Hey Natalie, congrats on your MAXIM cover. How do you feel?
Amazing! It’s so exciting to grace the cover of MAXIM and I’m honoured to join the list of women who have featured before me. Thank you!
Our pleasure! Tell us about the shoot.
I was passing through Los Angeles, on my way to New York, and thought it would be an amazing experience to shoot out in the L.A. desert areas like Joshua Tree National Park. I knew that Bonnie [the photographer] was in town too, so everything just fell into place. We decided to hire a vintage car and channel my inner Megan Fox from Transformers by attending to a broken-down car in the middle of the desert. Little did we know that the car would actually breakdown on our way to the location, which made for a great real -life situational shoot!
How many offers of help did you receive from passers-by?
Surprisingly, none! No help was offered other than the tow truck driver who was patrolling that part of town. It must have looked like I had it under control! At least I’ve actually now learnt how to fill up an old Cadillac with gas!
What goes through your mind whilst posing for a shoot like this?
Usually I’m focusing on holding my body right and not squinting too much in the sun. The best thing about shooting with a team you trust is that you don’t really have anything to worry about — if I’m doing something strange with my body or outfit, or my face isn’t looking right, they’ll just tell you.
Well, you look gorgeous. When do you feel at your sexiest?
When I get to feel like myself in a dress that I love. In my line of work I’m often wearing clothes I don’t like or having my hair and make-up done in a way I feel doesn’t suit me, so it’s nice when I have control over what I look like.
What is your best asset?
Physically, probably my smile because I like the way I can make other people smile by showing my cheesy grin. And my positivity is a nice asset, too.
Give us a little more background about yourself, Nat.
I’m Natalie Roser, a model from Newcastle, Australia. I now live in Sydney but I’m travelling a lot for work which I’m really enjoying. I grew up on the beach and I love being outdoors. I’m a sucker for ice-cream, pizza and a good burger but I also enjoy burning off those calories in the gym! My modelling has helped me gain a social media following over the past two years and together they have helped get me to where I am today… and on the cover of MAXIM!
You were a contestant on Fox8’s The Face in 2014. How was that?
It was amazing. I got to work with some incredible industry professionals, learnt a lot and had an experience I will never forget. Naomi Campbell was always very warm towards me and I made her laugh a few times which I think was a bit of an accomplishment.
Describe a typical day in your life.
I don’t have a typical day — my days are always different. I work on different jobs in different places every day. The only things I do every day is breakfast, lunch and dinner! Three of my favourite things! Then I may be shooting, in the gym or running to castings for jobs.
You’ve just launched your playsuit range, Roser The Label, right?
Yes, my new baby! roserthelabel.com is something I am very proud of and I dreamed of creating ever since high school when I was sitting in my textiles class. I feel so grateful that it has come to fruition and I’ve had a great team help me bring it to life. It’s a fun, flirty collection for women who love a good playsuit and like things just a little bit s.xy! I wanted to make the range available to as many people as possible so I worked on a sizing method giving buyers the option to choose their torso size. It’s exciting I can offer something new and different to people who previously haven’t been able to wear this trend. I’ve spent months designing the collection and have just started on round two. So, there’s more to come!
You’ve walked many a catwalk at some of the biggest fashion events around the world. What actually goes on backstage at these shows?
It’s funny because outsiders in the industry think it’s super glamorous back there when in actual fact it can be quite the opposite at times. If overseas, the lack of Wi-Fi is a killer and the frantic running around can be a little overwhelming. Apart from that, it’s all a part of the job.
The media have commented on your healthy body, which strays from the waif-model look. What’s your view on body image within the modelling industry?
The industry is changing. Slowly, but you can see it. Not all cities and countries are embracing the change, and a lot of the old-school modelling agencies are resisting it, but I’m finding more and more clients are choosing stronger, fuller-looking figures for their campaigns. I work hard on my body so any job I get is like a reward for my hard work. I love that many other models are taking care of their bodies and work on their strength and toning up. Being fit and healthy makes life so much better.
You’ve been modelling since you were 13. What would you be doing if you weren’t modelling?
I’d be using my visual communication degree and working as a photographer. Before my modelling really took off I was shooting every day. I loved it. I was lucky enough to work with some amazing brands and models, but eventually I had to decide between photography and modelling — I just couldn’t fit them both in. On the rare occasion I still pick up the camera and take some shots, though.
Speaking of taking photos, you have over 600,000 followers on social media — how do you keep us coming back for more?
I feel very lucky I have that many people wanting to see what I’m up too. I like to keep my content real and I like that it shows what I’m doing on a day-to-day basis — it’s like a photo blog of my life.
You’ve no doubt heard some scary and funny pick-up lines over the years — what’s the worst you’ve ever heard?
I got one in New York recently which is still making me giggle. A young man stopped me in the street and asked if I knew where he could find an organic smile. I hadn’t been in the U.S. for long so I looked a bit dumbstruck as I tried to think about any cafes I’d seen called ‘organic smile’ to try and help him. He then went on to say, “It’s usually found between the nose and the chin”, while I stood there with a very confused look on my face. It has been one of the more unique pick-up lines I’ve ever heard.
If you had to take MAXIM on a date, what would it entail?
We’d probably end up eating pizza on a beach somewhere — simple, but it’s hard to beat.
You had us at “pizza”. What have you learned about men over the years?
Food is a great reward for good behaviour. Haha…
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
Don’t tell us to calm down. It’s just never really a good idea.
You’ve been to some cool VIP parties here and abroad. What’s the best party you’ve been to?
This year I was able to go to my first Coachella and my favourite part of the week was a party hosted by Brody Jenner. It wasn’t over crowded, there was great music and they had fresh coconuts with added vodka around a pool. It was a great way to kick-off a night at Coachella.
What’s been your craziest night out?
A long night in New York which ended with a bunch of us being at this underground bar which only contained an old piano and the patrons were all Broadway singers who were belting out classic songs until 4am. I grew up with 1pm lockouts and no alcohol shots in clubs and bars in Newcastle, NSW, so any night out in a regular club or bar is crazy for me.
What’s next for you?
I’ve just signed up as an ambassador for the Australian Turf Club Spring Racing season so next up will be quite a few race days which I’m excited about! I’ve also got some great opportunities over in America, so it’s looking like heading over that way for five to six months might be on the cards. There are so many exciting opportunities happening around me at the moment and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to explore them. So, stay tuned!
