Jennifer Hawkins Is Looking Forward To Some Family Time After a Nightmare Week

Jennifer Hawkins opens up about dealing with her mum's cancer diagnosis and staying positive in such a difficult situation. Photo: Getty Images

We were so sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis this week and her surgery this morning, how is she doing?

She’s doing amazing actually, considering everything she’s been through. It's honestly been a tough week, we found out on Monday and then we found out that she had to go in today. The parade didn’t even come into my head I just felt so bad for her and then I suddenly realised that I had a major week of media commitments. But Myer were amazing and cancelled a lot of my schedule for me and were just so understanding.

How do you deal with that sort of situation?

I didn’t really this time. It’s my mum, I don’t even know what to say, I just didn’t this time.

That’s such an honest answer which most people can probably relate to. It’s situations like this that make you realise what’s important...

Exactly it really makes you reevaluate things.

You’ve always been open about your close relationship with your mum, what’s the best advice she’s given you over the years?

She just always tells me to be myself and to walk tall. When I was younger, I would always slump over because of my height but she just always taught me to be myself and be confident. There's so much she's taught me though, she always gives me advice, she’s my go-to.

Myer Spring/Summer 2015 Fashion Launch

Obviously the news of your mum this week would have thrown your preparation for the show out the window, what have you done to mentally prepare to go out there?

I didn’t know what was happening until the last week so before that it was just business as usual, but then this week I’ve just been trying to deal with it all mentally. I’ve been running a lot, it’s a really good tool to just to feel free in the mind. I’ve also been doing a lot of meditating.

Has your outlook going into a ahow changed after all these years at all?

I’m so grateful to be doing the parades still! They’re so fun and exciting and really mix up my life and I love representing Myer. They’re just one element of what I do with them, it’s twice a year and it's exciting.

What have you learnt that you would tell your 20 year old self stepping out onto your first catwalk?

Oh I don’t know, I just find I'm in the moment every time and I still get nervous, so it kinds of feels the same in a way, but it’s fresh and new every time. Now though you don’t care as much what people think I guess, and now you're confident with the job you can do. But you still get nerves, which is nice – and it means you care when you still get nervous which is nice.

Myer Spring/Summer 2015 Fashion Launch Red Carpet

Jennifer Hawkins opening the Myer spring/summer 2015 show in Alex Perry. Photo: Getty Images

Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a show?

I have this year especially! I’m really big on good luck charms and stones and I’ve got them everywhere right now – and they worked which is good!

What is your favourite piece you'll be wearing in the show?

I like my Alex Perry for the opener – it’s not something I would typically wear but I think it is really versatile and so much fun and I think a lot of girls will love it. It’s really fresh but you can funk it up too! It’s a really nice way to start the show, very fresh and bright to come out of winter and kick of spring time.

What is your favourite trend for summer?

I’m loving lace, I think it’s beautiful and sexy. I love when you pair it back with leather underneath or a bra, and make it a little risqué but still chic.

'''We couldn't help but live through you’re amazing holiday photos recently, what is your ultimate holiday destination?

My two top now would be the Maldives, and Positano. Italy is the best place I’ve visited, it was insanely beautiful and the food – omg the pasta! It sounds stupid but it doesn’t make you put on weight when you eat it over there for some reason! It's just so fresh and unprocessed, but you’re also walking everywhere and the the two-thousand stairs helps too I guess... It was just mind-blowing though!

When you travel, are you a planner or do you like to figure it out as you go?

I like a plan because when I'm there I want to switch off. I like to have a rough plan but be able to go with the flow and just be spontaneous around it. Certain things are good to plan because otherwise you miss out though.

Are you an overpacker or an underpacker?

I overpack – always! But then I tend to just wear the same thing and I don’t know why I bought those 10 other outfits.

What's up next for you?

I'm going home to Newcastle and will just chill there and just be with my mum. We're looking forward to being positive and moving forward.