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Ariarne Lepine

Meet the exquisite 20-year-old Australian model and social media influencer on the rise…

Hello, Ariarne, congrats on your first MAXIM feature. How do you feel?
I feel honoured to even be considered in your magazine alongside all of the other beautiful women. It was certainly a pleasant surprise to discover I was going to be a part of something of such high significance.

It’s a really great shoot. What did you love most about it?
That I had the opportunity to assist in the styling and aesthetic of it. I love the fluidity of this shoot and the opportunity to freely express myself, alongside Neil’s [photographer] direction.

Well, you look gorgeous. When do you feel sexy?
Thanks! I feel my sexiest when I’ve got a good outfit on.

Tells us a little more about yourself and life story so far.
I was originally born in Sydney but moved to Queensland when I was very young. I grew up in Brisbane with my mum, dad and older sister. We lived on acreage and I was very lucky enough to own horses. I learnt to ride at six years old and rode competitively throughout school and also went to states when I was 12. In high school I never knew what I wanted to do, so I did a Cert 3 and 4 in fitness thinking I wanted to become a PT. But, after leaving school, my modelling career started to pick-up and I became a full-time model. At the start of this year I moved to Sydney to pursue my modelling career further and never looked back. Sydney is now my home and I absolutely love it here.

What would people be most surprised to know about you?
Probably that I did equestrian competitively in high school. I actually started modelling when I was 14 but wasn’t doing it seriously until about 18.

How were you discovered?
I was first discovered because my mum applied me to an agency at 14. I never really had an interest in modelling as I was quite the tomboy. I stopped modelling after a year and decided to have a break then I was messaged on Instagram by an agency called Que Models, which is based on the Gold Coast, and I signed with them at 16. I’ve been with Que ever since and I can’t thank them enough for helping me get to where I am now.

What do you think you would you be doing if you weren’t modelling?
I would be pursuing an alternate pathway in the fashion industry for sure – possibly designing my own fashion brand or investing my drive and ambition into creating a business.

How have you been coping in these COVID-19 times?
The toughest thing about COVID-19 is the uncertainty of it all. Whether I’ll ever get to travel again for modelling is a major concern as this is an opportunity I don’t want to miss along my career. At the same time, I find security in the thought that everyone is in the same boat and the unexpected intrusiveness of the pandemic is something we’re all facing together.

What’s the first thing you will do once all travel restrictions are lifted?
Definitely cross the border to visit my family in Queensland. It’s a stretch, but then hopefully travel to Europe to work and explore.

What is the best way for a man to win his way to your heart?
With hot chips.

Of course. Anything else?
I like a man with ambition and a good sense of humour – someone who can put a smile on my face.

What’s one thing men should always remember about women?
That God is a woman.

You’ve no doubt heard some scary pick-up lines over the years — what’s been the weirdest?
The one I constantly get in my DMs is the dude starts off by sending a dog emoji followed by the line, “Max, come here boy! Don’t bother the beautiful girl. Sorry he runs off sometimes. How are you?”

What do you not enjoy about being an influencer?
How detrimental it can be to your mental health sometimes. It can be such a vortex and I think it’s important to remember that everyone exerts the “best” parts of their life online. On the days when I don’t feel motivated it’s hard to want to take photos or put make-up on. Everyone
has their off days.

And what do you love the most about social media influencing?
Being able to get creative with my posts and styling my own outfits for the ‘gram.

Finally, what’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
Nothing too exciting at the moment – I’m just focusing on modelling right now, but if anything comes up I’ll be sure to let you know. ■

Status Update

FULL NAME: Ariarne Lepine
BORN: March 31, 2000
HOMETOWN: Brisbane, Queensland
LIVES: Sydney, NSW
HOBBIES: “When I’m not working I’m hanging out with my friends at the beach or looking after my mini Dachshund pup Frankie.”
BEST HIDDEN TALENT: “I can flip my eyelids inside out.”
PHOBIA: “Spiders.”
GO-TO DRINK: “Love a good whisky and apple juice. Or just a plain old voddy, lime and soda if I’m trying to not suffer too much the next day.”
HANGOVER CURE: “Definitely going to the beach and swimming in the ocean. It cures everything! Plus, a Powerade and some hot chips.”
LIFE MOTTO: “‘What we do in life, echoes in eternity’ – Gladiator.”
INSTAGRAM: @ariarne_lepine

Photographed by NEIL DIXON
Interview by SANTI PINTADO
Hair & make-up HAYLEY MCIVER (@HAYLEYMICIVERMAKEUP)

For the full article grab the October 2020 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.

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