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David Jones A/W 18

David Jones A/W 18 Catalogue

According to Victoria Lee, This Eye Mask Basically Fakes Eight Hours of Sleep True story: I actually bumped into Australian model Victoria Lee as she was exiting the bathroom of David Jones in Sydney. Even though it was our first meeting, I straight-up knew it was her (maybe it was the bombshell blowdry and mind-blowing figure that was swathed in red Bec and Bridge?). Naturally, I acted cool and introduced myself, but my mind was working double-time to take in the moment. First thoughts? She's not super tall—Most of my model encounters have left me feeling about three feet (I'm looking at you, Kelly Gale). Also, she's so kind—and excited for our shoot, might I add. Next up, I'm introduced to her mum (who's an angel by the way) so now we know where the beautiful personality comes from. One white wall and seven minutes later, we've got eight Polaroid images that pretty much took my breath away. So, whether you're familiar with Victoria Lee or not, there's no denying her achievements to date are proof that a long and crazy-successful career is ahead of her: She's fronted Seafolly campaigns, last year walked the Victoria's Secret runway show, and has recently been named as a David Jones ambassador. She's actually in Sydney right now in preparation for the A/W18 runway show alongside fellow Aussie Jessica Gomes next week. So, if model beauty tips, Sydney fitness studio recs, or the best facials in Sydney interest you, keep scrolling for the full Q&A. Byrdie Australia: What’s your first beauty memory? Victoria Lee: I remember watching my Nan slather her skin in moisturiser—she had the most hydrated skin. I think this has influenced me because I love oils, moisturisers, and anything that hydrates. B: How would you describe your approach to beauty? VL: Day to day, my approach is the classic less is more. I conceal, use a bronzer and highlighter, a little mascara, and a taupe eyeshadow. The main thing I focus on is keeping my skin healthy—nourishing it from the inside and protecting it on the outside. I drink plenty of water, eat a lot of greens and healthy fats, and get as much sleep as I can. B: What was the first beauty product you ever bought? VL: It would have been Lip Smackers. I remember I had a sparkly turquoise-blue one with a gemstone on top. It was my favourite. B: And the last? VL: The last was a little less sparkly but much more practical—I re-stocked my Dermalogica moisturiser. B: Your career is going absolutely gangbusters right now. How do you feel about being referred to as the next Miranda Kerr? VL: It’s very flattering. Miranda is an inspiration and her career is something I really admire. B: What beauty products do you buy again and again? VL: Aesop Rose Hair and Scalp Moisturising Masque ($35), SK-II Facial Treatment Mask ($150), Equal Beauty Cleansing Cloths ($50), Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate ($125), and Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo ($30). B: Do you have a holy-grail foundation? VL: Because I wear so much makeup for work, I try not to use foundation all over when I have a choice. Day to day, I use YSL Touche Eclat ($70) under my eyes and around my nose. I cover any blemishes with Diorskin Forever Concealer ($63). I love the combination of these two products, but otherwise, I just leave the rest of my skin bare. B: What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? VL: I have a big glass of water. B: And how do you like to wind down after a big day? VL: I love to come home and get into my comfy clothes. I’ll remove any makeup, light a candle, and just chill out. I like to cook, but my favourite thing to do after a long day is have a bath and order food so it’s at my door by the time I’m done—I’m a Grandma! Byrdie: What beauty treatments are you indulging in prior to the David Jones runway show? VL: I’ll be visiting Melanie Grant for a facial. Everything she does is absolute heaven and my skin always feels incredible afterward. I’m very excited for that. B: What are your go-to makeup products for castings? VL: I sound like a broken record, but the YSL Touche Eclat ($70) to conceal, Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate ($125) on my cheekbones, and Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream ($28) on my lips. B: What’s the best beauty trick you picked up backstage the Victoria’s Secret show? VL: The power of under eye de-puffers. I love the ones by Equal Beauty ($110). You pop them under your eyes, and they immediately wake you up. I use them anytime I want to look like I’ve had a full nights’ sleep (even when I haven’t). B: What does your workout routine look like right now? VL: I love to keep active in general, but at the moment I’m really enjoying anything dance-based. I train at Body by Simone in New York. It’s both physically and mentally challenging. My trainer Jasmine and I focus on strength training, so it really works my whole body. When I’m in Sydney, I love Lean Bean Fitness. For me, it’s all about variety and keeping your mind and body engaged. B: What do you typically eat in a day? VL: I focus on healthy fats, protein, plenty of veggies, leafy greens, and quality carbohydrates. Breakfast is usually eggs with spinach and avocado. Lunch is generally a big salad with fish or chicken, avocado, nuts, and a healthy dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and seeded mustard. I’ll add quinoa or brown rice if I have a busy day or I’ve been working out. For dinner, I’ll have steamed veggies or I’ll bake them so it’s a bit heartier—especially because the New York winter is a killer right now. B: What restaurants do you love right now? VL: Sugar Fish in New York is delicious. In Sydney, my favourite is Porch and Parlour in Bondi. The breakfast there is amazing. byrdie.com.au

