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Lara Bingle

Date with Kate, Fashion & Beauty

Date with Kate: Lara Worthington

18th June, 2017

Chatting to Lara Worthington. Photo: Janie Barrett, Fairfax Media.

 

Model-turned-businesswoman Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) is the founder and head of tanning and cosmetics brand The Base and has two children, Rocket and Racer, with her husband, actor Sam Worthington. The couple are notoriously private about their family life but Lara opens up to me about motherhood, Sam as a “hands-on” dad and what people would find most surprising about her.

What is a day in the life of you?

If I’m lucky, I get to sleep until 7:30am. But usually my son comes calling sometime between 6 and 7. I work from multiple offices: one a small, private space in Tribeca [in New York City] and from hotels when I’m travelling. Which is a lot at the moment. And sometimes from home. No day is average or the same with two boys under two … I work out when I can, but I’d like to work out more.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m developing a product now that I’m obsessed with. I can’t tell you what it is – it’s too far down the line. But I’m so excited about it because it’s going to make women’s lives so much easier.

What do you miss most about home when you are away? 

My family, friends and Cronulla beach.

What is the first thing you do when you arrive back in Australia? 

I go straight to my mum’s house.

How do you juggle your skincare label The Base and motherhood? 

The beauty of technology and Wi-Fi means I can work anywhere in the world. It’s like a virtual office. I have a routine and work when my boys are sleeping. The time difference is a little challenging sometimes but I have a fantastic team of people in Australia that work with that. I’m always impressed with women who have a great work-life balance, and it’s something I’m certainly working on.

How involved are you with the product development and marketing? 

100 per cent.

Tell me about your recent collaboration with Tiffany & Co’s HardWear.

I shot the campaign with my friend Shane Sakkeus in New York City – he filmed it on his iPhone and we took the stills from the film. I wanted to capture lots of close-up shots of the jewellery, the sprit and soul of New York City and that power and fierce feminine feeling I get when I wear Tiffany jewellery, which I think we captured.

Who do you look up to and admire?

Visionary, self-made women with inspirational careers like Jenna Lyons of J. Crew, Carisa Janes [of Hourglass cosmetics] and Lena Dunham, Jessica Alba, Hillary Kerr [of website Who What Wear], Emily Weiss [of website Into The Gloss] and everyone on my team at The Base – both women and men!

What are you enjoying most about motherhood the second time around? 

Everything just seems far more rich and meaningful now. I love the quote,’Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.’ This resonates deeply with me. Motherhood has taught me the greatest love of all.

What has been most challenging aspect? 

Balance.

How would you describe Sam as a dad? 

Sam has a really good heart – amazing husband, and he’s so good with the kids. He’s very hands-on, and I think we really complement each other. He is our world.

You look amazing! What is the secret to getting back into shape so quickly?

Two boys under two!

Where is your favourite travel destination? 

The Maldives is a favourite of mine; I always head to more remote areas that are not so frequented by tourists – there’s nothing like having the ocean all to yourself.

Where do you see yourself in five years? 

Happy. But I’m very happy right now!

What is something people would find surprising to know about you? 

I love pottery. It’s the most therapeutic form of art for me. There is something so special about handmade pieces.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Tiffany’s HardWare launch, Carriageworks, Eveleigh

WE ATE A selection of canapes

WE DRANK Champagne

LARA WORE Michael Lo Sordo and Tiffany’s HardWare jewellery

Beauty, Date with Kate, Fashion

Date with Kate: Lara Worthington

1st November, 2015
breakfast with Lara.

breakfast with Lara.

Lara Worthington, nee Bingle, is back in Sydney with husband Sam Worthington and their six-month-old boy, Rocket, as she steps back into the spotlight as a style ambassador for Westfield and as a guest of the Bazaar in Bloom charity event. Lara, 28, talks to me about being a new mum, her business The Base, “relentless” paparazzi and what she does for fun.

What is a day in the life of you?

No two days are the same … It’s almost like controlled chaos and every day I’m learning something new … I try to juggle things the best I can.

What are you doing back in Australia?

I’m back as the style ambassador for Westfield. The campaign really resonated with me and felt like a good fit … It’s all about being yourself and being comfortable with who you are, and not trying to be like anyone else. “Today I Am” … is a positive message and I felt like it was a good alignment with where I’m at with my life today.

