David Jones ambassador Jesinta Campbell shocks by accepting Myer’s new season show VIP invite
TOP model and long-time face of David Jones, Jesinta Franklin, has ignited new tensions in Australia’s department store wars by accepting an invitation to be a VIP guest at Myer’s new season show. She joins rivals Elyse Knowles and Jennifer Hawkins.
Confidential
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IT is the fashion world’s equivalent of Queensland footy great Mal Meninga donning a Blues jersey and turning up on the NSW bench.
Top model and long-time face of David Jones, Jesinta Franklin has ignited new tensions in Australia’s department store wars by accepting an invitation to be a VIP guest at Myer’s new season show.
Franklin, who parted ways with DJs in December last year, will sit front row at Myer’s Spring-Summer launch on Thursday night.
This comes after she snubbed DJs’ equivalent event earlier this month.
An insider involved in the organisation of Myer’s event said news of Franklin’s switch had created serious buzz.
“It is a big get for Jesinta to be seen at the Myer event. As much as Myer will be excited to have their rival’s former face at the show, David Jones will certainly be annoyed,” the source revealed. “Whether this is a sign of a new relationship or potential future work we will just have to wait and see.”
The news that Franklin will support Myer’s event comes week after Jennifer Hawkins announced she was leaving the department store’s family.
“With the departure of Jen Hawkins, the spot is open for a big name to step into the brand,” the fashion industry source said.
“Maybe Myer will use her for different opportunities.”
Hawkins, 34, the former Miss Universe, has been a Myer ambassador for 12 years, earning a reported $1.3 million a year. She responded to the rumours via Instagram confirming speculation she was not renewing her contract.
“After 12 years it’s time to move on to a new chapter in my life,” she wrote on Instagram. “Way back in 2006, I was approached by Myer to sign a small three-month contract to feature in a Christmas campaign. Little did I know then that it would lead to being their face and spokesman.
“It’s been an extraordinary relationship. Myer will always hold a special place in my heart and I wish the Myer team every success in the future,” she said.
The decision comes after 25-year-old Melbourne model Elyse Knowles was announced as an official Myer ambassador three weeks ago, sparking rumours she was replacing the older and more expensive Hawkins.