Dempsey Stewart is the 19-year-old Leo who prefers her Cancerian traits.
Click images to enlarge.
Born and raised in Perth, Dempsey moved to Tokyo to model a few years back and is just starting to make waves in the UK. Her face is simply beautiful and her outlook on life the same. i-D online tracked down the jet-setter for a quick chin wag while photographer/ filmmaker Harley Weir and stylist Raphael Hirsch did the rest – the best.
What was it like growing up in Perth? Really bright, sunny, happy and chilled. I grew up in the burbs, really close to the great-big open Swan River and the Indian Ocean. We walked or rode our bikes to the beach or down to the river for swims and scouts most days. Getting icy-poles in the sun and doing cartwheels in the park with my family and friends who all lived really close are some of my fondest memories.
How were you scouted? I was shopping with friends in Perth city and scouted to do a model search competition run annually by the Perth Fashion Festival that day. I didn’t win but signed with an agency anyway.
You’ve work in Tokyo a lot, how did that come about? What do you think of the Tokyo fashion scene? One of the head bookers from Image Tokyo scouted me in Perth. They asked me to come to Tokyo as soon as possible. I was so excited, I had never left Australia before and wanted to go to Japan most out of any other country! I love Japanese fashion, it’s one of the features that draws me to the country. Their colourful wacky style is so unique. People are so carefree and creative. Every day is an adventure.
How do you define your personal style? Kooky-Chic. I have a big collection of clothes. I try to carry as many as I can whilst travelling. I use them to express myself and how I am feeling on the day or bring life to a grey day.
What’s your beauty regime? I like to steam my face with a hot towel most days because it opens up and cleans out pores. I also use Jurlique moisture replenishing day cream. It’s Australian and all natural. This leaves my skin baby bum soft!
What’s your first thought when you look in the mirror? I never thought I would be where I am today.
What music do you like? Pretty much anything that has a good beat and has been thought about. I really like the bongo drums, reggae, old school rock and drum and bass.
Text: Sarah Raphael
Photography and Film: Harley Weir
Styling: Raphael Hirsch
Model: Dempsey Stewart @ Union
Hair: Tomohiro Roku Roppongi
Make up: Tomohiro Muramatsu using MAC
Credits from left: Look 1: Dress Margaret Howell. Look 2: Slip Joseph. Look 3: Jacket Adidas Silver. Body Joseph. Look 4: Trousers Paul Smith. Look 5: Dress Paul Smith. Look 6: Shirt Paul Smith.
