Supermodel Linda Evangelista, new guest judge on Australia’s Next Top Model, is turning 50 I had a plan B,” she said. “I was going to go to school. “My parents said, ‘Let’s do this for a year, and we will support you. If it doesn’t work out, then it’s back to school’. “But I am one that believes you should always go for your dream. “Modelling, like acting, like sports and the arts, is a real long shot.” The career certainly did work out for her. During the 1990s Evangelista — along with Australian Elle Macpherson, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer and Christy Turlington — were world famous and everyone knew them by their first name. t was the birth of the Supermodel — big dollar contracts, glamorous parties, famous friends and the jetset life. Evangelista says she picks and chooses her jobs now, and admits the industry has changed, sometimes for the worse. “It’s so different,’’ she said. “Digital cameras are the biggest change. “Back in the day, the make up artists and the team behind everything had to be really precise and the photographer had to get the lights right because they didn’t retouch. “What you saw is what you got. Now it’s disappointing. “I believe now the art of photography fashion lies in post-production.” The other big change has been social media. Every model now has to have thousands of Instagram followers, it’s like a moving portfolio. The supermodel says she has been slow to get on board. “I finally joined Instagram this week,’’ she said. “I didn’t get it at first, but then I got very excited for a day or two. “Then I told my agent that I didn’t look at it for 24 hours. “I think I’m over it already.” Evangelista’s role on Australia’s Next Top Model as a guest judge was her first on such a show. She admitted she was nervous, but enjoyed it and immersed herself in the role. “It’s sort of a new adventure for me,’’ she said. “I’ve never done anything like this. I was anxious and nervous, and also very emotional for the girls. “I was so drained, there were tears and happy emotions.” All these years later Evangelista said she was enjoying the job just as much as when she was the name of everyone’s lips. “I think it’s more fun,’’ she said. “I’m not so worn out. I’m not running around chasing after whatever, like I used to. “I don’t leave my son (eight-year-old Augustin) at home for very long, so my trips aren’t very long. “They are very doable.” heraldsun.com.au
