In between walking shows during London Fashion Week, Bambi Northwood-Blyth from Elite sat down for a chat with Wonderland’s Fashion Assistant, Francesca Prudente.
I was discovered:
I wasn’t really, it was more like college avoidance! I joined an agency and got a job, which meant I missed orientation so I decided to give modelling a go. I was on hold for a job, then I got the Balenciaga exclusive which took me overseas and I did the fashion season. I’m now on my third season!
Before modelling I was:
Really unsure about what I was going to do. I had just finished high school and been traveling around the world with my best friend. It was either continuing to work in the burger shop beach house or go to college.
When I’m not modelling:
I love bike riding, doing yoga and buying flowers. I also like just wandering around wherever I am because it’s usually a new place.
Music I like to listen to is:
A little mix of everything. I really like Nicki Minaj- I saw her the other day. I also like soundtracks, The Virgin Suicides is one of my favourites. I love the Kanye West and Jay-Z albums. I have a soft spot for Jay-Z!
Books I enjoy reading are:
I always read Time Magazine and Vanity Fair. At the moment I’m reading a one thousand page book about India which is going to keep me entertained for the rest of the year!
Fashion Week shows I walked in last season:
In London were Topshop, Jonathan Saunders and Giles.
My model life so far:
Is pretty great. I was in the Bahamas a few weeks ago for a Resort shoot. I spent the whole week on a beach, with not much makeup on and every day I just had to wake up and pretend to sunbathe. That was really good! I thought to myself, “Seriously this isn’t bad!”
Home at the moment is:
New York. When I’m there, I like riding alone along the West Side Highway, the Highline and Chelsea Market. There is a really great Mexican restaurant that I like to go to and Hudson Street has good restaurants. New York is just good to walk around. If you walk anywhere you’ll find everything. New York is never quiet so I always feel safe.
Photographers I would like to work with:
David Sims and Mario Testino. I loved working with Terry Richardson, he’s cool. Steven Meisel is good because he is like the best, you know what I mean?! I would love to shoot for Italian Vogue, an i-D cover and for Wonderland!
My favourite items of clothing are:
I always used to wear an anklet but I now have it tattooed so I never have to take it off! I have three tattoos and I won’t be getting anymore. I don’t really like them, they just are what they are.
Designer I would like to work with:
Dolce & Gabbana- I think their clothes are pretty amazing. Also, Alaia who just makes the most expensive clothes!
A person in fashion that inspires me is:
Daria Werbowy. I think she’s pretty amazing and Abbey Lee. She is one of the hardest working girls there is.
Best fashion moments so far:
Doing Chanel in the Grand Palais with the big orchestra and Karl Lagerfeld. And just being there, doing what I’m doing and not fucking working in a burger shop. Out of trouble and going somewhere.
In five years time I would like to be:
Ruling at life. I haven’t worked it out yet, maybe write or do something else. Have a business. A long time from now I would like to go back to Australia and have some kids but to do anything, you’ve got to get out of there. It’s just different how people act and respond there.
Interview and Photo by Francesca Prudente and Gary Salter