Aussie model and former Perth girl Jessica Gomes is pictured at Crown Towers today ahead of a fashion event at Claremont Quarter.
Every time Jessica Gomes returns to Perth, she experiences a wave of nostalgia, savoring Western Australia’s “fresh air and long, hot summer days.” The Sydney-born but Perth-raised model has come back to her roots to headline a spring-summer fashion soirée at Claremont Quarter on Thursday.
The cocktail party-style event will showcase the latest seasonal looks, with Gomes engaging with guests about her fashion style, beauty tips, and her enduring love for Perth. The 39-year-old, who currently resides in Byron Bay, expressed her affection for returning home, where she often spends summer holidays reconnecting with family who still live in the area.
“I just love the clear blue skies here, and the open air. And it just feels like home, this is where I grew up. So it’s very nostalgic,” Gomes shared. “I do miss the beaches. We have really beautiful beaches, and they’re very quiet and they feel very kind of isolated. And that’s what I love. I love that it’s so clean and fresh here, and I miss those really long, hot summer days, like 40 degrees, and then the wind sets in.”
From Local Roots to International Stardom
Jessica Gomes is an internationally recognized model, having appeared in Sports Illustrated eight times. Her modeling journey began at the tender age of ten, and she credits Perth with shaping her decades-long career that has taken her around the globe.
Gomes moved to Greenmount Hill when she was three years old and soon found a passion for the creative industry through local fashion shows and TV commercials. “There was a fashion community that I was a part of throughout school, so I already felt like I was in the industry for a while, until I went overseas, and got signed to an international agency, and I went to Asia and New York,” she explained.
“So it’s kind of interesting. I feel like I am like a child model, you know, now, like a child actor, like I started really young, I kind of was already building my skill set, so it feels like I’ve just been in this industry my whole life,” Gomes added.
The Allure of Creativity and Travel
For Gomes, modeling is more than just a career; it’s a passion that has allowed her to explore the world and meet diverse people. “I love the creativity. I love the freedom. I love that I’ve been able to travel the world. I love the different people that I’ve been able to meet. I love that you never know where it’s going to take you, as much as that’s also scary,” she said.
Her return to Perth for the Claremont Quarter event is a full-circle moment, as she now stands as a prominent figure in the fashion industry, representing an iconic shopping precinct in her hometown. “But I think it’s been a good ride for me, and I feel like it’s such a blessing, and it’s so amazing to come back and to be working for Claremont Quarter, and such an iconic kind of staple in Perth. Obviously, I just feel really excited to be back and fronting a big shopping precinct like that,” Gomes remarked.
Looking Ahead
As Jessica Gomes continues to build her career, her connection to Perth remains strong. Her story is a testament to the opportunities that can arise from humble beginnings and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots. The Claremont Quarter event not only highlights her achievements but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring models in Perth and beyond.
With her return, Gomes brings a touch of international glamour to Perth, while also reminding locals of the beauty and potential within their own city. As she continues to navigate the fashion world, her journey serves as a beacon of possibility, showing that with passion and perseverance, the world truly is one’s oyster.
