An insight into the model mother challenging the thoughts of the fashion industry…
Since attending my first Perth Fashion Festival, Tiah Eckhardt has stood out to me for her rare ability to succinctly say what she thinks and challenge the stereotypical Australian model mould with her fiery red hair, curvaceous pin-up figure and definitive facial features. Her blog The Light Of God And Girls gave an intelligent insight into backstage fashion shows and life in love, while her current blogging addiction – The Daily Knicker – is fast becoming an addiction of ours. Covered in beautiful lingerie daily, with witty and informative descriptions, The Daily Knicker is not unlike its author. Whether I spot her walking around Bondi with precious Finley or on the back of the bus showcasing Berlei and brown hair, it’s Tiah’s personality and confidence that draws me in. Join us…
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Tiah Eckhardt, 25, Model, Blogger and Mother
BH: You’re a model slash actress slash writer slash mother. Which has been your favourite so far and why?
TE: They each have their own merits. I couldn’t do one without the others, the vast differences are what keep me sane.
BH: You’ve had a lot of hair colours in photoshoots (through dye and wigs) – why choose red as your constant?
TE: My hair’s naturally a reddish-brown and I dyed it black for years. When I went back to my natural colour then amped it up to a full red is when my career took off. It just suits my personality and it’s hard colour for most people to pull off, but personally it suits me more than anything. I like being different.
BH: How has your beauty and skin care routine since having baby Finley?
TE: It hasn’t really except that maybe I can’t spend as much money on grooming any more. But I actually spend MORE time at home, looking after myself because I’m not always out or working such long hours – it’s worked in my favour! She forces me to be healthy and that’s the first step in any successful beauty routine.
BH: What are essential beauty products for any model bag?
TE: A good make-up remover and moisturiser. Eyelash curler, brow comb, lip stain. Personally I don’t go anywhere without a good sculpting, contouring blush.
BH: What advice can you give to girls who flick through magazines thinking the final product they see is the real way a woman looks?
TE: Movies aren’t real. Fiction novels aren’t real. Fashion and advertising images aren’t real. They are an exaggerated image designed to sell a product which hopefully can make you look close to that. It’s sad but true. But thinking there are people – even models – out there that actually look like that? You might as well believe the Tooth Fairy is walking around somewhere, just hanging out.
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BH: You’ve never been afraid to speak your mind. Why do you think this is important?
TE: I just don’t know any other option. It’s impossible not to. That and you’ve got to have conviction in life and i think in the long-run being honest about who you are is rewarding.
BH: Your writing on The Light Of God And Girls has given a voice to modern-day, choice feminism in the bedroom – do you think a healthy sex-life is reflected in one’s exterior beauty? How?
TE: I think when one’s happy that shows externally. Whether that’s from relaxing, being with friends, exercising or having a good fun filthy hour or two with your lover. Personally I feel fully alive when there’s passion in my life. I’m inspired, feel fresh, energised and i think as women we have every right to be open and honest about our desires and how they makes us feel. Especially if they make us feel good and that feeling is what in turn makes us beautiful. Also, a happy, inspired person positively affects everyone they meet – liveliness and joy is contagious!
BH: What do you miss the most about Perth?
TE: My family.
BH: What do you love about Perth beauty?
TE: It’s unaffectedness.
BH: What is the best thing about being a woman?
TE: Simultaneously having elements of vulnerability/sensitivity and strength/power.
BH: Favourite place to shop when you’re in Perth?
TE: King Street.
BH: What one beauty product can you not live without?
TE: Dermalogica Pre-cleanse and Daily Microfoliant. They make your skin so clean it glows.
BH: You’re tired, slept through you alarm and late for a meeting. How do you pep yourself up with makeup?
TE: YSL touché éclat and red lipstick. Red lipstick fixes everything.
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BH: What is your ultimate holiday destination?
TE: Paris. I have so many fun memories of the city – the first time I went with my mum, subsequent work trips and holidays with my husband. And for a piece of TMI, our daughter was even conceived there. Hahaha.
BH: What tune do you wish to hear on every playlist?
TE: I’m always happy to here either Lola by The Kinks, Paint it Black by The Rolling Stones or anything by The Misfits or The Cramps. All classics.
BH: Describe your everyday look:
TE: Beautiful lingerie underneath a little dress or black retro styled jeans with a blouse or sweater. Flawless skin, hair in a top knot (usually for practicality purposes) and well-groomed details like nails and brows.
BH: Describe your perfect day:
TE: Sleep in, coffee while I play with my daughter, brunch with girlfriends, some pampering at a spa, a spot of lingerie shopping, making love in the afternoon, a luxurious bath, a beautiful dinner with my little family, a movie or something entertaining before going to bed and cuddling until falling asleep. 100% Perfect!
BH: Your overall style in three words:
TE: Feminine, sexy, polished.
BH: Celebrity style you most covet, and why?
TE: No one’s. It’s always better to be the best version of yourself than a lesser version of someone else.
Fast Five
• Beauty is… subjective.
• Love is… sometimes hard but the most rewarding thing in the world.
• I want to… build an empire.
• I feel strongly about… being true to oneself.
• Bella Hart is…Perth beauty.
