Yahoo Lifestyle Kate Upton Talks Social Media And Spring Racing
Kate Upton. Photo: Getty Images.
You have a strong equine connection, having grown up around horses. Any hints as to which horse you’ll be betting on at the Melbourne Cup and why?
I do! I’ve showed in the American Paint Horse Association since I was seven years old and I still have a horse named Robby. As for who I’ll be betting on...Definitely Dandino!
What is it about Melbourne Cup that you’re most looking forward to?
I think the whole experience will be really exciting for me. I’ve heard so much about it. It’s amazing that it’s treated as a holiday here - I think that’s so cool. I love that there are so many traditions and themes centred around one horse race. I’m excited to see all the hats and the fashion. Basically Melbourne Cup sounds like all of my favourite things in life rolled into one!
You won the 2013 Model Of The Year award recently - congratulations! How do you think you’ve managed to shape such a successful career in such a short time?
Thank you so much! A lot of people think my career is really manufactured, but it actually didn’t begin like that all. It was really a matter of these clients coming into my life and me taking the opportunities that were offered.
I feel like I’m blessed in a lot of areas; I have a great support system around me. I have the backing of a lot of editors who really make my job enjoyable and make me want to reach that next level and do that next job. I’ve been very lucky these last few years.
In 2012, you were the fourth most popular search on Yahoo—just behind Election, iPhone5, and Kim Kardashian. How does it make you feel to know you’re one of the most searched people on earth?
(Laughs). It’s a lot of pressure, honestly! I feel like I have no secrets in my life; everything is on the internet these days. But it’s fun, it’s just something that goes along with the job - social media is so ingrained in our generation. I can’t go anywhere without someone taking an iPhone photo, so I’m at a fun yet complicated time in my life.
Kate Upton at the Chanel S/S 2014 show. Photo: Getty Images.
You once said, “if I want to make it as a model, I have to be a celebrity.” How do you feel social media has influenced your career in this way to date?
I think that actors get to show their personalities through the movies they make and the roles they choose to play, but models don’t really have that opportunity, because they’re in a two dimensional picture. Social media has really given models a voice and a chance to show who they are and what their personalities are like. It’s a great thing that’s happened and one that’s completely new to the modeling industry. It’s funny to think of generations past – they never had to contend with the complications of social media, but they also never got the chance to express themselves the way we do now.
Diane von Furstenberg once referred to you as “extremely sexy” and the perfect role model for curvy girls. How do you feel about that?
You know, it’s so amazing that I’m able to inspire people. It’s funny being called a role model because I really feel like I’m just living my life. I love my body, and I’m confident with who I am. I think that young girls being inspired by who I am is really quite incredible.
5 quick questions:
My favourite designers right now are... Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton and Diane Von Fursternberg.
My style can be described as... Edgy and sophisticated.
My secret to gorgeous skin is... Chanel hydrating moisturiser. It changes your skin completely when you get off a plane!
The number 1 album on my playlist at the moment is... The Great Gatsby soundtrack. I love it!
My top red carpet tip is... Always bring your own personal style to the red carpet so you feel your best - it will show through in your photos.
Kate Upton is in Australia to attend the 2013 Emirates Melbourne Cup as a guest of the Victoria Racing Club and Emirates.
