Cover Story: Nonny Mulholland
This Summer’s temperatures are hitting record highs in the States and thanks to our Aussie cover girl, the heat is going global.
Shot By Emily Abay
“Wow [laughs], my answer might disappoint everyone,” responds Mulholland when asked what her typical day consists of as a major Australian model. Gathering herself, ready to respond, she adds nonchalantly, “Basically I wake up to emails from my agency regarding bookings. I get briefed on the date, time, and location. Sometimes this means getting on flights and traveling to a different city in Australia or going as far as an international city. Sometimes, I might be in a hotel for a week, while at other times I am home in Melbourne driving to my job because it’s local. My job is forever changing, and that is what I love most about it. Working with different brands, building relationships and traveling to different locations.”
Getting to know model and social media public figure Nonny Mulholland may seem to be an easy task. Aside from her captivating Instagram feed, paparazzi shots, and a stellar headshot, Mulholland is as laid-back as they come. The full-time Melbourne-residing model refuses to call herself a public figure. “My online presence is just me showing the best parts of my job and journey. For me, being a positive presence and highlighting a healthy lifestyle is important. Lots of my images are of me in a bikini, but I really want people to understand I work hard at living a healthy and active life.” Modeling has always played an interest in Mulholland’s life, but never became a reality until later in her life. At the age of twenty-three, she signed to modeling agency Chadwick Models Australia. Having jumped into the industry later than her counterparts, Mulholland initially never thought of herself as someone that could model, “plus my mum would not let me model without finishing school and getting a degree first,” chimed in Mulholland. After graduating from Curtin University in Perth, Australia – then-recent graduate – secured employment in the marketing field. One fateful day, Mulholland decided to take a chance on entering the Miss Universe Australia pageant with a friend, and the rest is history. “This is what got me noticed in the fashion industry. Life is short. If you have a dream, never stop chasing that dream.”
Born Nontokozo “Nonny” Mulholland, was given the unique name by her Swaziland-born mother. “My name means ‘Joy’.” While being raised in Western Australia, Mulholland and her sister found their joy every weekend. “As a child, my sister and I would save up our money for the weekend, walk to the video shop and rent out a pile of movies. On top of that, we’d get all sorts of lollies and chips. The candy was always the best part.” For Nonny, fashion became a new extension of her creative development. As a little girl, watching her mother style and dress heading to lunch or church further peeked her interest in fashion. “She always looked beautiful. Everyone would compliment her and comment on her style. I loved the power of expressing your personality through clothes and accessories. My mum didn’t purchase the most expensive designers that were trending, she would find pieces that she loved and that looked amazing on her. She would find beautiful pieces in the secondhand clothing store, but make it look a million dollars. I guess that is what truly stayed with me, fashion is for everyone no matter what your budget is. Fashion to me is personal expression and unique to every individual.”
Today, Nonny expresses her individuality this Summer through – what else of course – fashion. “Summer is my favorite time when it comes to fashion. I love a beautiful maxi dress, a crop top and jeans, and wearing vibrant colors.” Having developed a more minimalistic approach to her personal style, Mulholland has a deep love for feminine dresses and looks. “I probably find my inspiration from travel and fashion bloggers on Instagram.” When asked Mulholland to elaborate on her chosen country or city she finds most inspiring, it seems as if we have stumped the model yet again. “Hmmm…this is a hard one.” Truly pondering and thinking on the numerous lands she’s been lucky enough to visit and tour through work, she finally settles on an answer. “I feel like I haven't visited this place yet, but I would say so far, Africa; being an amazing country for me fashion-wise.” From their infinite varieties of cuts, and “The use of bold colors just amazes me,” Mulholland muses, “And I love seeing the traditional designs made modern.”
Bringing inspirational fashion notes back to her homeland of Australia, Mulholland pushes to stay as genuine and authentic on social media, at work, on travels, and importantly, with herself. “The best advice I have ever been given was: ‘work hard, stay genuine.’ For me, it is all one and the same thing,” she pauses before continuing, “I guess that is why I wouldn't call myself an influencer. Of course, I only post things I want to show, but you will see most of my life on my story and throughout my feed.” Remaining true to herself and her work, Mulholland knows the sacrifices and sweat she has put into her work and name in the Australian fashion industry. She hopes to carry on the work for years to come, building upon new relationships, harnessing on the current relationships she has successfully built, and reaching more globally sooner than later. “I have worked hard in Australia, for most of my career, and love all my Aussie brands. I hope next, I will get to work more internationally and maybe do a year in America with my partner.”
Nonny’s Beauty Tidbits:
BODE Magazine: What is the one step, regarding your skincare and makeup routine, that no one should go without?
Nonny: For me, it is all about hydration and SPF. I use a skin serum or oil in the morning and before bed. This keeps my face hydrated and plump. Before applying makeup, I also use a serum followed by a good moisturizer that contains sun protection.
BM: What is your go-to beauty look?
N: My go-to beauty look is fresh skin, fluffy brows, blush and a soft lip. I am very simple and natural when it comes to my makeup. If I am doing a fashion look, I like a bold lip or a strong eye.
