Jessica Gomes Archives - Kate Waterhouse

Date with Kate: Jessica Gomes

13th August, 2017

Catching up with Jessica Gomes in the David Jones food hall, Bondi Junction

Model Jessica Gomes appeared in the Swimsuit Issue of Sports Illustrated every year from 2008 to 2015. She also appeared with Bruce Willis in the recent action comedy film Once Upon a Time in Venice and alongside Owen Wilson in the movie Bastards, set to open late this year. The David Jones ambassador has also recently launched her own beauty brand, Equal Beauty. Gomes, 32, chats to me about how she stays in shape, what she likes to indulge in, and the best advice her actor boyfriend Xavier Samuel has given her.

What are you working on at the moment?

[I’m] back for the David Jones spring/summer launch, which is really exciting; just came back to shoot the new Jets campaign, which is amazing; working on Equal Beauty – we launched four months ago; still auditioning and doing the film side of things.

Jess’ Equal Beauty range has just launched. Photo: @iamjessicagomes

What are some of the spring/summer trends we should expect to see.

Red is a huge trend, so just like colour blocking – beautiful bright reds, florals…

Do you have a favourite fashion piece for spring/summer?

There’s so much to choose from. I would say one of my favourite pieces would be a lace dress from Self-Portrait, or a dress from Ginger & Smart. I always think it’s nice to have a printed dress or a bright colour for your wardrobe.

What does being the face for Jets involve?

I came on with them just recently, so we just launched the first campaign, and we just shot the second … I’ve always been shot in their swimwear, and I always wear Jets in the [David Jones] show as well, so it’s a nice affiliation … [I’m] definitely in with them for longevity, and we’re going to be doing some exciting collaborations in the future.

As a swimwear model, how do you stay fit?

I do lots of things. Right now I’m really into yoga, and I’ve been doing a lot of yin classes … I feel the best when my mind’s feeling good, like mentally I’m feeling sharp, and clear, and great. For me, lately, I’ve been doing a lot of meditation and yoga, and doing lots of long walks; nothing too aggressive.

Jess Gomes modeling. Photo: @iamjessicagomes

What do you indulge in?

I love food, I really do. I definitely try and keep it 80 per cent pretty lean, but I’m not too strict on myself. As I get older I’m just like, “You know what, babe? Life’s too short. You deserve whatever it is as long as it comes from a good place.” I’m very much into shopping at farmers’ markets, and eating organic as much as I can, especially in LA … I get my vitamin drips. I do my smoothies. I do my green juice everyday … I have to have my coffee, but I’ll indulge in a really good bowl of pasta, some really good food, especially when I come home … I’m definitely a little more lenient in terms of what I like to eat.

Is modelling or acting your No. 1 focus?

Definitely modelling is still my No. 1. It’s what I do well … I think acting is more a hobby, something that I have there because I really love being creative and telling stories and working on film sets, but modelling has always been my core, and it will always will be what I do.

Tell me about your coming film Bastards.

Bastards is a film with Owen Wilson, Glenn Close and Ed Helms. It’s about two brothers who are on the hunt for their biological father. I shot it two years ago; it just hasn’t come out yet … The studios have been waiting for a right time for it to come out, but it’s a comedy film. It’s really funny; I’ve seen it.

What’s life like in LA?

LA’s amazing, I love it. I just feel so comfortable there. I’ve got my house there, and I’ve got all my things, and I love the lifestyle. I’ve got such a great group of friends there, and I just love it. It’s central to everything. I still duck off to New York if I need to, or it’s one flight over to Australia, or one flight to Europe. I get to dip into the film industry and then dip into the fashion industry too.

Will you ever move back to Australia?

I feel like Australia will always be a place that I come back to. Obviously it’s where I’m from so I feel like my roots are here, but I do feel rooted, also, in LA. I feel like I’ll always do both … I definitely would move back here in the future when I have a family.

Jess and her Equal Beauty products. Photo @iamjessicagomes

What inspired you to go into the beauty business?

