Australian Supermodel Nicole Trunfio’s Texas Ranch Life: From Runway Stardom to Rural Romance
- Nicole Trunfio, the Australian model who conquered the global fashion scene, has traded in her high-heels for cowboy boots on her 20-hectare Texas ranch.
- The 39-year-old mother of three has found a new sense of purpose in her rural lifestyle, balancing her fashion label, Bumpsuit, with raising her children and tending to her farm animals.
- Trunfio’s journey from small-town Western Australia to international supermodel is a testament to her determination and hard work, with her big break coming when she won Australian reality TV series Search For A Supermodel in 2002.
Nicole Trunfio’s life is a far cry from the glamour of the fashion world, where she once rubbed shoulders with the likes of Tom Ford and Karl Lagerfeld. The Australian supermodel has traded in her stilettos for cowboy boots and now calls a 20-hectare ranch in Texas home. Sharing her life with husband Gary Clark Jr and their three children, Trunfio has found a new sense of purpose in her rural lifestyle.
It’s not all romance and tranquility, however. Trunfio’s ranch is a working farm, complete with a flock of chickens and a herd of pregnant longhorn cattle. The model turned entrepreneur is hands-on, tending to the animals and managing her fashion label, Bumpsuit, which she launched in 2020. The label has expanded rapidly, offering a range of inclusive clothing options for women, including pregnant and non-pregnant individuals.
Trunfio’s journey to international stardom began when she won Australian reality TV series Search For A Supermodel in 2002. The competition catapulted her onto the global fashion scene, with Tom Ford, then at the helm of Gucci, taking her under his wing. Trunfio’s big break came when she was chosen to walk the Gucci runway, a move that opened doors to other top designers, including Valentino, Cavalli, Missoni, and Versace.
One of the most memorable moments of Trunfio’s career was meeting Karl Lagerfeld, the late creative director of Chanel. The model recounts a humorous anecdote about her first encounter with Lagerfeld, where she didn’t realize who he was until later. Despite the initial misunderstanding, Lagerfeld took Trunfio under his wing, booking her for Chanel and gifting her a coveted Chanel bag.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
Nicole Trunfio’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for young Australians looking to break into the competitive world of fashion. Her success is a testament to hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks. As a role model, Trunfio’s influence extends beyond the fashion industry, promoting a message of empowerment and inclusivity.
Trunfio’s decision to launch her fashion label, Bumpsuit, also highlights the growing demand for inclusive clothing options in Australia. The brand’s focus on technical design and high-performing fabrics has resonated with women from all walks of life, including celebrities like Hailey Bieber.
Security analysts say that Trunfio’s story is a prime example of the Australian spirit, where hard work and determination can lead to success on the global stage. Industry observers believe that her influence will continue to inspire a new generation of young Australians looking to make their mark in the fashion industry.
As Trunfio prepares to return to Australia for a whirlwind trip, she is set to unveil her latest collaboration with bohemian label Spell. The capsule collection marks a new chapter in her fashion career, one that is deeply personal and reflective of her rural lifestyle. With her children in tow, Trunfio is looking forward to sharing her Italian-Australian heritage with them, including the annual “sausage weekend” ritual on her nonno’s farm.
For more on Nicole Trunfio’s journey, read the full interview and see the exclusive shoot in the latest issue of Stellar, out in the Sunday papers.