David Jones launch: Why model Gemma Ward won’t let her kids join industry

She’s one of our most successful modelling exports, having worked for every major fashion house in the world. But Gemma Ward is reluctant to let her children follow in her footsteps.

She’s one of our most successful modelling exports, having worked for every major fashion house in the world, however Gemma Ward is reluctant to let her children enter the notoriously fickle industry.

The David Jones ambassador, who was discovered at the age of 15 and went on to become one of modelling’s most sought after faces, said while she has built a global career out of the industry, she doesn’t think she will suggest it to her kids.

“I wouldn’t encourage it,” Ward told The Daily Telegraph.

“I am not trying to... look, I think there would be a lot of forewarnings, that’s for sure.

“Naia wants to be a marine biologist anyway.”

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Gemma Ward, at the David Jones launch at MONA, has strong feelings about the modelling industry. Picture: David Caird

Ward’s relationship with the global modelling industry has been tumultuous, promoting her to take a six-year hiatus before returning in 2014 to open the spring Prada show in Milan.

The mother-of-two is so covert about her involvement with the industry that her five-year-old daughter and son Jet, 2 don’t even know what she does for work.

“The kids just think I mummy is at work,” she said. “My daughter is kind of catching on a little bit but doesn’t fully comprehend it. Every now and then I will send her a picture if I am in a pretty pink dress or sparkly shoes.”

While Ward has worked for big names including Prada, Givenchy and Proenza Schouler throughout her career, it’s David Jones which holds a special place in Gemma Ward’s heart.

Gemma Ward, in Hobart for the David Jones launch, has a special affinity with Australian and plans to raise her children here. Picture: Getty

The Australian-born comeback queen, who in her prime was described as a “blue-chip” model, made her debut with the retail giant in 2016 alongside best friend and the face of David Jones, Jessica Gomes.

“I first worked with David Jones when I was 16-years-old,” Ward said.

“I started my David Jones journey in Perth with Jess and again I am working with Jess for the brand, so it’s pretty special. We has so much fun back then and still do now. There’s a lot of laughter backstage.”

Aussie model Gemma Ward with Teresa Palmer and Jessica Gomes at the David Jones launch at MONA in Hobart. Picture: Getty

After making her catwalk debut with David Jones at the age of 15, the modelling juggernaut went on to walk for the department store in 2016 when she was 15 months pregnant with her second born Jet.

Ward said the both the local fashion industry and David Jones’ offering has come a long way in recent years.

“Seeing how much Australian fashion has grown and developed has been amazing,” she said. “And watching David Jones expand everything including their food court has been great to watch.”

And despite the constant globetrotting, Ward has a special affinity with Australia and plans to raise her young children here.

“I love Australia so much. I am back and forth from America at the moment, but every year of my life I come to appreciate Australia more. The more I spend time overseas and the more time I see more locations around Australia, I really feel like we are so lucky.”