Since moving to Los Angeles five years ago, to pursue her modelling career, this Melbourne-born stunner has been taking the U.S. by storm with appearances in popular TV ads and campaigns for major brands, starring in multiple music videos for big-name artists, and even working with a Kardashian. And as she soars towards four million Instagram followers, it’s long overdue we all got more acquainted with this intellectual beauty…
Congrats on your MAXIM Australia cover, Emily. How do you feel?
I feel amazing and I’m so excited! Brian [photographer] and I shot this shoot on the beach in Malibu, California and it’s so great to see it now as a MAXIM Australia cover.
You’re an Aussie who has been living in L.A. for just over five years. Why did you decide to move there?
I moved over here gradually to pursue my modelling and I just started to feel, after visiting America a couple of times, it would be the right place for my career. I kept an open mind while wanting to see what happened if I gave it a crack and I’m happy I did. It’s been a lot of hard work but I’m pretty stoked with everything I’ve done so far – it feels like it’s all paid off in the end.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Aussie, shy, glam, meme lover.
We love your curves and athletic look. What do you think is your best asset?
Thank you! I used to be bullied for having a big butt but thankfully it’s now considered a good thing, especially in America. I’m so glad curves made a comeback. Earlier in my career I struggled with having a curvy body. That is, until Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez opened up the world’s appreciation for curvy bodies in fashion. When I decided to stand out rather than fit into the mould, that’s when my career really started to take off. I encourage everyone to embrace and love their flaws.
When do you feel sexy?
I feel my most sexy without make-up and just sporting a nice, natural tan during summer. It’s winter here in the U.S. right now and I’m feeling like a bit of a potato missing my glow.
If you had to choose between an Australian or American summer which would you take?
American summers are fun because I host a lot of events in Vegas and stuff, so I can’t say I’m complaining, but the real fun is in Australia where everyone is just at the beach and there’s no VIP section. I’d take VB over VIP any day!
What’s one thing you must do each time you return to Australia?
Definitely have to hit the local fish & chips shop and also get a real coffee!
How will you celebrate Australia Day this month over in LA LA Land?
There’s a bunch of Aussies here in L.A. so we usually get together, have some beers, become obnoxious and swear a lot in our most bogan accents. Although, that’s pretty much me every time I have a few!
What do you miss about Australia?
Obviously my mum, but I also miss a really good night out – everything in L.A. closes at 2am and it’s really expensive to go out. It’s just not as cool in terms of nightlife – the celebrity stuff is cool at first but after a while you just miss a good dance floor where everyone wants to have a fun time instead of just being ‘seen’.
Being in Hollywood, you’ve obviously been to some cool VIP parties – what’s been the best one to date?
So many to choose from but I once went to a party where I met Oprah Winfrey, Steven Tyler and danced with Mick Jagger all in one night – that has to be the craziest party I’ve ever been to!
What have been your career highlights during your time in America so far?
Well, I have to say being on the cover of MAXIM Australia is a huge highlight! But I’ve also been working for Khloé Kardashian as one of the faces of her Good American denim line. It’s been a crazy experience seeing how hard she works behind the scenes – I’m genuinely blown away by how kind, funny and caring she is. I was so intimidated by her but she’s really sweet and cool to work with. I love that she made a line for girls with curves. And last year was also great because I got to do a lot of cool stuff like starring in the video for the Fais & Afrojack song “Used To Have It All” where my character got to kill, rob and steal – it was really gritty and badass. Being able to get dirty and kick some ass is a fun change from being glam all the time.
You’ve actually starred in a few music videos. Do you have a favourite?
Probably Future’s “I Won” featuring Kanye West. I’m a big hip hop fan so working with [director] Hype Williams was also extremely dope – it’s always awesome getting to work with artists that you’re also a big fan of. I also recently did a music video, for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne, where my co-star was my friend and mega-babe Lindsey Pelas – Erika had us pillow fighting with pillow cases stuffed with cash. Definitely one to remember!
Googling now… You also starred in a Carl’s Jr (American fast food burger joint) ad for U.S. TV. which is kind of a big deal, right?
Yes, I featured in their ad for the Bacon 3-Way Burger and I’m still pinching myself that I’m a Carl’s Jr girl. There’s been so many famous Carl’s Jr girls before me – Kim Kardashian, Kate Upton, Paris Hilton… to name a few – and here in America it’s a really big deal to score the campaign. The fact I was given a speaking role, too, was a huge big deal and it’s a dream from when I first moved here as I used to go to Carl’s Jr all the time to get their Crispy Star-Shaped Chicken nuggets to cheer me up when I was missing home.was missing home.
For the full article grab the February 2017 issue of MAXIM, in stores from January 19 to February 16.
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