Australian top model Julia Nobis is one cover star of Harper’s Bazaar US’ May 2023 ‘’The Beauty Issue’’, captured through the discerning lens of Amy Troost. The cover showcases Nobis in a minimalist yet striking JW Anderson white pillow t-shirt, paired with exquisite earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels.
The cover story, orchestrated by stylist Tony Irvine, sees Nobis modeling a diverse range of designs from iconic fashion houses like Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, Junya Watanabe, Gucci, Hermès, Stella McCartney, Balenciaga, Moschino and Chanel.
The beauty team, featuring hair stylist Esther Langham, make-up artist Mark Carrisquillo, and manicurist Michina Koide, subtly complements the fashion narrative with fresh and understated looks. In charge of casting is Anita Bitton with set design by Peter Klein.
Growing up in Australia, Julia Nobis admired iconic models like Miranda Kerr and Elle Macpherson. Their sun-kissed, curvaceous figures were the embodiment of beauty in her formative years. However, as she matured, her understanding of beauty evolved, becoming more expansive and inclusive.
As a child, Nobis didn’t see herself as beautiful. In her family, the use of make-up was minimal, usually restricted to a touch of mascara. She was introduced to the more theatrical expressions of beauty through her journey in the modeling industry. From her unique vantage point, she discovered that beauty could be found in the unconventional – from bold, ‘out-there’ make-up to the asymmetry that challenges traditional aesthetic norms.
The beauty Julia Nobis finds in her surroundings often defies mainstream norms. She cherishes beauty in everyday objects, in nature, and in life’s simple, subtle moments. For instance, she treasures the natural elegance of moss, and even shared a story of how she once rescued a displaced moss from a trail, giving it a new home in a terrarium.
Nobis is an ardent advocate for hydration and the occasional indulgence in face masks. However, she admits her lack of experience with make-up, attributing it to her upbringing and her lack of necessity to learn the art. Her recent fascination with facial massages, sparked by an encounter at a Fendi show, is an example of her ongoing exploration of beauty rituals.
Her career in modeling has given her opportunities to work closely with legendary make-up artist, Pat McGrath, whom she admires for her understated personal style and transformative make-up artistry. Recalling a particular look from a Miu Miu show, she marveled at how McGrath’s makeup magic could morph her face into something entirely different, pushing her understanding of makeup beyond mere mascara.
Despite her profession’s intense scrutiny of physical appearance, Nobis maintains a healthy perspective, crediting her upbringing that didn’t emphasize physical adornment. She emphasizes the importance of accepting that perfection is not a daily achievement, and that our faces, like our lives, encompass a diverse range of appearances and expressions.
Perhaps one of her most poignant experiences was when a make-up artist confessed that Nobis’s distinctive features inspired her to join the fashion industry. The artist, who shared a similar nose shape, was moved by seeing such features celebrated on the runway. This interaction underscored for Nobis the power of diverse representations of beauty in influencing and empowering others.
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