HERALD SUN
Don’t expect Elyse Knowles to call Melbourne home again.
The model and reality TV star, who has just re-signed as the face of Myer, says she’s loving her new life in Byron Bay with partner Josh Barker. And she expects the move to be permanent.
“We love it up here, Josh has started his business up here and it’s going well,” Knowles said.
But the move comes with almost weekly travel for work as Knowles lives her dream of partnering with Myer.
The department store is getting set to ramp up its media, marketing and in-store events following a low-key six months.
While Myer opted out of a glamour autumn winter launch event for the first time earlier this year, Knowles says she is excited about plans the retailer has for the second half of the year and beyond.
“I think for the last six months it’s been a bit up in the air and they’ve been finding their direction and they’ve found it now. They’re launching a whole new group of brands, there’s a whole new refresh and rebrand,” she says.
“Everything is really happy and positive, it’s a really nice environment to be around. Spreading the positive energy is going to get people wanting to come back into Myer.”
MYER chief customer officer Geoff Ikin says they’re thrilled to have re-signed Knowles for the new season and beyond.
“Elyse’s down-to-earth attitude, natural beauty, effortless sense of style and authentic love of life make her one of Australia’s most relatable and trusted faces,” he says.
While remaining tight-lipped on the new deal, it is understood Knowles has been locked in for a period longer than the previous 12-month contract.
“I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity. They really celebrate individuality and let my personality shine,” she says.
The 26-year-old beauty admits revealing some of her personal thoughts and experiences has landed her into hot water this year.
Instagram posts showing her handing a banana to a homeless man and criticising a patient for smoking outside a hospital garnered negative feedback and lead her to remove them soon after posting.
She says being in the spotlight has its ups and downs and she has learnt from those experiences.
“I think your life is a journey and you have to learn from your mistakes along the way. I try to portray real life. Nothing’s perfect, we are all human, we have our ups and downs.”