Pedestrian TV

Rachel Rutt Talks Ant Bites, Wardrobe Staples and Helicopter Head  November 2, 2009

Where would we be without multiculturalism? Tetsuya Wakuda's fusion cuisine, which owes as much to classic French cooking techniques as it does to a distinctly Japanese approach, wouldn't exist. Neither would circa '71 Can a Krautrock band from Cologne, Germany fronted by a Japanese busker with poor English. Alexander McQueen's stunning Fall'08 collection? A theatrical fusion of British tailoring and Indian craftsmanship that showed in Paris. Or how about The Motorcycle Diaries a biopic about an Argentinian, starring a Mexican and Directed by a Brazilian.

Suffice to say we owe a lot to coalescing cultures but perhaps the most beautiful exponent of East meets West multiculturalism is Rachel Rutt. A 19 year old model who was born in Hong Kong to a Singaporean Mother and English Father before moving to Australia at 15 years of age. We caught up with Rutt to discuss wardrobe staples, the "helicopter head" phenomenon and that whole "next big thing" tag...

How did you get into modelling? I only finished high school last year. I joined my mother agency (Chic) in 2008 and was enrolled to study Fine Arts at university before the opportunity to travel came up.

What do you do to pass the time backstage at a show? I write letters and draw.

Wardrobe staples? A thermal shirt, a blue trenchcoat that was given to me by a friend of my mother's, its a favourite. A parrot broach from my brother, my boyfriend's tee-shirt, a hologram necklace. I like to wear things that have little personal memories attached to them, that make me feel closer to the people I know and love, even when I'm very far away from them.

Do you hang out with any of the other Australian models when you're overseas? I try to but its also great to meet people from other exotic places as well.

What's been the most fun job you've worked on so far and why? I always love working with my favourite photographer in the whole wide world Aussie Jordan Graham. He's a Westie, like me, who introduced the "helicopter head" phenomenon and I've never looked back since. Best job ever was when we shot a summer story down at one of Cronulla's beaches and I got ant bites all over my bum. One sweet sweet memory.

Who's your greatest style influence? Jane Birkin. She is simply beautiful.

What's on your iPod at the moment? Billie Holiday.

What is your secret food indulgence? Its not a secret because I'm telling you now...Potato chips!

How do you prep before a shoot or runway show? Make sure my hair and face is clean.

What's coming up for Rachel Rutt? A beautiful Christmas holiday in chilly London with people I love and want to spend time with! I'm very lucky!

Image via Chic Management