Date with Kate: Montana Cox

27th July, 2014

Lunch with Montana Cox

Australian born, New York based model; Montana Cox is one of Australia’s most in demand models. Best known for being the winner of season seven of Australia’s Next Top Model (ANTM) in 2011, the Melbourne-born beauty has gone on to do international runway work for Givenchy, Lanvin and Dior. She is currently back in Australia to walk for David Jones Spring Summer 2014 Fashion Launch on Wednesday. I caught up with the 20-year-old to chat about this season’s trends, the highs and lows of being in the fashion industry and her secret talent.

Did you ever expect to lead the life you live?

No. Never ever, ever. No, when I was younger I was a really big sports girl. I wanted to be a professional netball player. That was my dream. And then ANTM happened. I was shopping with mum and mum said, “Go try out” and I was like, “No mum”.

You didn’t even want to try out for ANTM?

No, we were just shopping and [the auditions] were there and mum was like, “Just do it” and I was like, “Okay”. And then I guess, ever since then it has been a big whirlwind.

If you decided to go down that model path, do you think you could you have done it without the ANTM platform to launch your career?

It has been an amazing platform in terms of having cameras around you all the time and getting interviewed and meeting all the photographers. It was a really great exposure as well. It’s a very popular show in Australia. It’s very focused on helping the girls reaching their goals, which is really great.

Montana with ANTM Australia host Sarah Murdoch

Not everyone who wins ANTM is as successful as you are, what’s the secret to your success?

I don’t know. But I think it’s really having your head screwed on straight. I just try to be really positive and the best person I can be everyday. I’ve always been very open to travelling around and seeing new things and new places. So I think just having an open mind about that has been really great for me.

Do you still watch the show?

I do. Actually, I just watched last season. I remember I could not watch my season! It would stress me out. But I’ve watched all other seasons. It’s just really addictive TV.

What’s the best part about your job?

The perks are pretty good! I mean, free stuff is always really nice. [Laughs] But I think it’s learning from the people around you. Like the experience I’ve had the past couple of years I would have never had [without modeling], I would have stayed in Melbourne and maybe gone to university. But modeling has taken me around the world and I’ve seen things I’d never be able to see or do. So it’s really exciting and great in that sense.

What’s the worst part about your job?

I think getting picked and prodded at 24-7. Especially show season there are constantly brushes on your face and people pulling at you, doing this and doing that. It’s just like “Stop touching my face. Stop pulling my hair.” I think sometimes call-times can be a little bit too early. But I cannot complain. I’m very lucky to be in my situation.

What are you currently working on?

I’m back for the David Jones Fashion Spring Summer Fashion Launch, which is really exciting. It’s going to be a lot of fun and it’s Spring Summer, which is my favourite time in dressing sense. So that’s going to be great.

Montana on the Givenchy runway

What are some of the trends we’ll be seeing this Spring/Summer?

This Spring Summer it’s all that romantic florals, very soft and pretty and lots of coral. We are also going to be seeing a lot of ‘Sport Deluxe’ and animal print is really in this season, but it’s much more on the reptilian side, like crocodile and snake. So just try and stay away from Leopard, leave that in the cupboard! Also lots of Crop Tops and Maxi skirts and shift dresses which I’m really excited for.

What is your beauty regime?

I wake up in the morning, I always cleanse my face. I always apply sunscreen because my mum drills it into me. When I’m not shooting I try and wear as little make-up as I can. I think the trick is just to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise and I make sure I always take make-up off at night.

As a Youth Ambassador for David Jones, is there pressure upon you to act in a certain way?

I think so. I don’t think it’s a pressure. I think it’s just more of like, just leading by example.

You must have a lot of young fans.

I do. It’s really exciting to have that young fan base and they’re a very strong fan base. So it’s really exciting and they really get behind you and they really do look up to you like they’re always on Instagram and Twitter. You have so many girls coming up to you and say “I look up to you” it’s a really great feeling to have that.

What has been your biggest modeling highlight?

I think doing the shows overseas is really exciting… walking for Givenchy was a lot of fun.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Hopefully, still modeling, still travelling around the world. Just keep on moving forward, meeting new people. I don’t know. We have to wait and see.

Do you have a secret talent?

I play the violin. I’ve played the violin for 10 years.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO MissChu pop up at David Jones food court, Sydney CBD.

WE ATE Fresh Vietnamese rice paper rolls with free range satay chicken and coconut young; Scallop and prawn steamed dumplings; Coconut mousse and water chestnut in Pandan Leaf.

WE DRANK MissChu’s “Famous Crushies” with frozen coconut young & banana & mint.

MONTANA WORE A Rebecca Vallance dress and Givenchy heels.

I WORE A Dion Lee blazer and ASOS top.

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