We've always admired Melbourne it-girl Carol Verdi's sense of style so we reached out to her to find out more about her fascinating life. Carol chats to us about her start in the industry, dancing career and love of vintage fashion.
Hi Carol, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do? When did you start ballet?
From a very young age l loved dressing up and moving to music. I found it so much fun and still do! From the age of 5 l started appearing on television. I continued dancing and at 18 l joined The Australian Ballet Company travelling the world.
I lived in London and Paris for 20 years as well where l continued my ballet and found my way into fashion, working for John Cleese as his wardrobe manager for his film company.
Wow! I had no idea, that’s so incredible. We notice you also model a lot! When did modelling start for you?
To my great surprise it really found me unexpectedly at the age of 60 nearly 6 years. The French label Marine Serre contacted me and asked if they could use some of pics for their Instagram page where it was very well received and MFW contacted me, and suggested l should get an agent.
Amazing! And how do you find modelling, particularly in Australia? Do you have any advice for aspiring models?
What l like about a shoot is the creativity and teamwork. I try to bring some of my dance experience into my expression when on a shoot. I love working with Australian fashion houses and the future up and coming fashion designers; I love Dion Lee and am known to visit The Emporium shop a lot! As for the modelling scene in Australia, it has improved but we have a way to go. I feel at my age l should be able to choose my hair colour and look. Noone wants to be stereotyped. Advice for the young - be yourself work hard and don't give up what you love.
Carol in Marine Serre. Photography @midnight__show. Makeup @visionvamp_MUA
What inspires you the most in your career?
I'm inspired by McQueen, Westwood and Bowie. I love 60s-70s fashion plus a good pair of flares! My ballet teachers Dame Margaret Scott and Sulamith Messerer gave me the appreciation for art and life in general.
Wow, such incredible people to learn ballet from. You also love vintage fashion like we do! Tell us a bit about that.
If I could l would vintage shop every day. My furniture is a collection of deco and 70s pieces. Like my vintage clothes my collection's all have a story. Which makes everything special to me. When buying clothes l love edgy fashion which probably reflects my 20 years living in London, seeing the birth of Punk, Goth and New Romantics emerge.
Amazing! And what is your favourite vintage piece in your wardrobe?
My favourite vintage purchase recently which l adore is a D&G denim bustier top with leather skirt from guess where?? IRVRSBL! For me, clothes express you. l am and the way l like to live!
So true! And that bustier looks incredible on you. Okay, last but not least, any exciting projects coming up that you can share with us soon?
I'm very excited at the moment and looking forward to modelling at the beautiful Bloch Arcade for The National Trust shop Vault on the 24th of June. It is at 12.30pm and there are 2 shows. See you there!
Follow Carol on Instagram here