I love beauty, and I’ve always been obsessed with cosmetics and beauty products, and I spent a lot of time in Asia, and in Seoul, and in South Korea. I discovered so many amazing beauty cosmetics … I thought it would be amazing to start my own brand, and be able to use the David Jones platform as well, as a way to launch it … I wanted something that I could travel with, that was the whole inspiration. I need an easy routine that I can travel with around the world, for hydration and protection, and fragrance free. I wanted it all natural but still effective, and still medicinal, still a preventative, because I was finding that other products weren’t working for me.

What were the biggest challenges of starting your own business?

The biggest challenges would probably be being resourceful. I think becoming a business person, and becoming an entrepreneur, you realise that it’s just problem solving the whole time … Putting out fires, problem solving, making sure that you’ve got the right team. You’re constantly running into certain things and … you’ve just got to push through. But then the rewarding side of it is seeing the creativity come to life.

Who do you look up to and admire?

I look up to my sisters because they work so hard and run a household. They’ve got three kids each, and I just see how hard they work and how dedicated they are to their family, and they do it all.

Did you ever think when you were younger that you would have the successes that you do today?

I did not think that I would ever be in the position that I’m in now. When I first started out my career in Australia … it wasn’t really happening for me, so I had to go overseas, but David Jones has changed my life … and I’ll be forever grateful for that … I’m just proud that I’ve been able to stay grounded and still be true to who I am, and still keep my integrity with everything that I’ve been doing.

Jess in Sports Illustrated. Photo @iamjessicagomes

How’s everything going with Xavier?

Everything’s going great. He’s amazing. We’re doing really well. He’s just been in LA with me. It’s been wonderful, because he’s obviously in the film industry as well, so we’re really, really good.

Is he a big support to you?

He is, he’s very supportive. He’s been really amazing throughout everything, and just been so great, and I feel really lucky that we’re very supportive of each other’s careers, and we definitely let each other do our things.

Do you find it easier to date someone in the industry, or do you find it more challenging?

It’s important to let one another be your own person and … that you both can have your identity, and both do your own thing, but still have that support and come together, so that’s been really nice … He helps me with auditions. We read lines together.

What’s the best piece of acting advice he’s given you?

He’s like “Don’t second guess yourself.” He’s just like: “You’ve got it” and “You can do it.”

What do you guys do when you have time off together?

We have had the best time in LA because it was the first time that both of us didn’t travel, so we had two months in LA together. We went and saw concerts [and went] on little road trips … we like discovering new restaurants in LA … We go for hikes, we just chill out [and] go see movies …

What’s next for you?

I am heading to Asia. I’m going to Singapore, Seoul and Shanghai for Equal Beauty. We’re going to do some research there, and we’re setting up to launch over in Asia, and then I’m back [in Australia] for a Dior event with David Jones.

BITESIZE

WE WENT TO The Restaurant at the David Jones Food Hall, Bondi Junction.

WE ATE Oysters – Raw, Kilpatrick and Mornay; Market prawns with parsley, garlic and extra virgin olive oil; Shredded raw vegetables with Sriracha vinaigrette and pecorino; Grain Fed Wagyu Beef.

WE DRANK Mineral water and herbal tea.

JESS WORE a Dion Lee dress

Photo Christopher Pearce

Fashion

Date with Kate: Jessica Gomes

7th February, 2016

My breakfast date with Jess Gomes

Australia’s Jessica Gomes is well-known for her modelling but recently has also been busy acting in Hollywood films. She worked alongside Bruce Willis in the action comedy Going Under and alongside Owen Wilson in Bastards, out in November. Gomes, 29, talks to me about the highlights of this week’s David Jones‘ autumn/winter fashion launch, her favourite style trends for the season and her intimate scenes with Bruce Willis.

How did you prepare for the David Jones fashion show?

I’ve been boxing almost three days a week, which has been really good. Just eating healthy, getting lots of sleep, just really taking care of myself. I think it’s important for me to just feel energised when every time before David Jones. It is a lot of press and a lot of long hour days so I definitely make sure that I’m in good shape and I’m well rested.

Do you still get nervous on the catwalk?

