The recent star of Fashion Quarterly’s autumn cover and opulent Sydney photoshoot, Shenise Breslin, hails from the United Kingdom. A chance discovery led her into modelling, and her career to date has allowed her to live and travel across Europe, Australia, and soon, the United States.
We catch up with Shenise, who gives us a glimpse into her personal life, the skincare products she swears by, and what it was like working with the talented crew behind the autumn Fashion Quarterly photoshoot, led by powerhouse photographer and stylist duo Steven Chee and Marina Didovich.
Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up, and how did you get your start in modelling?
I grew up in a small village about an hour outside of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. It was nothing more than a petrol station and a post office, surrounded by farmland and forests.
When I left school I went to college, where I was approached by a make-up artist who gave me my first insight to the industry. I worked with her for a while before she took me to London to sign with my first agency, and the rest is history!
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as effortless. I prefer dressing for comfort — think double denim, pants, shirts. And it wouldn’t be a ‘Shenise’ look if I didn’t include an oversized blazer!
I always gravitate to designers like YSL or Celine for accessories. For clothing, I love Australian brand Sir The Label.
What was it like being on the Fashion Quarterly autumn cover shoot?
It was such a beautiful day. The creative team behind the images are some of my favourite people in the industry, and the styling was pretty much my dream wardrobe. How can you not love a Chanel cardigan.
Tell us about your modelling career highlights – any memories you’d like to share?
I’m really grateful for all the experiences I have had as a model, and for all the amazing brands that have supported my journey so far.
A massive highlight for me is my recent signing to IMG New York. I’m planning on moving there in the coming months. I’m lucky enough to have lived in Milan, London and Sydney, and now I’m ready for a new adventure. The best is yet to come.
What do you love the most about Sydney, and where are your favourite places?
I love the work-life balance of living in Sydney. Some days I can experience the hustle of the city, and others I can clear my mind at the beach.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day looks a little different, but I like to do the Bondi walk with my matcha in hand if I’m not working.
You will then find me running errands, answering emails, or with my little dog Koda at the beach.
How do you balance working and keeping well?
I take care of myself with regular workouts and a balanced diet, and I like to listen to my body. If I’m feeling tired or overworked, I will make a conscious effort to take the time and give myself what I need.
I have learned to accept that no one is superhuman, and it’s ok to take a break if you need it.
How do you deal with being in the limelight on social media?
I’m still learning when it comes to social media. I can find it really overwhelming at times, so I limit my usage.
I try not to be too hard on myself and make sure that I’m only posting what I like or makes me happy.
What’s your current skincare routine?
I always start my day by cleaning with Bioderma micellar water. Then, I use the Cosrx advanced snail 96 mucin power essence and the Soon Jung 2x barrier intensive cream (my trusty power duo). I’m obsessed with Korean beauty.
If I have a bit more time in the morning, I like to ice my face for about 30 seconds before starting my routine. It really wakes me up, and I always see an improvement in skin texture if I’m icing regularly.
One day you want to start a skincare brand. Tell us more.
Skincare has been my passion since forever. My mum raised me always to take good care of my skin. It all spiralled from there.
Originally I wanted to be a dermatologist and was training at the same time as modelling in the early stages of my career. Eventually, I started modelling full time, but I knew that I always wanted to revisit that passion in the form of my own skincare line at some point.
It’s a really exciting journey, and I can’t wait to see what the next ten years will look like.
To discover the opulent looks from Shenise Breslin’s cover shoot, pick up a copy of the Fashion Quarterly autumn issue — on sale now.
