Gemma hails from Perth, Australia. She is a graduate of Presbyterian
Ladies College and Shenton College. Not looking for a career in
modeling, she was spotted in an audience for a modeling contest she had
accompanied friends to. Grabbed out of the audience wearing a barn
jacket covered with mud, she did not win, but her career was born. She
was signed by Vivien’s Model Agency. At the young age of 16, she became
known as an IT girl. She walked for Gucci and Chanel, and was the first
model since Kate Moss to represent Calvin Klein.
The question now is Gemma’s moment really over? That is what is being
reported from sources in her modeling agency, IMG. Rumors as far back as
2008 have had her in and out of retirement. This being due to a weight
gain that, at the beginning, some say was a mere 5 pounds. She now
appears to have gained a bit more than that but is in no way considered
overweight. What happened? She simply grew up! It’s also thought the
sudden death of Heath Ledger, whom she was dating at the time he passed,
contributed through emotional eating. Gemma has not spoken publically of
the relationship, but was beside his family and the mother of his child
Michelle Williams as they said their goodbyes. Gemma is an example of
being beautiful and healthy. The latter being a quality that the
modeling world continues to exhibit as a double standard. They want you
to look anorexic, but please don’t get sick!
