Fashion, fame and fitness with David Jones’ ambassador Jessinta Franklin

She credits her big break to winning the much-revered Miss Universe title almost seven years ago, and tonight she’ll be hitting the runway alongside international supermodel Karlie Kloss at the David Jones Autumn Winter 2017 collection launch. Jesinta Franklin’s star has been on the rise for a while now and the in-demand Australian model shows no signs of stopping just yet. Remix digital editor Ashleigh Coldicutt caught up with the brunette beauty ahead of the show for this season’s style tips, how she preps for the runway, and her relaxed lifestyle with hubby AFL star Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin.

1. You were announced as a David Jones ambassador this time last year, what has been the most memorable moment from your ambassadorship over the past 12 months?
Every show is a big moment for me, considering you spend half the year prepping for the new season collection to launch. David Jones as a brand is always evolving so every season brings different concepts with it. Aside from that, being able to work alongside the likes of Jessica Gomes and Jason Dundas, and now Karlie Kloss, are definitely highlights for me. I think if you ask me this in 12 months’ time my most memorable moment will definitely be walking alongside Karlie Kloss who’s opening tonight’s show at St Mary’s Cathedral.

2. What has been a career highlight during this time?
My first runway for David Jones was a really big moment for me. I wasn’t officially signed then, but it was my first ever Spring/Summer launch and walked down the runway in a bikini. I worked really hard to get in shape for that show and the moment will always stand out for me.

3. How would you describe your signature style?
I’m really loving the whole ‘90’s vibes at the moment! My perfect off-duty look would be a good pair of mom jeans [laughs] with a really great, high quality white T-shirt like Helmut Laing. Finished off with a great pair of sunglasses. I do love to glam things up for the red carpet though, in something classic and sophisticated. How I decide to dress really depends on what mood I’m in! A general styling rule for me is to keep it simple.  

4. You were crowned Miss Universe almost 7 years ago, how much has your life changed since you first stepped on that stage?
Winning that title completely changed my life, and is something I’ll always be grateful for. If I didn’t win I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. The pageant is something that opens a lot of doors for women. I still pinch myself to this day – it came as such a shock and my life has never been the same since.

5. You’ve risen to fame to become one of Australia’s most in-demand models, how do you restore balance to your life when things get a little hectic?
I lead a very simple home life and I’m not a party animal on the weekend. My ideal night in is one spent on the couch with my husband after a long day at work. I’m very lucky to have a great group of friends and family who bring me back down to earth. I think that’s where you find balance. If you get too caught up in your career, especially in this industry, you can lose balance and forget about the things that really matter in life. I haven’t exercised that much this week because it’s been so busy in the lead up to the launch, so I’ve gone for walks and spent some time in the sauna. I was working out like crazy but I knew I wasn’t going to be getting much sleep this week so I switched up my routine to keep that balance in check.

6. What is a typical day in the life of Jesinta like?
It usually starts very early! I have a glass of hot water with lemon, then head to the gym for an hour-long session of boxing in Bondi. I absolutely love it. I feel like my day is completely out of whack if I don’t do it, so I try to make this a priority in the mornings. Then I sit down to a big brekkie to start my day off right, and would usually go to hair and makeup if I’m doing a full day at work. If not, I’ll head along to meetings or sit down to do a few hours of emails to keep on top of all my admin. When I’m prepping for a launch, I’ll book in manicures, pedicures and facials which is always fun! No two days are ever the same, which is best thing about my job – my days are always interesting, things move so quickly in this industry!

7. When did you know a career in the world of modelling was for you?
I still don’t know if it’s for me! [laughs] I feel really lucky to be doing what I’m doing – if you’d asked me at high school I would have said acting! I studied acting for a year in Sydney before I entered the pageant. After I won it I thought to myself: ‘Okay this seems like the path your life’s going to take’ and I’ve never looked back!  

8. Which element of your job do you enjoy most – fashion shoots or shows? 
That’s hard to answer because when you’re on fashion shoots you get to work with the most incredible teams but there’s an amazing vibe at a show and it gives you an adrenalin rush like no other. So if I had to pick I’d say fashion show.

9. When you’re not strutting your stuff on the runway, how do you like to enjoy your spare time?
I know it sounds weird but I love boxing in my spare time! Sometimes working out is a luxury when your days are really busy. That or relaxing at home with my husband or having dinner with friends at the beach.

Inspired? You should be. Check out the stunning Jessinta on Instagram. 

Image credit: Dylan Robinson