March 7, 2016

International supermodel Jennifer Hawkins takes to the catwalk again for Myer when Australia’s largest department store group returns as an official sponsor of the 2016 Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival. Myer will showcase its autumn collections at its national flagship store in Melbourne during the March 7 to 13 festival for the first time in five years. In February, Hawkins helped launch Myer’s 2016 Autumn/Winter fashion collection in Sydney.

Jennifer Hawkins at the G’Day USA Australia Week 2010 Black Tie Gala, Kodak Theater, Hollywood, CA. Credit: © Shutterstock

Since 2004, life has been a blur for Hawkins, an Australian television host, business executive, and entrepreneur. That year, Hawkins won both the Miss Universe Australia and the Miss Universe beauty pageants. Hawkins triumphed over 80 other contestants from around the world vying for the coveted title in Quito, Ecuador. As the reigning Miss Universe, Hawkins traveled worldwide raising awareness for HIV and AIDS. In 2004, Hawkins also became a presenter for Australia’s leading television network, the Seven Network.

Hawkins’s natural beauty, charismatic personality, and expert strut on the runway have made her a national celebrity in Australia and one of the country’s highest-paid entertainers. Hawkins has used her popularity, lucrative endorsement deals, and sharp business sense to turn her property and business investments into a multimillion-dollar empire.

Jennifer Louise Hawkins was born on Dec. 22, 1983, in Holmesville, near Newcastle, New South Wales. She attended West Wallsend High School in New South Wales. She later worked as a legal secretary and was a cheerleader for the Newcastle Knights National Rugby League team.

In 2006, Hawkins signed a multimillion-dollar contract to represent Myer, the Australian retailer. She has served as the Face of Myer for nearly a decade. Hawkins also has launched a growing list of her own top-selling brands, including “COZI by Jennifer Hawkins” swimwear for Myer, “JLH by Jennifer Hawkins” shoes, and “JBronze” self-tanning products. In addition, she has represented such global brands as Bioglan vitamins, Covergirl makeup, Lovable lingerie, LUX fashions, PepsiCo Australia, Range Rover luxury sport utility vehicles, and Redwin skincare products. Hawkins has been featured on the cover of a number of magazines and has appeared on the popular Australian television shows “Australia’s Next Top Model,” where she currently serves as the host and judge; “The Great Outdoors”; and the travel show “Getaway.”