).
For anyone not familiar with McNeil’s name here’s a quick headsup. Modelling for four years, but seriously for one, McNeil travelled to New York earlier this year where she was snapped up for a six-month exclusive with one of the world’s leading fashion photographers, Mario Testino. That connection provided an instant entrée into the top echelons of the modelling field and McNeil landed overnight on the European runways, walking in shows for 35 of the world’s biggest fashion names in her first season, AW0708. That beats Gemma Ward’s early record. McNeil has since been shot for several big international fashion campaigns, such as Versace and Hugo Boss. And she has made the cover of two international magazines: V magazine and notably, Paris Vogue. Her star continues to rise.
I had a quick chat with the McNeil clan after the show.
Is this the first time you’ve travelled with Catherine to the shows?
Sandra McNeil: I didn’t go to Europe with her. I haven’t done any shows, other than the ones in Australia with her.
How has the experience been for you?
Oh it’s really exciting, following her around, seeing what she does.
Have you been surprised by anything?
No. Not after Sydney. It’s just on a grander scale, that’s all.
What have you been doing?
Well, I went to the castings with her. And we kind of do the shows together. While she gets ready, I do something else. Sit in the corner, and read a book or something.
What’s it been like having your grandmother with you?
Catherine: It’s been good. I kind of feel sorry for her because she has to run around everywhere, but she’s good support and she’s keeping me company.
Did you have any inkling that she would be a model when she was growing up?
Sandra: No.
She wanted to be a mechanic or something, didn’t she?
Yes. She was a bit of a tomboy really.
What a dramatic turnaround then.
She came on about the age of 13. She was about 5’10” and I would look at her and think, ‘How long are those legs going to grow?’ And then she was discovered by Girlfriend and that was all… (hard to hear). And she has just blossomed since then.
Going to Europe?
No I’m going back home now.
Had enough?
No.
Well I have – I’m glad New York fashion week’s over.
Catherine: So am I.
Source:
www.catherine-mcneil.com
Picture: Sonny Vandevelde
VandeveldeCatherine McNeil is Australia’s hottest new modelling export. She’s also 18 which, believe me, in spite of the gas-bagging that’s currently going on around the world vis-à-vis underage models, is quite a bit older than some of the girls you see on the circuit. She doesn’t need a chaperone. But how sweet then to see McNeil with her grandmother Sandra McNeil in tow this week. I first spotted the pair backstage at Diesel and then again this afternoon, this time fresh out of the Zac Posen show – which McNeil opened – and into the front row at Jayson Brunsdon (above).
For anyone not familiar with McNeil’s name here’s a quick headsup. Modelling for four years, but seriously for one, McNeil travelled to New York earlier this year where she was snapped up for a six-month exclusive with one of the world’s leading fashion photographers, Mario Testino. That connection provided an instant entrée into the top echelons of the modelling field and McNeil landed overnight on the European runways, walking in shows for 35 of the world’s biggest fashion names in her first season, AW0708. That beats Gemma Ward’s early record. McNeil has since been shot for several big international fashion campaigns, such as Versace and Hugo Boss. And she has made the cover of two international magazines: V magazine and notably, Paris Vogue. Her star continues to rise.
I had a quick chat with the McNeil clan after the show.
Is this the first time you’ve travelled with Catherine to the shows?
Sandra McNeil: I didn’t go to Europe with her. I haven’t done any shows, other than the ones in Australia with her.
How has the experience been for you?
Oh it’s really exciting, following her around, seeing what she does.
Have you been surprised by anything?
No. Not after Sydney. It’s just on a grander scale, that’s all.
What have you been doing?
Well, I went to the castings with her. And we kind of do the shows together. While she gets ready, I do something else. Sit in the corner, and read a book or something.
What’s it been like having your grandmother with you?
Catherine: It’s been good. I kind of feel sorry for her because she has to run around everywhere, but she’s good support and she’s keeping me company.
Did you have any inkling that she would be a model when she was growing up?
Sandra: No.
She wanted to be a mechanic or something, didn’t she?
Yes. She was a bit of a tomboy really.
What a dramatic turnaround then.
She came on about the age of 13. She was about 5’10” and I would look at her and think, ‘How long are those legs going to grow?’ And then she was discovered by Girlfriend and that was all… (hard to hear). And she has just blossomed since then.
Going to Europe?
No I’m going back home now.
Had enough?
No.
Well I have – I’m glad New York fashion week’s over.
Catherine: So am I.
Source:
www.catherine-mcneil.com
