| Liz Golding Interview |
| Articles - Interviews |
 Interview By Tahnee Brahim When and how did you start modelling? I started modelling relatively late (20), because I had no idea of what it entailed, and I was very shy and self conscious (true). Also I went Nursing after I finished school and was doing my training at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. After I became an RN I listened to numerous people a day tell me I should do some modelling. I thought....well they can't all be mad, and got my girlfriend to take some snapshots of me. I did a Dally's model course, and they knocked me back afterwards, saying I didn't have the potential to work as a model. I walked into another agency called Sabcar soon after, and they thought they could knock me into shape. Apparently I couldn't walk, (this was pretty funny to me, I had been walking all my life pretty much) I think all the sport and my natural lack of grace was making me walk like a "front row forward." A gorgeous man called Robbie Veitch worked on my walk for quite a while, OK months.....and apparently after I got the hang of it, I was able to change my walk to suit the theme of the garment/show better than most. I was on my way. I started working photographically straight away, and soon gave up nursing, (to my parents horror). While I was doing these walking classes I met a photographer called Ian Golding, he did my first portfolio shots. We got married two years later.I modelled until I was 29 and had my first daughter. I was glad to give it up, although for a while I missed the thrill of a big fashion parade. How did you become a stylist? I started styling a year or so after I started modelling, in those days there were no stylists and I was asked by designers, advertising teams and shopping centre marketing managers etc. to help out on shoots that Ian was shooting. I had a great shoe collection and lots of accessories, and I had always been an op shop and vintage devotee. Some of my first jobs were The Wintergarden Catalogue, The Myer Centre catalogue, lots of test shots for models and magazine ads for designers. I started doing hair and makeup along with the styling some years after, because of constant requests that I help out by doing a package deal. I have been doing H & M for about 17 years now. So all self taught, and on the job training. Are there other areas of fashion that you have pursued/wish to pursue? No, I have enough on my plate at the moment. The fashion show co-ordination side of my business is very consuming, I expect that to be the growth area in the future. Did you always want a career in fashion? No, I fell into it, and found I had the skills and temperament to start and pushed myself out of my comfort zone (still do) to learn more along the way. I learn something everyday.... Favourite item in your closet? A black lace top I bought with one of my first pay packets as a nurse. It was from an op shop at Toowong, it cost $17. I still love it, and I love the thrill of the hunt with vintage accessories and fashion. I have two portraits with me wearing it. What is your closet like? We are fortunate to have a big old house, and lots of room. I have a Dressingroom with old cupboards and lots of pidgeonhole shelving for accessories.Everything has a place. Also I have two large wardrobes in a walkthrough area off the dressingroom, and a personal shoe cupboard. One of the downstairs guest rooms has been taken over by parade/shoot shoes and there are four roller suitcases full of shoes for models. The living room downstairs frequently has a couple of racks full of styling work, and accessories everywhere. What are your summer must have pieces? A white cotton swing dress from La La Latrobe, lots of interesting bangles and cuffs. Huge neckpieces from Paula Kyle Walden. Some Nat-sui sandals. Anything from Easton Pearson. Also anything by Rebecca Thompson (I have just discovered her even though she has been designing for 9 years. A straw hat, painted like EP did for their MBFF show.....seriously have to get my paints out. Would you do it all again? Yes all of it....including the nursing. Great women nurses. Also you learn excellent organizational skills and coping skills for intense moments...ha...like backstage drama. I like the perspective I have now after working and studying for such low pay, in sometimes harrowing situations. It makes the fashion industry look sedate. I am grateful to the nine years of "work experience" I had as a model, and the contacts and friends I made during that time. I like the lesson I learnt as a model...."What is one persons perfume is another's poison." There are new challenges I am hoping for in the future, can't say yet....but watch this space.... Visit www.lizgolding.com  We want Liz's wardrobe!!! |
