International Model Bree Warren Says, “Everyone has those moments of self-doubt and times you wish you could wave a magic wand but at the end of the day, you need to have faith in yourself.”

Bree Warren grew up in Brisbane, Australia. She is a newcomer on the international modeling scene after spending three years studying Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Journalism before taking up modeling full-time in late 2010. Bree is currently signed with Wilhelmina NYC, Brigitte Models Germany, Hughes Models London, Dallys Models Brisbane, and BGM in Sydney. She comes from a really sporty family and has grown up playing loads of different sports. After high school at age 18, she traveled the world on a gap year visiting twenty different countries and has even spent time surfing in Canary Islands, Hawaii, and Bali. Bree wants to encourage young women to have confidence in themselves.

Please tell us how you started your career as a model. Was modeling something that you always wanted to pursue and why?

I was approached when I was shopping in Brisbane and a few days later, I signed with Dallys. At the time, I was at a university and working part-time for a TV station, so it started off as a side project. In July 2010, I decided I wanted to try modeling full-time so I booked a flight to NYC and signed with Wilhelmina. It has all gone on from there.

Obviously I knew about modeling, and I have always loved fashion but I wouldn’t say it’s something that I had always wanted to do. I was given a couple of agency cards when I was a teenager but I was really busy with school and sports so I never did anything about it.

What does the term ‘plus’ model mean to you? Do you think of term “Plus” as offensive?

Modeling (like any industry) has different roles and requirements, ‘plus’ is just one of those. The term doesn’t faze me at all. Models can be plus, straight, editorial, runway, commercial, or catalogue and it’s all part of the job. There’s a really big range in shapes and sizes even for plus models so if anything it keeps the fashion industry interesting. I don’t really think it should be thought of as one vs. the other. Curves or no curves – there is definitely room for both!

What do you enjoy most about modeling?

Every time you work, it’s totally different. I like the travel, variety, and fast pace of it all.

In terms of your career, where would you love to see yourself in 5 years? Who would you LOVE to work with and why?

I would love to say I’m someone who has everything planned out and organized…but I’m so not. I don’t like to get too far ahead of myself so I’m just taking the opportunities and doing the best I can. Hopefully, I will be working with some big names and travelling to beautiful places.

Do you have any funny modeling stories you would like to share with us?

I once wore a dress made out of chocolate by couture designer Richard De Chazal. It was quite funny because it was a hot day and the bodice kept melting in the sun during the press conference.

Is there one person you have met in this industry that has had a positive impact on your life in a big way?

I don’t think there is any one person but the industry has so many creative and engaging people who have a lot to offer. I almost take something different away from each person I meet.

Do you have a favorite workout routine?

Ha ha. I wouldn’t call it a ‘favourite’ but I try to fit in the gym whenever I can. Unfortunately, most of the fun outdoor workouts don’t go so well with the London winter.

What has been the piece of advice you have ever been given?

Be confident with who you are, work with what you have, and most of all be a nice person.

Have you ever suffered from body image or self-esteem issues? If so, what advice would you give to young girls and women who are currently struggling?

Everyone has those moments of self-doubt and times you wish you could wave a magic wand but at the end of the day, you need to have faith in yourself. Sometimes life can be a little suffocating so work out what your strengths are and use them. Don’t waste time with the rest.

What kinds of pressures do you see the girls in your life facing these days? What can we, as mentors, do to better address these issues?

This is hard because the pressures really vary from girl to girl. I think the key is to stay positive and levelheaded about everything in your life. Negativity only attracts more negativity.

Who taught you about real beauty?

My mum. She is so bubbly and always looks amazing despite having one of the most basic beauty regimes I have ever seen. You don’t need all the extras to be beautiful.

What do you wish you would have known at the age of 13?

Don’t wish your life away. Enjoy the age you’re at! Oh and look after your teeth.

Were you ever made fun of or teased as a child?

Of course, there is always the odd joke at your expense but nothing major no. To be honest, I managed to steer pretty clear of all that. I have always been taught to rise above it and treat people how you would like to be treated.   

What is a fun fact about you?

I’ve been mistaken for Nadine Coyle (from Girls Aloud) in London but it doesn’t last long because my accent totally gives it away.

What do you love about living in London?

It is so much fun! There is always so much to do. Sometimes I actually get a bit worried because I don’t want to miss out on anything.

On a day off, how would your perfect day be spent in London?

Brunch at Borough Markets, shopping at Portobello road, and a night out with all my friends anywhere with a good view.

Lipstick or Lip gloss?

‘Melon Mania’ Luminous Lip Veils by Napoleon Perdis

My beauty essentials are…

Benefit Posie Cheek tint, Dior Show Mascara, and Tigi Rockaholic Dry Shampoo.

What is your go-to outfit?

Flowy top, skinny jeans, colourful scarf, and blazer or leather jacket.

What are your favorite pair of jeans?

Bettina Liano

Where do you love to shop for clothes?

New York and London are amazing but sometimes I find the best items in very odd places so my eyes are always peeled. Actually, I’m pretty sure I could find something to buy anywhere. It’s a little bit of a problem!

How would you describe your style?

It goes from one extreme to the other. I don’t think your wardrobe should have rules. I am just as happy at charity shops and flea markets as I am in Marc Jacobs. I am generally pretty casual but I dress it up with chunky jewelry or heels.

What are your favorite sites to visit online?

It’s geeky but I visit the news websites all the time. I like to know what’s going on and it keeps me sane. Style wise I would say Fashiongonerogue.com and Style.com are my favourites. Aside from that, I am on You Tube way too much.

What are you listening to right now?

Passion Pit, Band of Horses, and I have been playing Rolling in the deep by Adele a ridiculous amount of times lately.

What does being healthy mean to you?

Finding the balance between eating well, exercise, and a fun social life.

What makes you uniquely beautiful? What do you love about yourself and why?

I am a pretty happy, easy-going person, and nothing really stresses me out.

In my purse you would find…

A really big mess. I keep bits and pieces of everything. It works well for me but other people might think it’s a bit of a disaster.

What is one of your favorite childhood memories?

Definitely family holidays. My dad has this thing about going to different beaches wherever we are in the world. I have probably been to every single beach on the East Coast of Australia at least once.

What are you excited about right now?

Working in Sydney for a couple of weeks, a holiday in Byron Bay with a big bunch of friends, and finding a new apartment in London!

*Thank you, Bree.