Jordana Ashkenazi is a fashion model, actress, television host, radio presenter and DJ from Sydney, Australia. Being a popular television host in Australia we were excited to find out about Jordana’s experiences in the entertainment and fashion industries and also we keen to give her an opportunity to showcase her work. Read the full interview below to discover what Jordana is hoping to achieve for the rest of this year, what motivates her to follow her chosen career and how an appearance on the hit Australian TV show Beauty and the Geek made her ill.
Jordana Ashkenazi
Ralph Lauren - Romance
Q: How did you get into fashion modeling?
I started when I was 15 by joining an agency based in Sydney and have been a model, actor and singer since.
Q: How was 2010 for you?
2010 was a great year for me as I was featured in some big Aussie TV shows, film clips and had a lot of print and catwalk modeling gigs. I also landed my first gig on radio and worked with Ridge Radio and Bondi FM as an Announcer and a DJ.
Q: Who inspires you?
Probably Elle Macpherson as she is so successful in the industry but still remains down to earth. She is also very nurturing and encouraging to new models looking to enter the industry on Australia’s Next Top Model.
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
I love Thierry Muglar as his designs are really out there but so feminine and sexy at the same time. I also love Versace and Pucci.
Jordana Ashkenazi
Jordana Ashkenazi
Sisley
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
Swimsuit gigs on location in the middle of winter can be hard work so in that case I would like the studio.
Q: Do you have an interesting stories about a particular photo shoot, or a casting you’d like to share?
I was a model for the TV show Beauty and the Geek and we had to play a prank on the geeks for the day. The shoot was extremely uncomfortable as it was the middle of winter, raining, freezing cold and I had to get in and out of an outdoor pool in a swimsuit. When I got out of the pool I had to pretend like it was the middle of summer and have one of the Geeks rub coconut oil all over my back and legs. The shoot went from 5am – 6pm and I was shivering the whole day. The next day I woke up with a massive flu and was sick for a week straight!
Q: How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
I make sure that I have had plenty of rest, drink lots of water so that my skin is in good condition and so that I don’t have suitcases under my eyes!
Jordana Ashkenazi
Jordana Ashkenazi
Givenchy - Very Irresistible
Buy: Givenchy -- Very Irresistible
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
Yes one of me on location at the beach in an aqua bikini. I love the lighting and the colours in the picture. It all works well together.
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
I have two. One would be Dave Sheerman as I did a great shoot with him in the studio and I love what he does to photographs in terms of lighting and colours and also Monique Chua as she shot my favorite modeling picture and has a great creative eye when it comes to photos.
Jordana Ashkenazi
Jordana Ashkenazi
Jordana Ashkenazi
Dior - Miss Dior Cherie
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with?
Yes. I would love to do a Victoria’s Secret shoot or show and work with one of my favourite models, Laetitia Casta. I really like her look and her style and she is able pull of high fashion shoots whilst being extremely womanly and sexy. I like models with curves.
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
I have always loved fashion and have always liked to be up to date and express myself through my wardrobe. I guess fashion shapes the style of person you are in some ways and shows a lot about your personality and who you are as a person.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
My style is quite feminine and fitted. I like a bit of high fashion with classic pieces that don’t date and are good quality.
Q: Where are you based?
Sydney, Australia.
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
Fabulous. Sydney is such a vibrant exciting city you can feel the energy all around you. There is always something happening.
The harbour and the beaches are magnificent and I am doubly lucky because I live a few streets from Bondi Beach.
Jordana Ashkenazi
Jordana Ashkenazi
Tommy Hilfiger
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
I have just been selected for a reality TV show based in Sydney around a VIP bodyguard service for celebrities so this is definitely a highlight as I will be playing the part of the Business Manager. I’m looking forward to the show going into production later this year. Another highlight would have to be releasing the single Close to Heaven with producer Stonebridge. This went to the top of a number of club charts in Europe.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
I am currently a TV presenter for a show called Psychic TV that is across 4 networks at the moment so I’m hoping that this show will grow even more and lead me to more presenting work. I am also hoping that the reality show takes off in Australia as we plan to then do the show in LA and Vegas if all goes to plan.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I live on Bondi Beach so in summer Ill head to the beach and lap up the sun. In winter just watching TV will do it for me.
Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?
I have about 10,000 songs or more as I am extremely passionate about music but I must say I’m listening to a lot of Armin Van Buuren and Zoe Badwi at the moment and of course Stonebridge.
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
I have a recording studio set up at home so I do a fair but of singing. I’m also a radio announcer and DJ at Bondi FM which I love doing on the side.
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for new or aspiring models what would it be?
Not to take the knockbacks personally. Everyone has a unique look and you can’t appeal to everyone’s taste so stick with it and chances are someone along the way will see you’re potential. It also important to stay motivated as the industry is tough and competitive so you really need to put yourself out there.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
I love being in the entertainment industry and have done since a young age. I feel I am able to express my creativity, do what I love to do and get paid for it!
Jordana Ashkenazi
Jordana Ashkenazi
Burberry
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
Follow you passion and then set and age to make it or bow out and watch what happens …it worked for me.
Editor’s Note: Jordana has an incredibe passion for fashion and the entertainment industry as a whole. With Jordana’s sensuous yet commercial looks as well as poise and eloquence in front of the camera, at Urbanity Chic we’re sure everyone will be seeing a lot more of Jordana in the future.
If you’d like to contact or learn more about Jordana Ashkenazi just follow the links below:
twitter link: http://twitter.com/#!/JordanaAsh
facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jordana-Ashkenazi/157468244291338
myspace link: www.myspace.com/jordanajustdance
starnow: www.starnow.com.au/jordanaashkenazi
modelmayhem: www.modelmayhem.com/jordanaashkenazi
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