What are you working on at the moment?

Being a mum! It’s a full-time job. I’m also working on expanding my self-tanning and beauty brand, The Base.

Tell me about The Base.

I wanted to create products that I use every day … I’m all about simplicity, so it made sense to create uncomplicated, minimalistic products to enhance natural beauty, rather than cover it up. I created the products as a woman knowing what I wanted to use… after being in the industry for over a decade and having hundreds of products applied to my face and body … I also wanted to get into the business and learn – everything from packaging, warehousing, product development, marketing and the back end of the website; I know every sale that goes through, and I run all of the social media so I can have the interaction with my customers.

With so many tanning products on the market, what makes The Base unique?

The tone and smell… I worked really carefully with my formulators on getting the right golden/olive tone… Many self-tanners can be orange. We also have The LB Cream – it’s my must-have product to use every day, especially since having Rocket, there is literally no time, as I’m sure you will agree – [so] it’s a multipurpose cream … We’ve just launched two new LB creams, so there are now four shades. I have two limited-edition Lip2Cheek shades coming out and a really clever universal bronzer that will be launched towards the end of November … For me, it’s about consolidating the brand for the next few months, doing some more market research and continuing to connect with my customers.

Tell me about your involvement in The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation’s Bazaar in Bloom charity?

I shot the November cover for Harper’s Bazaar and during my interview with Kellie Hush, she mentioned Bazaar in Bloom – a charity event she was working on to raise money for The Royal Hospital for Women. Each year the money raised will go towards improving services and developing further research that will benefit women from all over Australia. This year the money raised will go towards a world-class fertility research centre. I think it’s important to be able to give back and help raise awareness.

Why are you passionate about this cause?

I guess as a new mother, I now appreciate what a gift it is to be able to conceive naturally. To be able to support other women trying to fulfil their dreams of becoming mothers really connects with me. I have friends that have had to use IVF to conceive and it can be an emotional and expensive process … The Fertility Research Centre will be Australia’s first holistic centre offering IVF and assisted-reproduction services to all patients, regardless of socio-economic status. The Royal Hospital for Women also saves lives every day of babies born with life-threatening illnesses. When you hear the stories they’re heartbreaking.

How is motherhood treating you?

It’s amazing, the best thing I have ever done. I’m a new mum so I’m just trying to get used to everything and the learning curve is huge. But no amount of words can explain how much I love Rocket

What’s the best thing about being a mum?

Rocket’s laugh and waking up to him in the morning.

How do you juggle being a working mum? It’s hard at times but we’ve been fortunate enough to manage our schedules so if I’m working, Sam will look after Rocket and vice versa. It just takes a little more planning and preparation.

What is Sam like as a father?

He’s born to be a dad.

Is keeping Rocket out of the public eye important to you and Sam? 

Rocket being a kid and enjoying life is the most important thing to us.

Do you hope to grow your family?

Yes! I’d love to have a big family, which is why supporting the Royal Hospital for Women is important to me. Sam and I both only have one sibling – I have a brother and he has a sister – so we both want a big family … lots of kids around the table and at Christmas. The thought of it makes me really happy.

You and Sam are constantly in the public eye. Is it frustrating having paparazzi follow your every move?

It’s challenging. We both understand that it’s a byproduct of our professions and we are OK with that. But it’s when photos of our son are taken without our consent or his, and our safety and the safety of others is compromised: it’s a minority, but there are some paparazzi who are relentless.

You’ve been a household name for over a decade. What is the biggest misconception about you?

There are so many. But I know who I am and my family and friends know the truth and that’s all that matters. I think motherhood really changes you in that way. Someone said to me the other day it softens you but also hardens you … and I think it’s true. I just don’t take the criticism on board any more … I just try and focus on the things that really matter.

What do you do for fun? 

I go to the beach and movies, I love The Blacklist TV show, cooking for my family and friends. I also love anything creative, like making little films and taking photographs, and having baths with Rocket!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully with more babies, happy, healthy and with a successful business.

 

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Coogee pavilion, Coogee Beach.

WE ATE Seeded granola, banana-almond frozen yoghurt, sweetened almond milk

WE DRANK Superfood smoothies.

LARA WORE A Dion Lee dress.

