'The right red knocks him dead' editorial in TUSH #03/2006 (IMG Models)
It's been just two years since Simone Kerr was discovered at Vivien's City Face Model Search, but in that brief period this brunette belle has strutted along runways in shows for Josh Goot, Charlie Brown, and Alex Perry, just to name a few. She's also scored an advertising campaign with Zimmermann, and has featured in several magazine editorials. The nineteen-year-old rising superstar kindly took the time to answer my questions.
Sisi: So you were discovered at the Vivien's City Face Model search in Perth. How did job frequency go for you when you started out?
Simone: When I first started I was in year 12 and dancing full-time so I took jobs only when I could. In Perth there isn't as much work as Sydney so I didn't have to pass up too much work.
Sisi: What is the frequency of work like now?
Simone: I work most days of the week, although some months are quieter than others.
Sisi: What makes you different from other models that keeps people using you?
Simone: Haha, I'm not really sure. I do know that I don't like to do anything by halves - if I am going to do something I will do it well and stay there until 1am if I have to to get it right. Just so you know, I have worked from 8am until 1am for a five page story...just to get it right!!!
Sisi: Do you prefer doing print or runway?
They both have their advantages. I do a lot more print work just because there is a lot more out there but I love shows. It's an adrenaline rush and it always ends in a party!
Sisi: You recently posed nude for a Follow magazine editorial. What kind of reaction did you get on the shoot and how did you feel about it?
Simone: On the day of the shoot everyone was so professional and really accommodating. I was really happy with how it turned out - I think it was a real fashion nude story and was tastefully done. I have only heard good things about it so I'm glad I did it. I won't usually get my clothes off on set though
Sisi: I noticed Tiah [Eckhardt] in the piece too. You and Tiah appear to have worked on several jobs together - what is your relationship with her like?
Simone: Tiah and I are very close. We lived together for a while last year before I went to New York and she is now based in London and we keep in touch. I think we appear to be complete opposites but have more in common than people realise, and our personalities compliment and balance each other out.
Sisi: Who are your favourite people in the fashion industry?
Simone: I have made a lot of friends in the industry, but my favourite people are Tiah, Dion Carnell and Lauren Brown who are all models, Clare Read, a make-up artist from Perth, Mark Vassallo who is a stylist and photographers Justin Smith, Kane Skennar, Simon Lekius and Simon Upton.
Sisi: Which designer/label's clothes do you personally like to wear?
Simone: From Australia I love Tina Kalivas and Toni Maticevski and internationally I like Costume National, Rochas and Alexander McQueen.
Sisi: What part does fashion play in your life beyond your career?
Simone: I really enjoy fashion for its own sake. I don't follow trends or conform to what magazines suggest we wear (ironic, I know) but I appreciate creativity, individuality and quality.
Sisi: How has modelling changed your life?
Simone: Modelling has allowed me travel opportunities that I would have never thought possible. I am seeing the world on someone else's dollar!
Alex Perry 2006/2007 Spring Summer show (Vogue Australia)
Sisi: Is your family excited about your increasing success?
Simone: I get the feeling that my parents would be proud of almost anything I did, which is good to know! We all realise that a model's career is usually very short-lived, so I think they are prouder that I am studying at the same time. I have two brothers who are proud of me too, but I don't think they really know what I actually do - they don't read fashion magazines...
Sisi: What's next for Simone?
Simone: I've been here in Sydney a few months, but am leaving again soon going back to New York.
Sisi: Thanks so much for answering my questions. Take care and all the best!
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