GQ Girl of the Week!
Feeling SO lucky and special the be the GQ Girl of the Week! Their awesome team took the time to interview me & pick my brains on all things modeling & personal... have a read below & check out the whole article here on GQ ONLINE!
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We spend a lot of time on Instagram (no, really—a lot of time), and when we're not living vicariously through our favorite FOMO-inducing accounts, we're checking on some particularly talented users. So when our GQ casting team finds a ’grammer worth shouting out, we think it's our duty to share him or her with you, dear followers. Today we're soaking up some sun with Australian swimsuit model and sports enthusiast (from boxing to hang-gliding, even motocross) Elyse Knowles, a grab-life-by-the-horns kind of Aussie who, luckily for us, finds time to fit in a stellar modeling career.
Elyse Knowles has two distinct lives: the one in Melbourne, Australia, where she and her boyfriend (and their dog) are busy renovating a house. And the one where she travels the globe making clothes—and lots of bikinis—look damn good. The 23-year-old model seems to love both lives equally, but we wouldn't be surprised to see her sporting an "I'd rather be surfing tee" behind the scenes of her next shoot. It shouldn't be surprising to find that a model has other interests beyond being photographed—duh—but where Knowles stands out is squarely in how radical she is. Point of fact: Swimming with sharks is just another of her workaday challenges. Here, we talk to her about life in front of the camera, as well as behind it. And don't forget to check her out on Instagram, where she'll teach you how to work your core before a photo shoot using just a skateboard.
Where are you right now?
Sitting on my bed eating lunch at my hotel. I have been in the U.S. for two weeks now and have worked every single day! Also, I'm running on jet lag. I think I traveled about 9.3 miles on foot today exploring the city of New York, so my feet are having a well-deserved break.
Where did you grow up?
Melbourne, Australia. I truly love Australia: the beach lifestyle, the sun, and the happy, laid-back people. What’s not to love?
If you weren’t a model, what career would you pursue?
I would probably be a makeup artist, as I've always been creative. I was always the student that did three portfolio subjects instead of one and was the model with one eye open trying to see/figure out what the makeup artist was doing on my face.
What makes you feel sexy?
I feel sexy when I'm in my best shape. That is, feeling healthy and happy from the inside out. Hard work in training really pays off, not only for my body but for my head, i.e. a positive mind. There's nothing better than a confident girl in her own skin. And, of course, when I put on a nice pair of lingerie.
Do you read the comments?
Of course! I love to know what my followers think. It's a great way to learn what works and what doesn't. I always try and reply to most people if they have questions.
How do you spend your time off?
Hanging out with my main man and puppy, Isla. We usually like going to our favorite café and going for a big walk. There's nothing better than switching off all technology for a while and taking it back to nature.
What is your most prized possession?
My dog, Isla, she's my baby. It's funny how much you change when you get your own dog. I never thought I would get this attached.
What is the craziest thing you’ve done on a shoot?
I was shooting in Bora Bora, and the local told me to jump in the water, which had three massive lemon sharks in it. He grabbed my hand and told me to take a big breath, then pulled me down to the shark. After l got over the initial panic, l swam with a six-foot shark, holding its fin. This was a fair effort from me, as I’m not a huge fan of fish.
Where have you never been but want to go?
I would love to travel around Europe. I have never gone over to that side of the world, and the beaches look amazing. Not as good as Australia, but close. ;)
What is your mantra?
I live by the saying "Everything happens for a reason." Not everything in our lives is picture-perfect, but it only guides you in the right direction to be the best version of yourself. Use other people's success to motivate you and to push you harder. The world is your oyster, baby!Luckily for us, she finds time to fit in a stellar modeling career.