I WORE a Scanlan & Theodore dress.

 

Fashion, Social

REBECCA VALLANCE

4th April, 2013

Fashion Week is still days away but models have already hit the catwalks. Australian designer Rebecca Vallance presented her Spring/Summer 2013/14 collection at Ananas Bar and Brasserie in the Rocks yesterday. The collection entitled ‘Paris au Printemps’ was inspired by the first blossoms of springtime in Paris. Vallance showcased geometric prints and pops of colour in lime, violet and cherry red as well as signature lambskin leathers in black and blush. Capri pants, sheath dresses, bows and Peter Pan collars were all on trend. Hollywood-based actress Jessica McNamee and model Lara Bingle sat front row, alongside Vogue Australia’s Edwina McCann and Christine Centenera.

Rebecca Vallance Runway

Rebecca Vallance Runway

Rebecca Vallance Runway

Rebecca Vallance Runway

Rebecca Vallance Runway

Rebecca Vallance Runway

Rebecca Vallance, Jessica McNamee

Rebecca Vallance, Jessica McNamee

Lara Bingle

Lara Bingle

Edwina McCann, Christine Centenera, Jessica McNamee

Edwina McCann, Christine Centenera, Jessica McNamee

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: LARA BINGLE

25th March, 2012
Dining with Lara Bingle.

Dining with Lara Bingle.

Model Lara Bingle has signed a lucrative deal with Channel Ten to star in her own reality series, Being Lara Bingle. Kate Waterhouse caught up with the 24-year-old to chat about the show, her negative publicity and rumoured weight gain.

Can you tell us about the plot of your new show?

I’m working on a number of things throughout the show, like sunglasses, skincare, jewellery . . . I’ve had to find manufacturers and everything and the personal life stuff, you can’t script that. I’m moving into a house with [my best friend and manager] Hermione and my brother – that will be a show in itself.

Do you feel the media create a negative image of you?

Yes, 100 per cent. I don’t take it too seriously but it can be very annoying when something is printed and it’s not right. It’s little things. If I turn up to a Louis Vuitton function dressed in Louis Vuitton, the media will say, “Why isn’t she supporting Australian designers?” There is always a negative angle. I’m going to get criticised either way but I’ll never let it stop [me] from going forward.

What do you make of claims you’re an attention seeker?

I don’t care that much. In the past, I didn’t care about the consequences, so when people say I was creating drama, I wasn’t, I was just living. But now I feel like I’ve matured and I take responsibility for what I do. The only time I’ve ever cared is when they said I’d put on weight.

How did you feel about that?

That got to me. I cry all the time . . . I try not to read [stories about me] but it’s hard not to, whether it’s on TV . . . or your nan rings you and says, “Are you all right?” It’s not even that it’s being written, it’s just that everyone on the street feels like they have the right to tell me their opinion; everyone felt like they could weigh in on my weight.

Do you have any regrets?

No not really. For example, if I stayed with Michael, I would not be the person I am today. Everything was given to me on a silver platter, I had no moral values, I was not a nice person. I had a money tree out the back, clothes, cars, everything was [too] easy . . . but now I put it all in perspective. I took everything for granted, even with my weight. I now train 10 times harder than I ever did. I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted but it all catches up with you.

Are you still in contact with Clarkey?

Yes, I speak to him sometimes but no one wants their ex-girlfriend calling them. He is always very supportive.

What do you look for in a man?

Humour and also protection, like that’s your man and you could tell them anything. For me, I’ve always had boyfriends that . . . “jealous” is not the right word but they just can’t cope [with me being] very strongly driven. They are like, “Where do I fit in?” I’m not very good with relationships [laughs]. I’ve had a failed engagement, I’ve had Danny [Cipriani], who dropped me on my arse. The magazine was still on the stand about how [we] had fallen in love, and he had told me we were over. Danny had done to me what I had done to every guy in my life. The moment he gave it back to me I was like, “Wow, OK . . . ” It was the lesson I had to learn.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Fratelli Paradiso, Potts Point.

WE ATE Olives; prosciutto and figs; veal and a rocket and parmesan salad.

WE DRANK Sparkling mineral water.

LARA WORE Bassike top, Scanlan & Theodore skirt and Christian Louboutin heels.

smh.com.au