Model Talk... Samantha Cardone

She has walked the runways of Milan, Paris, Sydney and New York, been photographed for some incredible brands including Prada, Alex Perry, Zimmerman and Sass & Bide. She was even in the running to win the first ever season of Australian’s next top model, eventually finishing in the top four. She is a model, mother of 3, spokes person for the Australian bottle company ‘Minijumi’ and her beauty is both represented physically, and perhaps more importantly intrinsically.

I have now known Sam for a number of years, our little boys are best friends. We had the instant connection, and fortunately I can now call her a very close  friend. We spend hours chatting over herbal tea about travel, fashion, and our next social adventure. Not only is she a stunning model but she is also a gifted writer and you can read all her blogs at http://mimijumi.com.au/baby-blog/ Sam has a natural confidence in herself, for her life and the people in it. I love how it rubs off on me every time we are together, she inspired me to start LA Fashion Blogger and hopefully it now inspires you. 

Meet the beautiful, fierce and brilliant Samantha Cardone.

How was it to be on the first ever season of Australia's Next Top Model?

Top Model was definitely a unique experience. I got to work with some amazingly talented people in the fashion industry but I also learnt a lot about how un-real 'reality tv' is. Lets just say its not something I would ever do again!

How did you first get into Modelling?

I had also been interested in modelling, from a very young age I had been approached by scouts. I was thin as a rake and all limbs as a teen. My parents adamantly steered me away from the industry, school came first in their books. I had done a few little jobs and shoots but it wasn't until I graduated from school and went to Italy that my career in modelling really began. It was in Italy that i was picked up by a scout  from Elite and flown to Milan. I had no idea what I was doing when I walked through the agency doors, but before i knew it I had a handful of photocopied comp cards in one hand and a map and list of castings in the other and was pushed back out the door- now officially a model.

How did you get your first big break?

On that very same day I was sent to my first casting and it just happened to be for Prada. I got completely lost and ended up coming into the building through a courier entry and wondered the corridors not knowing where I was meant to be. Eventually someone spotted me and whisked me into a room where a table of people sat waiting. They seemed surprised to see me and launched into huge dialogue, pointing and gesturing at me. Not speaking a word of italian I had no idea what everyone was fussing over. They asked me to walk, thanked me and ushered me out the door. As I went to leave they stopped me and pointed towards a door at the other end of the room. When I stepped out the door I saw a line of around 50 models…. I had accidentally skipped the line! I have never coped so many death stares in my life. That night I got a phone call to say I had booked a 6 week showings tour with Prada. This is where Prada shows the each range to their stockists.

What are some of the top designers you have meet and worked with?

Prada and Mui Mui in Italy. Here in Australia I have worked with a range of clients from the more commercial, Kmart, Rip Curl and Myer, all the way through to Akira Isogawa,Julie Grabc, Alex Perry, Zimmerman, Pierucci, Nicola Finetti and Sass and Bide. 

Do you have a favourite designer?

There is such an amazing range of incredible designers both here in Australia and overseas. I honestly couldn't pick a fav! I do love working with local Aussies though.

What's one of the most interesting shoots you have done?

I have done some really crazy stuff from underwater shoots to nudes where my entire body has been painted. I have worked with spiders, snakes, mud and snow and been hung off the side of a building. You name it some crazy art director has made me do it! Nothing is too extreme in the world of fashion. 

How do you describe your personal style?

I am a bit of a chameleon. I tend to be very fuss free and relaxed when I am in mummy mode, I love brands like Country Road, Saba and Basike. Then I "change hats" and is all about heels and fabulous fabrics. I love garments that are really well tailored and have interest or texture in the fabric. I love leather and silk! Lately I have been wearing a lot of Bec and Bridge, Zimmerman and Lover.

As a mother of three how do you always look so gorgeous?! give us the run down of your beauty routine.

My beauty routine is pretty simple. I use Rationale skin cares essential 6 range. Its a medical grade skin care range and I swear by it. It incorporates serums and sunscreens into the range which is perfect when you don't have much time! I also try to have regular micodermabrasion peels and I have an IPL treatment ever year to 18 months. This helps to even out my skin tone and removes any sun damage. 

Your style icon?

 Thats a tough one. I take inspiration from a lot of different people. I love the class with which Kate Blanchet dresses, but I love the boho freedom and sassiness of Nicole Richie. 

The best advice you ever received? and thing you would like to pass on to young models?

It's just a job. Treat it like one, be professional and keep your expectations measured and you will succeed. Too many young girls see modelling as some sort of dream and for a very small few it is. For most it is a battle between opportunity and rejection. If you haven't got a thick skin and don't like to work really hard it's not an industry I recommend.

follow Sam on Instagram at @badmumma and @mimijumi_mumma

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