I still get butterflies definitely before each show, especially the VIP nights because everyone has worked so tirelessly beforehand. So, you just don’t want anything to go wrong. It’s good nerves. But I remember my first show, I was so nervous because it was my first time being the ambassador and it’s a big deal and big responsibility. So, I was definitely nervous then but now, I’m more comfortable, within my role and I feel like it’s just so much fun.

What are some of the trends we’ll be seeing this season?

We’re seeing Victorian designs, which are kind of high neck, lace black. Another trend is eastern prints, which is involves lots of ethnic prints from the Far East.

Do you have one fashion item that you’ve seen in the collection that you couldn’t live without this season?

I am loving the Camilla and Marc long trench coat blazer, which Cath McNeil is actually wearing in the campaign and it’s something that you can put over a dress, an evening gown, you can put over jeans and a T-shirt.

What’s the first thing you do when you get back to Australia?

Usually, I’ll go grab a coffee and go down to Bondi and do a soft sand run and go for a swim because it just brings me back down to earth. After a big flight it just grounds me.

Congratulations on your recent acting roles. Has it always been a goal of yours to be an actress?

Well, I started out acting on a TV show in Perth, when I was 10 years old and then kind of modeling just kind of took over because modeling was easy. I mean, it was great money, I got to travel the world, I loved fashion and I loved the lifestyle that I got to live. I did study at Stella Adler. I did work with some great coaches like Susan Batson, who has worked with Nicole Kidman. So acting has definitely always been there for me, but now doors have opened for me and I’m pushing through them and seeing where it takes me. Now, it’s definitely something that I’m more focused on versus modeling.

What was it like to work with Bruce Willis and Owen Wilson?

Bruce was amazing. I mean, he was very supportive. One of our first scenes together was quite intimate. So that was interesting and I was kind of like, “Oh I wonder how it’s going to go,” but he totally guided me. He was very respectful. He knew where I was at, in my training so that was great. Working with Owen and Ed Helms and Glenn Close was a trip. It was just amazing to witness them at work together and just meeting these incredible actors that I’ve looked up to, really blew my mind and really gave me that confidence and encouragement that I can be alongside these players.

Were you nervous to do the intimate scene with Bruce Willis?

I was nervous. I mean I was telling myself, “How do I even do this?” I’m used to taking my clothes as a swimsuit model but this is actually me being intimate with somebody, which is a sacred thing. Before we went on set, Bruce actually called me to a trailer and we had a conversation and that really helped. And then as soon as we got into it, the first take, it was really fun and it was fine. In fact, I was like, “You know what, I’m just going to do it. This is happening right now and it’s real.”

Was it hard to block out the camera and crew?

It was a closed set so there weren’t a lot of people around us. It was actually really great. It was a great scene. Like a lot of actors say that sex scenes are really awkward for them. But it wasn’t awkward for me. It felt really natural and really beautiful.

Did you receive any really valuable advice from Ed Helms and Owen Wilson?

Ed Helms told me that with auditioning, it’s just good to be over-prepare to the point where you’re like, “It doesn’t matter what happens.” I think that’s the difference between modeling and acting… you have to really prepare for acting roles where with modeling, where you can kind of just arrive and go, “Hey.”… That’s the one thing that, that work ethic has been the challenge for me, for sure. It’s just a different type of a process, creative process, really.

Is comedy what you always wanted to do?

I think it was just a natural instinct. I didn’t even realise I wanted to get into comedy. Because before that I was going for really dramatic roles, playing these badass chicks. With these two roles, it was interesting, because when I went into the audition, and I was kind of going through the motions of it, I was like, “Oh, I’m actually really funny.” [Laughs] I didn’t even realise that I had that comedy streak in me, until I was able to just let go and be like, “Oh yeah, I’m pretty funny.” It was just kind of like a light bulb moment, and where other people were finding me funny! It was nice that I got to let my hair down and just be me.

What would be your dream role?

I would love to do lots of indie films and to play a Bond girl would be amazing.

Who’s someone you look up to and admire?

I love Charlize Theron because I think she’s super ballsy and just fearless. I love Jennifer Lawrence because she’s funny and I love Marion Cotillard, she’s just so talented.

WE WENT TO One Street Over, Sydney CBD

WE ATE Scrambled eggs with prosciutto and scrambled eggs with spinach.

