Alexandra Valas is 50 years old and only started her modelling career last year – but you wouldn’t know it by her editorial covers or catwalk presence. The statuesque ‘mature-aged’ modelling star in the making, Alexandra is a true ‘beauty’; her kindness, sincerity and inclusive nature shines from deep within to radiate an outward charm to match her gorgeous heart of gold. Refreshingly, Alexandra is all positivity and zero pretence. Beginning her modelling career with Melbourne-based designer stockist boutique, Wesson, headed by celebrity stylist Geri Leijon for nearly five decades, Alexandra soon became a staple on Wesson’s Style By Wesson events around the country. Alexandra has powered through a successful year that saw her doing numerous catwalks, editorial shoots and marketing campaigns. She has her sights set on the major Australian fashion weeks and wants to support local designers, as well as continuing to be a role model for people of all ages. It was a pleasure to sit down with Alexandra to chat all things fashion, women supporting women and how a collaborative spirit in the modelling game is the best way to approach the industry.

How long have you been modelling for and how did this career journey begin for you?

I started over a year ago. I was phoned at the 11th hour as one of Australia’s top stylists, Geri Leijon from Wesson boutique, needed someone to walk her runway show in Canberra. So I was a last minute fill in and being close to turning 50, I actually never though I’d hear from Geri again. I resigned to thinking I was a model for a day and thoroughly enjoyed the moment – but then Geri asked me to tour Australia with her! It’s all taken off from there.

What inspired you to start modelling later in life?

Watching Geri work her magic backstage; her team, all the stylists, her sister – the love and camaraderie in the room made me realise that I need role models who are older and wiser than me to look up to. They gave me the insight and gift to start modelling. They taught me that’s it’s never too late to inspire someone’s life… so that’s what I want to do and modelling has become that vehicle.

Do you feel that your confidence levels grew with time and has that aided in your assured and empowered approach to modelling?

Absolutely YES! Wesson has aided me more than anything. I also had a wonderful mentor named Danielle Cleary who helped me with posing and working the camera. It’s not a natural process for me to be extroverted and flirty. Who I am on stage and in front of the camera has been like an alter ego, however it is becoming easier and social media is something I’m learning as well.

How do you approach your modelling jobs – what kind of mantra do you have running through your head when you are working?

I want to be able to connect with people, not just be a person who is there for my own ego. I wish to encompass the whole process. I see all the different layers and hard work that goes into the production: from the cleaner and the lighting technician, to the couture designer… these are all equal human souls in my eyes. My mantra would be, “I am NOT the star of the show, we ALL are.”

You have a very natural and calming yet highly professional presence when modelling; you are aware of an audience and interact with them in such a way that makes them feel closer to the garments and the storytelling of an outfit. You highlight the outfits and know how to work the camera. It takes some models years to perfect their walk on a catwalk or in front of the camera, yet you have nailed the art form in a short time. What can you attribute this to and does it feel as effortless as it looks?

Why thank you Lara that’s such a beautiful thing to say. I think I just decided to surrender to the journey, to feel grateful. To love the audience and make them feel special and beautiful as well, (we can’t all look like supermodels) but that doesn’t make anyone less equal. I also am a big believer in predestined events; things are placed into the palms of our hands, however it is then up to us to choose what we do with them. I have been nervous and made errors sometimes, but it’s been a wonderful way to learn. ‘A blessing or a lesson’ – that mindset has made it easier for me. 

Being a role model for ‘mature models’ and ‘women over 50’ has enabled you in turn to be a source of inspiration for women of all ages. What has been the most rewarding part of your modelling journey so far?

Meeting Rhonda Burchmore, she is someone I look up to and is an amazing Australian whom is still working in the industry after all this time. She rewards me every day with her beautiful loving heart as she gives me motivation to keep going.

You are a big advocate for supporting others in the fashion industry. What has been the best part of this industry for you and what are you most grateful for?

The best part was when Australian designer of Blinged, Victoria Pajouhesh, named one of her head pieces after me – the Alexandra Crown – that has been the ‘ultimate highlight’. I’m also most grateful for the CEO of ROYALLE MODELLING, George Bastoli, for taking me on board at my age and seeing the potential in me. ROYALLE is one of the best agencies we have in Australia/internationally and he is constantly working, communicating and delivering advice. 

What does ‘beauty’ mean to you and what attributes would you associate with this term?

I think there is a great deal of admiration in this world, however there’s a difference between admiring someone and looking up to someone. For me, true beauty lies within. If I can touch someone’s heart in a way that changes their vulnerability or makes them feel more valid and empowered, then I have done my job on this earth. To lead by love and example… that’s true beauty. 

What do you do daily for your overall health and wellbeing?

I stay positive, happy, I eat very disciplined, exercise accordingly. I don’t drink alcohol, I meditate and pray every day. I follow an amazing group of mentors on media, I’m very selective of the energy and beliefs I allow into my soul. I laugh every day – my friends, who understand my sense of humour, are my refuge.

You have been featured in international fashion magazines for editorial shoots and runway/salon edits for Australian luxury brand stockist, Wesson. What has been a career highlight to date?

Flying around Australia with Wesson and staying in luxurious hotels wearing high-end designer European and Australian designers, like Stanzee, Oglia Loro, Hugo Boss, Max Mara and Karl Lagerfeld. Shooting at the iconic Manchester Unity Building in Melbourne wearing couture gowns with an internationally published photographer… I still can’t believe I got to experience that moment and the photos hold a very special place in my heart.

What would you love to achieve next with your modelling career?

Australian Fashion week, work for more Australian designers, more international work and magazine editorials.

What advice do you have for any men or women wanting to get into the modelling industry, especially as a model over 50?

Age holds profound peace – it’s a settlement – once we accept that we no longer need to try to be younger or something we are not, we become authentic. The world needs more mature-aged models, we are all in this together. I love looking up to people in my age bracket. The stimulating conversation, not to mention the audience feedback, has been that they want diversity as it aids more of a connection. We are not a forgotten demographic (and I need more model friends my age), so absolutely get into the modelling world! 

QUICK RANDOM QUESTIONS:

– Favourite fashion designer? Lucy Laurita from Australian label Oglia Loro .

– Designer runway you’d love to walk for? Alex Perry. 

– First celebrity crush? Hugh Jackman, hands down. Nice guy always wins.

– Favourite place to holiday in the world? Saint Paul de Vence in France &  all of ITALY!

– 90’s trend you wish would make a comeback? I LOVE a good choker necklace. They always add a little theatrical element to a garment  and I would LOVE the return of SIZZLER cheese bread! Haha, I know it’s food but I’ve never been the same since Sizzler restaurants left our shores. 🙂

– Favourite model? Aussie Sarah O’Hare – a natural beauty.

– Motto you live by? Integrity always wins.