GEMMA
WARD's return to modelling on the Prada catwalk may have
been the big story of Milan Fashion Week, but the model actually
completed her first job before she even left her native Australia.
Ward stars in the new campaign for Aussie label Country Road, along
with her baby daughter Naia - and the Vogue cover girl
told us from the set that it was an emotional
experience.
"Returning to modelling has been incredible," she said.
"Moving really, as I felt this film encompassed my own journey in a
beautiful way. To be back in Australia as a mother, celebrating
summer with Country Road and re-united with my homeland and
family. It is pure enjoyment reliving memories of the past and
looking out to the future with my daughter Naia sharing in that
world."
The film, narrated by Ward - who has plenty of acting
experience, including parts in The Great Gatsby
and Pirates
of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - shows a mother
escaping to the beach to enjoy summer with her family. The thought
seems not too far from home for Ward, who moved back to Australia
in 2008 before welcoming Naia with partner David Letts in
2013."I loved the character I played in the film," she told us. "I
could relate to the story line as I share similar experiences so it
was amazing to revisit these. Sharing the location with my daughter
was phenomenal, she loves the beach and so playing with her in the
water is one thing I cherish. We really enjoyed watching schools of
dolphins at play in the surf and relaxing in the sun."
