‘Breath of fresh air’: Megan Gale back in front of the camera at 50

After taking “extended maternity leave” more than a decade ago, Megan Gale is making her modelling comeback – and she’s really enjoying her renaissance.

Megan Gale will again front the cameras as a David Jones ambassador. Picture: David Caird

Supermodel Megan Gale didn’t expect to be back in front of the camera in her 50th year.

But the changing fashion industry, which has seen some of the world’s most iconic models make a comeback – from Linda to Naomi to Kate – meant it was only fitting that one of Australia’s most successful catwalk knockouts enjoys her own renaissance.

Gale, who turns 50 this year, admits she never thought she would again be fronting campaigns as an ambassador for David Jones when she packed up her heels and went on “a really extended maternity leave” over a decade ago.

“Age limits, size limits, waist limits, everything was very limited back then,” Gale said.

“But now we are seeing everything expanding and the industry is becoming more open minded which is a really positive thing.”

Gale was famously the face of David Jones for 13 years, signing on for 2001, during the department store giant’s golden years.

Gale says a freshness has returned to David Jones. Picture: David Caird

She says a freshness has returned, with David Jones announcing 50 new brands to the stores collections as it launches it’s Autumn-Winter season, from cult favourites Wardrobe NYC and Favourite Daughter to local labels like Effie Kats and Bianca and Bridgett.

“I think times have changed for the positive, women of all ages shop and women of all ages wear clothes. It is a credit to the fashion industry and modelling industry for opening their minds and changing over the years,” Gale says.

Gale said she didn’t expect to still be modelling at 50 but has embraced the opportunity. Picture: David Caird

“I didn’t expect to be still doing this job, it is a surprise but in a lovely way that there is a place for me and there is a place for so many people.”

But she is not one to be nostalgic or sentimental over reaching the middle-aged milestone, instead living life in the now.

“It certainly give space to be reflective, but generally I just try and focus on what is happening now, being present and what’s on the agenda,” she said.

The Aussie model says ‘there is a breath of fresh air’ in the fashion industry. Picture: David Caird

Sharing two kids, River, 10, and Rosie, 7, with her ex-AFL footballer fiance Shan Hampson also keeps her in the now.

She says it is daughter Rosie who has a taste for the game, often joining Hampson at the Richmond Football Club where he works as an assistant coach for the AFLW team.

“It’s so great for Rosie to be around such strong resilient and empowering inspiring women, she particularly loves Sarah Hosking and they have got a very special relationship.”

Back to fashion and Gale says working for David Jones, who this season are celebrating confidence with an emphasis of comfort and longevity, was like returning home.

“Coming back feels so familiar, but new in a lot of ways, it’s like there is a breath of fresh air in general working here and I just adore some of the designers who I have worked closely with and known for many years, from Rebecca Vallance, to Aje and Viktoria & Woods.”

Originally published as ‘Breath of fresh air’: Megan Gale back in front of the camera at 50