Born To Be Wild

Playing fashion rule-breaker, Elyse Taylor takes the season’s rebellious, retro-inspired looks for a spin.

- Faith Campbell

It’s tricky to profile a professional model without referencing her appearance. And, let’s be honest, that’s not unreasonable…

Especially when you consider the physical requirements of the role. But if the thousand words a picture conveys are merely superficial, and a successful modelling career is these days about business and social media savvy as much as looking good, surely it’s worth digging a little deeper to describe the genetically blessed? So, other than listing her obvious attributes, who is Elyse Taylor?

“I grew up in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, between Maroubra and Bronte and those two beach communities,” says the 31-year-old, her sun-bleached blonde hair and tan lending weight to the origin story. Fast-forward through a childhood spent by the sea and Taylor was discovered as a teenager before making the move to New York City at 17—an Aussie model’s rite of passage. “I thought I was invincible,” she says with a laugh. “Miranda Kerr and I lived in this terrible model apartment, it was awful! [Manhattan] is so different from Sydney—I felt very isolated, I cried a lot. But as time passes you slowly make friends and find your way.”

Soon she was working and walking for some of the world’s biggest brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Bottega Veneta, Lanvin, Dolce & Gabbana and, her self-confessed big break, Victoria’s Secret. “VS is a family and everyone really looks after each other,” she reflects. “I will cherish my memories from the commercials and swim trips forever.” She worked with the lingerie giant for six years— no mean feat in a competitive industry in which a Victoria’s Secret contract is considered a career maker.