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Deborah Hutton

Date with Kate

Date with Kate: Deborah Hutton

21st July, 2013
Lunch with Deborah Hutton.

Lunch with Deborah Hutton.

Deborah Hutton is one of Australia’s most recognisable media personalities. The model-turned-magazine editor-turned-television presenter is fronting the Foxtel Movie Show and is set to host the 11th annual ASTRA Awards at Sydney Theatre on Thursday. I caught up with the 51-year-old to talk about her beauty secrets, her love of golf and the Women’s Weekly nude cover that inspired her to launch her online community.

What are you up to at the moment?

Foxtel takes up a good chunk of my time. I get the prize job of interviewing all the gorgeous glamour stars when they come out to Sydney, plus I am really working on my online platform, Balance by Deborah Hutton, and [this week] my focus will be on the ASTRAs. I’m looking forward to going, hosting, and enjoying [Thursday] night.

Who are some of the big names you have recently interviewed for the Movie Show?

I recently had Brad Pitt, Henry Cavill and Sandra Bullock. I had a ”pinch me” moment when I interviewed Sandra Bullock because I am such a big fan of hers. Brad Pitt was great – he was very laid-back and very casual and quite happy to chat.

Tell me about Balance by Deborah Hutton.

We started it seven months ago and it’s about helping, inspiring and supporting women with coaches and mentors through different programs. It includes everything from your body, health, financials, home and your relationships. It really covers all the aspects of our life that require our attention. Generally, women’s greatest complaint is that our life is out of balance, there is too much work or this or that, so it’s about trying to maintain a sense of balance and finding support to do that.

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Have you worked out the key to balance in life?

I think that is just a work in progress for everybody – it’s about prioritising what is really important. The biggest key is trying to find some time for yourself, and that is what we don’t do enough. It’s like when you’re on a plane and they say if the oxygen mask comes down, give it to yourself before you assist others.

What inspired you to start Balance?

Funnily enough, a couple of media events: my 50s cover for Women’s Weekly, when I got inundated on social media by women – both for and against – and all their different views around having the nude cover. And when I talked about my skin cancer I also got a lot of contact from women, asking lots of different things on where they should go and what they should do. It just opened this world to me and I thought, ”I’ve just got to engage in this.”

Where you surprised by the feedback on that cover?

I was overwhelmed by the reaction because it really did go viral and for different reasons, but it was very empowering, so for the first time without hiding behind an agent – because I manage myself – I could have my voice and my own opinions and I could deal directly with it. I found it very inspiring … I think that is where Balance started. I thought, ”There is something here that I can do and I can create a conversation.” I primarily spend my time now having conversations with amazing women and trying to find what challenges them and who inspires them, because I think we can all learn from each other.

You look fantastic. What is your best beauty secret?

Water. I load up on water. I try and get some sleep. There is no great beauty secret, other than concealer; it’s just taking care of yourself. Also, I never go to sleep with my make-up on, which is something I learnt in my modelling days. It’s the little routines that you stick to, that is all it is.

What do you do for fun?

I like to entertain, so I’m a big fan of just inviting people around and having a lazy Sunday lunch, getting out the NZ and Australian pinots. I’m certainly not a chef, but I love to cook. I don’t make it too complicated. I stay away from cream and anything that has to rise! Then my fun is golf. It’s a great way to meet business people and expand your network … I’ve just booked a trip to Abu Dhabi at the end of the year for a golf holiday. My holidays tend to be around golf courses.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Bronte Cucina, Bronte Beach.

WE ATE Herb-crusted snapper fillet with braised artichoke, snake beans and onion puree; sesame seed seared tuna served with couscous, caponata and green beans.

WE DRANK Sparkling mineral water.

I WORE A Lover dress.

DEBORAH WORE Genetic jeans, Banjo & Matilda jumper and a Saba vest.

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Photography: Danielle Smith

smh.com.au