WE DRANK Coffee and orange juice

JESSICA WORE Manning Cartell dress.

I WORE Ginger and Smart dress.

Social

VAMFF Opening Red Carpet Event

18th March, 2014

Jessica Gomes, Megan Gales & Montana Cox.

Jessica Gomes, Megan Gale & Montana Cox.

Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) Opening Event was a star-studded event. Models Jessica Gomes and Montana Cox hit the runway while, VIP’s including mum-to-be Megan Gale, Emma Freedman and Rachael Finch sat front row and took in the latest autumn/winter trends.

Fashion

VAMFF Opening Runway Event

18th March, 2014

Dion Lee

The Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) 2014 kicked off with a bang last night with the Opening Event presented by David Jones and supported by Vogue Australia. Jessica Gomes and Montana Cox hit the runway in the latest autumn/winter designs by Dion Lee, Bassike, Josh Goot and many more. Check out my favourite runway looks…

Social

David Jones A/W 2014 Red Carpet

31st January, 2014

Terry Biviano & Megan Gale.

This week David Jones launched its Autumn Winter 2014 collections with a dramatic presentation on the seventh floor of the David Jones Elizabeth Street Store. Over 300 guests were transported through a magical garden as the entire space was filled with stunning floral arrangements that were created by florist Saskia Havekis from Grandiflora. Over 50 Camellia Sasanqua trees were used to create the atmosphere along with ivy, twisted winter branches and deep cobalt blue hydrangea stems as well as beautiful giant gold moths that settling onto sprouting mushrooms. A front row powerhouse included Great Gatsby star Elizabeth Debicki. Oscar nominee and four time nominated Emmy winner Rachel Griffiths and the stunning mum-to-be Megan Gale.

Beauty, Fashion

Five Minutes with – Jessica Gomes

31st July, 2013

Jessica Gomes jetted into Sydney this week for tonight’s SS13 David Jones launch. Here is the behind-the-scenes footage of her David Jones Spring/Summer TV campaign. Plus I chatted to Jess to find out her beauty secrets and her favourite trends for this summer.

What are you doing while you are in Australia?

I’m very busy with David Jones, from launching the Spring Summer season to shooting up-coming campaigns. We are also travelling to Melbourne and Perth (my home town), which I am really looking forward to.

What trends are we seeing this Spring/summer?

Sport Luxe is probably my favourite trend, it is contemporary and minimal with a cool edge and this is very much my aesthetic.

Who are some of your favourite designers?

Bassike, camilla and marc, Dion Lee and Josh Goot.

What are your fashion wardrobe essentials for this season?

Great tailored jacket from Dion Lee, a fabulous one-piece swimsuit, Isola has done some amazing ones. A great pair of jeans, I am loving Nobody right now and a great heel. At the moment I can’t go past Saint Laurent.

What splurge items are on your wish-list this season?

Proenza Schouler over the shoulder handbag and a Dion Lee tailored jacket.

What is your beauty regime?

At the moment I am using SK11 products and I get a great result. I cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day and when I can, I avoid wearing makeup. I also love the AESOP products and love their face oils for extra nourishment and body creams.

What is one beauty product you couldn’t live without?

Moisturiser – SK11

What are your must-have hair products?

I love the Kevin Murphy haircare range.

How do you keep fit?

Living in LA I do a lot of hiking which I am really enjoying. I also do Pilates and the Tracey Anderson exercise classes.

What do you do to prepare for the catwalk?

Being healthy and taking care of myself are part of my daily routine. I make sure I get plenty of rest, eat healthy, steering clear of sugars and processed foods and making sure I get lots of nutrients through green juices and proteins.

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: JESSICA GOMES

26th May, 2013

Chatting to Jess at the Gowing Bar and Grill, QT Hotel.

Model Jessica Gomes replaced Miranda Kerr as the face of David Jones in March. The Sports Illustrated model touched down in Sydney this week to attend the department store’s black-tie 175th birthday celebrations. I caught up with the 27-year-old to talk about filling Kerr’s shoes, finding success in her home country and having her sights on Hollywood.

