October 13, 2020
#MLMMUSE : Tanja Gacic
We have been on a joyous decade long journey which has made us sit back, reflect and contemplate all of the amazing women we have come in contact with during this time.
For our first interview of the #MLMMUSE series, we talk to Tanja Gacic.
Tanja wears the Koi Dress in Rustic Jungle
A model, blogger, VOGUE contributor and much more.. Your days would be filled. Tell us about your work and what an average day might look like for you?
I used to be a night owl and get really productive in the evenings after putting my daughter to bed, but I stopped that because I was really pushing my body to the point of adrenal exhaustion by pretending I didn’t need 7 hours sleep a night and staying up till 2 or 3 am working. After a health scare , I had to admit that I was simply running on adrenaline and in fact I do really need my sleep! Now I am more holistic with the way I run my life and I say no to a lot of things just to preserve my health and wellbeing . My average day starts at about 7am - after I wake up I try to remember my dreams and jot them down in a sleep diary and then I have a gratitude journal that I write into as well. My daughter jumps into my bed around 7:30 and we have a snuggle and a short 5 minute meditation together ( I am trying to introduce her to the practice! ). We drink our smoothies and tea and prepare lunches and then I drive her to school. The period between 9-11 is usually my private time unless I have important meetings or a shoot - I am blessed to be a freelancer so I really enjoy having this time to myself. It is usually spent doing pilates,yoga or the Bondi to Bronte walk, followed by a swim or mediation on the beach. Noon is time for work lunches, meetings or events, followed by an afternoon of either meetings, pr agency viewings, shooting or working at home on the computer; writing, editing or emails. Then it’s time to pick up my daughter from school and chauffeur her around to her many after school activities she is obsessed with. When we get home, I’ll cook dinner and we will eat it together around 7pm. I take her to bed around 8pm and read her a chapter of a book and then we chat and cuddle for a bit before lights out. Afterward, I clean up and then work for another hour doing emails or writing before I switch off all screens at 10pm and take a bath. I go to bed and journal for a bit before lights off at 11. I have really added a lot more self care into my life in the last year and it’s paying off - I feel healthier and happier than ever before.
Tanja wears the Aaron's Silk Gown
Who are some women who have been influential in your life and your career and what is the best piece of advice you received that you can share with the #MLMGIRL?
The women that have been most influential in my career have been the agents and bookers who have really supported me and had my back since I was a teen - the women who hold it all together so that I can concentrate on the creative aspects. And of course my lovely mother who is an accountant so helps me with money stuff . Without them I would really struggle with life!
Best piece of advice I ever received? Do what you love and you’ll never feel like you’re working.
As someone who has been in the Fashion industry from a young age, what changes have you seen over the years surrounding female empowerment considering the industry is predominantly female dominated?
Gosh, the #METOO movement really shook things up within the fashion industry and I am so happy about it - when I was a young teen there was way too many sleazy photographers being given access to young models. These days, there are more stricter regulations around styling and photographs and I am here for it! I also love how women are no longer dismissed on their opinions - if something is wrong, you can speak out about it and you will be heard. It is such an empowering stance for young women, often alone on the other side of the world from their families .
With a strong focus on a sustainable future through a sustainable wardrobe, what is some advice you would give to the #MLMGIRL when looking out for staple, timeless pieces to fill her wardrobe?
Look out for good quality, but not necessarily always timeless pieces. I find that sometimes it’s the OTT on trend pieces that I end up keeping in my storage boxes. They may go out of style quickly, but 5 or 10 years later, they are back in fashion and then I have perfect looks that no one has anymore. That’s why I think the “ if you don’t wear it in a year, you should throw it out” adage is wrong. In fact, I don’t wear half the things I own every year, but I do have it on hand for when I need them.
I always try to choose amazing staples - a perfect crisp shirt, leather leggings, jeans, suit jacket, cashmere sweater, t-shirts - these are the building blocks of my wardrobe so I always choose great quality and natural materials, then look after and store them really well. I think people don’t appreciate that looking after and storing items properly insures that you will be able to enjoy items for many years to come.
I am also obsessed with buying vintage, which has a 0 carbon footprint. I have fun trawling, it makes me feel like I am exploring the past and then I have pieces no one else has!
Tanja wears the Essence Short in Mercury Zebra
