A move back to Australia, a baby, a re-energised career and a Jaguar deal have put Gemma Ward back in driver’s seat

A MOVE back to Australia, a baby, re-energised career and a lucrative sponsorship deal have put Gemma Ward back in the driver’s seat

An uber model and a luxe car affair: what could possibly go wrong?

JAGUAR has announced Australian model-turned-actor Gemma Ward as it news brand ambassador.

The enigmatic Ward became the youngest model to appear on the cover of the American edition of Vogue and later appeared on the covers of both Teen Vogue and Time. Back then, during her prime from 2003 until 2008, she was trumpeted for her ‘alien-like’ and ‘baby-doll, wide-eyed features and was the one model every international designer wanted on their runways.

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 18: Model Gemma Ward walks the runway at the Prada Spring Summer 2015 fashion show during Milan Fashion Week on September 18, 2014 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Catwalking/Getty Images)

Now, over ten years on, she has a much more low-key life a move to Byron Bay on the cards with her two-year-old daughter Naia and partner David Letts in tow.

Ward’s rat race days may be behind her, but her penchant for luxury brands certainly aren’t.

“I have been very fortunate to work with luxury brands from my early modelling days so I am incredibly aware of quality and the time and effort taken into producing things that are seen as luxurious,’’ Ward told news.com.au.

Model Gemma Ward pictured backstage before she walks for designer Kym Ellery at the opening show of Mercedes Benz Australian Fashion Week at the Carriageworks in Sydney. Picture: Toby Zerna

INSIDER - Pictured at the Langham Hotel in Sydney today is Model Gemma Ward. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Ward is collaborating with the prestigious British carmaker and will be cruising around in the new Jaguar XE, which the company has touted as the most advanced, efficient and refined sports sedan that it has ever produced.

“I just have to make sure I don’t put my foot down too hard as with a car like this it has such an ease and elegance about it and suddenly you could be driving very, very fast,” Ward said.

An uber model and a luxe car affair: what could possibly go wrong?

“Jaguar to me is all about great style and design, and I’m delighted to be named as an ambassador for what is still such an iconic English brand.”

Jaguar’s marketing spiel said that the new XE “redefines the concept of the sports sedan and is the driver’s car in its class. Its lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior and outstanding ride and handling are testament to the company founder Sir William Lyons’ vision.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Model Gemma Ward attends the Mercedes-Benz Presents Ellery show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2015 at Carriageworks on April 12, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Aside from modelling, Ward’s first major acting role was in the 2007 Australian film The Black Balloon, and she has since also appeared in horror film The Strangers and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

“I’ve been very fortunate to pack a lot in so far and have plans to start an online store but that is all the early stages and with my daughter, I can see it potentially focusing on elements of kidswear,” adds Gemma.

But at the moment cars are her thing. And she sounds pretty happy with that.

At least Gemma isn’t splayed over the Jaguar bonnet in a bikini . .

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