Getting to know rising star Victoria Lee M e e t Q u e e n V i c t o r i a Behind this 27-year-old’s overnight success you’ll find a decade-long modelling career – years of fronting campaigns for brands like Seafolly and modelling for nearly every major magazine in the country. In November last year, however, everything changed. In the space of just a few days, she walked her debut Victoria’s Secret runway show in Shanghai (“exhilarating”) and was announced the new David Jones ambassador (“an honour”). Hailing from Narrandera, a small town on the Murrumbidgee River halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, Victoria Lee is as down to earth as they come. Here are 10 facts of life according to this superstar in the making. CONFIDENCE comes from within. Being happy and comfortable in your own skin. HEALTH is all about balance, consistency and looking after yourself in a holistic way. FEARLESS means taking a deep breath and powering on. MY NAN is the most fearless person I know. She takes things in her stride and always tells me to make the most of every situation. This is something I always remind myself of, no matter the circumstances. AUSTRALIA means home – being outside, enjoying clean air, fresh food and relaxing. I feel very lucky to come home to Australia. NEW YORK means business. It’s exhausting and non-stop but so exciting at the same time. You never know what each new day will bring. The best thing about BEING A WOMAN is being part of the growing generation of strong empowered feminists. My GO-TO BRANDS are Dion Lee, Céline, Camilla and Marc, Zimmermann and Valentino. Ten years ago I was a COUNTRY GIRL. Ten years from now I hope I’m HEALTHY AND HAPPY. Photography: Max Doyle for JONES magazine davidjones.com.au

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Victoria Lee Q&A: How a country girl caught the eye of local and international labels Born and raised in country NSW, Victoria Lee was discovered when she was 16 and has been based in New York for the last five years. The 27-year-old was announced as the newest ambassador for David Jones just days before she made her debut for Victoria's Secret last November. You grew up in a country town, Narrandera. Did you find it difficult to adjust to the world of international modelling? It was probably the hardest thing for me to get used to. As much as I loved the people that I was working with, I really struggled not seeing my family. Does New York feel like home now? As much as it can be. I really made an effort to create a little sanctuary for myself in New York so I wouldn't be wasting my time. For now I'm really enjoying it, but Australia is where I want to base myself long term. How much has your life changed since being made DJs ambassador and making your debut for Victoria's Secret? It's been a whirlwind, but I've enjoyed absolutely every moment of it. Victoria's Secret has been a goal of mine for a very long time. Being a David Jones ambassador is equally important and amazing to me. Are you excited about their upcoming autumn/winter show? One of the first highlights of my modelling career was being confirmed to walk in one of the David Jones collection launches, so to be coming back as an ambassador is quite surreal. What are they key trends for the new season that you're into? Exploring the ladylike and sophisticated styles but in a less traditional sense, so combining colours and textures and fabrics and patterns, and taking more of a risk. What labels do you like? Camilla and Marc, Zimmerman, Christopher Esber, Dion Lee, Carla Zampatti. Chloe and Yves St Laurent are the [international] brands I gravitate towards. What's your personal style when not working? I'm quite busy during the day, so I like to be comfortable but put together – I hope! Your top beauty secret? Making skincare a priority. That means always using sunscreen, always making sure your skin is clean and always drinking a lot of water. What are your goals for the rest of your career? Down the track I want to expand into my own business. I get inspiration from people such as Megan Gale and Elle Macpherson, amazing career women in this industry who have created businesses. How do you chill out when not working? I love to spend time with my family. In Australia I love to go to the beach. In New York I find the little pockets of nature in the concrete jungle. smh.com.au

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