By Justice Jones
A 23 year old model and student currently based in Sydney, Australia.
Firstly, how did you first get into modelling?
When I was about 14 and going to school in Bali I signed with an agency called Balistarz. I wasn’t working constantly, juggling school and everything, but it was a great experience and I did some really cool jobs.
You grew up in Bali, tell us what that was like!
It was amazing, Bali is such a beautiful and special place that is very important to me and my identity. It’s home without a doubt. I went to a small international school, and made friends that are still my best friends today and I know always will be. It’s a community, like a family and I am so so grateful for that.
How were you at school? Was it something you enjoyed?
I loved the social side of school. I was really into the academic side until about 9th grade, then it became more about friends and weekends. But I had great teachers and looking back my school experience was really special.
Where were you born?
I was born in Hong Kong. My parents are Australian but met in Hong Kong and lived there for many years. It’s a great city, still very close to my heart and I would love to live there again one day.
By the way, you have such a unique name, I love it!
Thank you! My grandmother was French and apparently INSISTED on it!
I’ve never met anyone called Pascale before!
Anyway, what inspired you to model?
The idea of becoming a model was always there. There was always one of my mum’s Vogue’s or InStyles laying around for me to flip through and I always dreamed of being in them one day. I loved fashion magazines, not just the pictures, but the layout and whole attitude.
You mentioned to me before that you are not the first person in your family to be a part of the modelling world.
Do you think having your mum work in the industry assisted you or kick started your career?
Yes, definitely. She has been so inspiring to me all my life, not just because she is one of the most stylish and elegant women that I know, but she has always supported and encouraged me. She started working for June Dally-Watkins at Dally’s agency in Brisbane in the late 70’s, before opening their Hong Kong agency. This was all before I was born, but she and June are special friends to this day, and June has been a real mentor for me growing up, my “fairy god mother”. I was very lucky.
What is the toughest criticism you have faced modeling?
The biggest thing for me has always been my height. I’m 5’6, which in the modelling world isn’t very tall. When I was looking for agencies in Sydney, they all told me my height was an issue. Then I found The Agency, and they have been so supportive and it’s great to see that the industry is now opening up to shorter girls.
If you weren’t a model what would you be?
Well, I know what I wouldn’t be! The idea of a 9 to 5 job is my absolute worst nightmare. Dabbling in lots of different things really appeals to me; I love photography, writing, art. I’m back to university this year doing a Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies and working on a few personal projects to do with environmental and cultural conservation. I’d love to work with, or establish my own NGO one day.
How do you feel about university? Is it something you enjoy?
During my first degree I wasn’t really invested in it, I guess I wasn’t really sure why I was there. I’m putting a lot more effort in this time around and I’m really excited about it.
Are you part of any societies?
I’m a member of the Enviro Collective and the South East Asian Society.
What does a typical uni outfit look like for you?
Something comfortable. Denim shorts or comfy long pants, a simple shirt. In winter, something snuggly. Snuggliness is key!
Tell us, what are you passionate about?
The environment, human rights, animals. Equality in general, and respect for other cultures and ways of life. Compassion and love. Life is incredible and I couldn’t be more fascinated.
Describe your personality in three words.
Gentle, happy, curious.
If you were given $10 000 to go towards any charity or issue of your choice, what would it be and why?
Thats a tough one. I think I would have to know how that money was being used as a lot of the issues that I care about, particularly to do with the environment, can’t just be fixed with donations. Sure they help, but I think what’s really crucial is a global collective shift in perspective. This is the only Earth we have, and it deserves to be respected and looked after the way it looks after us. It really upsets me when people treat the environment like it’s only there to serve our human needs. It’s an organism, and we are just one part of the whole thing.
What do you do to stay fit?
I try to run or go for a walk outdoors every day, I have a little circuit along the river near my house that I love.
Tell us about some of your biggest and favourite shoots?
One of my favourite shoots was with Nat Cottee, a really raw and fun shoot in a Bondi apartment that was featured on Fashion Gone Rogue. I also did a Glue Store campaign a while ago that was on bus-backs in Melbourne and Sydney which was exciting. Working with Pierre Toussaint was also a big one, more recently for the Goldwell campaign, but the first time was for Love Want magazine, which I love.
Coolest encounter with a photographer?
I was in Portofino with my family when I was about 15. We saw a photoshoot happening in the piazza looking down from our apartment. My mum and I went to check it out, and it turned out to be Gemma Ward and Josh Hartnett being photographed by Mario Testino. I was very shy but introduced myself. They were all so lovely. I told Mario that I would love to work with him one day.
Have you had any other jobs growing up, other than modelling?
Mainly just in hospitality. Cafes and restaurants, and a few bar jobs.
WOULD YOU RATHER . . .
LOS ANGELES or LONDON ?
London
BEACH or CITY ?
Beach
DOGS or CATS ?
Cats
PINK or BLUE ?
Blue
WHITE CHOCOLATE or DARK CHOCOLATE?
Dark Chocolate
MUSIC or DANCE?
Music
MOVIES or BOOKS?
Both.
JAMES FRANCO or ASHTON KUTCHER?
James Franco a million times over.
TO WALK IN A VICTORIA SECRET or CHANEL SHOW?
Victoria’s Secret.
Instagram: @Justiceejones, @pascaleceline
Images: Lenni Zeelenburg, Dakota Gordon
