Jessica Gomes steps off catwalk to help choose and guide a new generation

JESSICA Gomes knows all too well how the hopefuls of today’s David Jones casting are feeling ahead of their runway audition.

Jessica Gomes is stepping off the catwalk and into the judges chair ahead of David Jones’ catwalk casting for this seasons shows. Picture: Richard Dobson

JESSICA Gomes knows all too well how the hopefuls of today’s David Jones casting are feeling ahead of their runway audition.

Like every model, the 30-year-old said she has experienced her fair share of intimidating catwalk casting moments.

“Victoria’s Secret was my most nerve wracking, because you’re in your G-string,’ she told the Daily Telegraph. “When I first got to New York I shot for the Victoria’s Secret catalogue but when I went to the show casting … there’s people like (Brazilian supermodel) Adriana Lima standing there.”

If it takes one to know one then Gomes is perfectly positioned to help choose the next models to best show David Jones’ fashion. Picture: Richard Dobson

Gomes has a wealth of experience on the catwalk with David Jones but also internationally with the likes of Victoria’s Secret. Picture: Jason Edwards

Gomes is not retiring but helping to select her support models. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Jessica Gomes showcase some of the Autumn/Winter trends at this year’s David Jones runway show in Sydney. Picture: Jason Edwards

The department store’s face will swap the runway for the casting chair today, joining Romance Was Born designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales and David Jones head stylist Kelvin Harries to decide which models make the cut for the Spring Summer 2016 Collection Launch on August 3.

“It’s my first time casting for anything in modelling; I feel a little nervous for the girls because I know what’s going through their heads,” Perth-born Gomes said.

Gomes said diversity was a major consideration for the show, so she would be looking for unique men and women who were confident in their own skin.

Gomes’ experience means she knows just how the girls will feel as they audition. Picture: Jason Edwards

When Gomes first went to a US casting for Victoria’s Secret she felt a little intimidated with the likes of Adriana Lima standing there.

“I think it’s all about no labelling, and just embracing everyone’s individuality,” she said. “We’re looking for someone with a bit of spunk, personality and an X Factor that shines when they’re on the runway.

“I’m excited to see the diversity, the new faces and what’s out there in Australia, and we’re known to produce some pretty beautiful models so I’m excited to see who shows up.”

The successful models will join Gomes and David Jones ambassadors including Montana Cox and Jason Dundas on the store’s runway, showcasing designer looks from the likes of Dion Lee, Camilla, Kitx and Scanlan Theodore.

The successful models will join Gomes and David Jones ambassadors including Montana Cox and Jason Dundas on the store’s runway.