from SMH.com backstage at dior
I heard that you might be back this week to do a couple of shows. Did you do Balmain on Sunday?
Ward: No I've just done Balenciaga and Dior.
You've been working on a couple of films haven't you?
Yeah, I just did a film in Australia.
How did it [The Black Balloon] go?
It was really, really great, thank-you. I had a great time.
When is that coming out?
I think maybe the end of the year for the film festivals and then next year.
I think you've developed an American accent.
Have I? Well I didn’t notice.
What about the other film?
It's called The Strangers. I think that comes out this Halloween.
How are you balancing the two?
Yeah it's trying to keep both in place at the moment. It's a lot of work.
Which do you enjoy the most?
I can't say. Because I really enjoy going between the two because it's almost like you're on a film set and then kind of ease into the schedule and you get to know everyone. Fashion is so fast, fast, fast, go, go, go. But then after a while you kind of want to get back in that again so both of them kind of even each other out and keep each other exciting.
There were three Australian models in this show, did you realise that?
[Surprised] Really?
Apart from Alexandra Agoston-OConnor, there's Catherine McNeill - have you heard about her?
No.
From nowhere, she has just done all these major shows.
[Sincere - and enthusiastic] Wow. That's great.
Everyone always talks about 'the next Gemma Ward' but she really does appear to be just that. You had an exclusive with Prada in your first season though didn't you?
Yeah.
Last week she opened Missoni, Alessandro dell'Aqua...
No way! Thats great.
It's kind of an Australian invasion of the runways then isn't it?
[Emphatic] Yes. I would hope so. I love Australians.
Is that unusual on this side of the world?
Yeah. Kind of.
Do you think there's a sudden flavour for Australian models at the moment?
Yeah - oh well I dont know. But I'm keeping my eye out for them.