Congratulations on your new role. Did you have any idea you were going to be the new David Jones ambassador?

No, but it was always a dream of mine, so it was very exciting when I found out. I still can’t believe it; it really is huge. It is a big deal in Australia and it’s a great gig for a model. Obviously we have seen what it has done for Megan [Gale] and Miranda [Kerr], so I definitely feel very lucky. And I’m proud of myself, too – I’ve worked really hard to get where I am today.

Taking over from Miranda, they are big shoes to fill. Is that a little daunting?

Everyone keeps saying, ”Do you feel the pressure?” but it’s not daunting at all, it’s really fun. I love fashion and I love what David Jones represents, so for me it’s almost like an organic and natural thing that has happened for me. I feel like this is what I’m meant to be doing. I feel really fulfilled at where I’m at with my career.

You are a household name in South Korea and in the US. Is it nice to finally be finding that success in your home country?

Yes. I’ve worked with people like [famed photographer] Mario Testino and had my own TV show in Korea and they are amazing achievements that I’ve conquered overseas. But conquering this achievement in my own country is the most rewarding because I’m proud of being Australian, so it’s really nice to be recognised for what you do in your home town.

You are becoming recognised in Australia. Have you found the spotlight more intense since you arrived back in Sydney this week?

Yes, when I arrived at the airport and there was paparazzi and everything. I was like, ”Oh my god, this is so funny!” It felt like I was Madonna or something. I was laughing to myself. It’s a great feeling to be supported by your home country and for people to recognise you for what you’re doing.

You were once told you would never be the face of David Jones because of your ethnicity. How do you feel about that now?

Yes, and there has been a lot of talk about the whole racial thing and how ”she overcame racial taunts” and I think, oh, how dramatic. Yes, it was pointed out to me because obviously I’m ethnically ambiguous – I’m half Asian and half Portuguese. I had been told that it would never happen because it wasn’t the ”Australian aesthetic” and I thought, OK, cool. I started modelling 10 years ago and it was just different then and I had to go to Asia [to find work] and that is all good; I’m happy with the journey I had to take to get to where I am now. I’m really happy that Australia is now embracing all these different cultures because that is what the world is coming to now. Look at America, they have conquered a lot of racial problems; they now have a black president. It’s great that we are embracing and becoming more open-minded about cultures.

What is it like being a Sports Illustrated model?

It’s great. I celebrated the launch of my sixth issue of Sports Illustrated in February. We shot it in China and that went really well and I think it’s great that the fashion industry is recognising the Sports Illustrated models. Everything is going really well. I also did the Clinique [campaign], which was amazing. We shot that in New York. That was a really lovely piece to the pie among all the madness that has been happening.

What do you do for fun?

I love going out with my girlfriends and having a dance and a cocktail – that is one of my favourite things. And letting loose and talking about crap! [Laughs] Also going shopping. I love exercising, I love going for hikes, I do a lot of Pilates and I love to cook. I love to cook because I eat out all the time, so I like to do the simple things on my down time, like watch movies and pottering about and doing nothing.

What is next in the pipeline?

Being based in LA, Hollywood is at my doorstep, so I’m doing a lot of auditions and I definitely want to get into film.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Gowings Bar & Grill, Sydney CBD

WE ATE Spanner crab salad; tartare of yellow fish tuna and salt-baked beetroot salad with ashed chevre.

WE DRANK Port Phillip Estate 2012 Salasso Rosé.

I WORE Ellery dress.

JESS WORE Camilla and Marc top, Nobody jeans and Saint Laurent heels.

Photography: Brendan Esposito

For video footage see smh.com.au

Fashion, Social

DAVID JONES 175th BIRTHDAY

24th May, 2013

David Jones celebrated its 175th birthday with a big bash in Sydney last night. It is a remarkable milestone for the company, who proudly claims it’s the longest running department store still trading under its original name. Delta Goodrem performed for 400 fashionable guests while Megan Gale hosted the evening and officially opened the David Jones 175 Years: The Exhibition, which is open to the public from Saturday May 25 – Sunday June 23 on Level Seven at David Jones’ Elizabeth Street store.