Surprise! Jessica Gomes stuns on the David Jones runway as a blonde bombshell

When Jessica Gomes hits the runway during the David Jones show, there are a few confused faces in the crowd. Who is the blonde bombshell leading the model pack? As it turns out, Gomes decided it was time for a change, so she lightened her locks earlier this week.

“I just dyed it,” she tells Be. “We also put extensions in. We wanted to change it up and do something unique for the show.”

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While the model looks decidedly different, she’s just as excited to welcome the new season as she always has been. Her prep for the show is simple: she eats healthily and works out, with a bit of a twist.

“I was travelling a lot so this time I did a lot of massage and body wraps and relaxation before the show,” Gomes explains. “For me, because I travel so much, it’s important for me to have a balance. I get lots of sleep, I don’t drink and I’m very healthy. It’s always a little nerve wracking when you know you have to wear a swimsuit, but I have a great team around me helping me to look good too!”

This time around, Gomes was joined on the runway by one of her best friends, Gemma Ward, who currently boasts a baby bump. Gomes admits with a laugh that Ward didn’t even recognise her with the blonde hair at first.

“I’ve always wanted to be blonde like her. She was like, ‘oh my god, I didn’t know it was you’. She nearly walked right past me!

“It’s amazing to have her in the show. I’m so happy she’s here and she’s pregnant. I love that David Jones embraces so many different cultures and different women. It’s such a privilege for me to come back to Australia and model for such an iconic brand.”

This season, the 90s is back in a big way at David Jones, but you won’t hear Gomes complaining – it’s one of her favourite eras.

“I’m loving this whole kickback to the 90s,” she tells Be. “I love the slip dress, which is obviously huge this season. I also think all the sequins and metallics are amazing. I love the entire Zimmermann collection, which features a lot of silver.

“I also love the 70s trend we’re seeing come through as well. It’s all about romantic prints and being free-spirited and being chilled. It reminds me of summer and travelling.”

Speaking of travelling, Gomes slyly admits she has a travel beauty line in the works, which is set to launch in Australia next year.

Called Equal Beauty, its ethos, according to Gomes, is all about hydration.

“It’s been two years in the making. It’s going to be for everyone, so it’ll be unisex. It’s all about healthy, glowy skin and it’s all made in Australia. It’s paraben and alcohol-free and preventative. I’ve been testing it and using it and it’s just amazing.

“I’ve been asked a lot to collaborate on this and that over the years, but my passion is skincare.”

It’s this focused, down-to-earth nature that has undoubtedly gotten Gomes to where she is today. She appears unphased by much, and is highly protective of her friends.

When Be asks about the Hollywood rift between Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian, her theory is an interesting one.

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“I think you’ve got to be happy with yourself and then no-one else bothers you,” she says. “This is a tough industry – it’s very competitive and sometimes girls can get catty. I’m so lucky in that I have two best friends in the industry who have stuck by me (Gemma and Nicole Trunfio). At the end of the day, we’re just normal girls who hang out and watch movies.

“Fame isn’t everything. It’s powerful, but we’re here to do creative arts and to have fun. And fashion is definitely fun!”

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