Gemma Ward Says Her Friends and Family Didn’t Take Too Kindly to Her Hiatus

Gemma Ward covers Vogue Australia’s January 2016 issue. Photo: @vogueaustralia

When Gemma Ward returned to the fashion scene after a long hiatus, pretty much everyone was thrilled to hear that one of their favorite models from the aughts would be back to slay runways, editorials and campaigns just like the good ‘ol days. And she certainly has made quite a comeback. Ward is featured in Givenchy’s Spring 2016 campaign, Prada’s Spring 2015 campaign and has appeared on the cover of Russh magazine and Pop magazine this past year.

Now, Ward is starting off 2016 right, landing herself the cover of Vogue Australia’s January Issue. Photographer Lachlan Bailey captured Ward looking her usual serene self in a pale pink couture dress form Givenchy, chosen by fashion director Christine Centenera.

Ward dropped out of the fashion game after falling into a depression, but according to the model, her attempts to take care of her own mental health weren’t met warmly by a lot of people she knew. “I could write a book about how people on the street, family and friends interacted with me during that time, the certain things they said to me,“ she told the magazine. “It blows your mind what people say… I don’t want to drag people through the dirt, but there are a lot of people with foot in their mouth.” Yeesh. You would think people would be supportive of a woman trying to focus on herself and her own happiness, but we guess photoshoots are more important to some folks.

Either way, we’re glad to see that Ward has gotten herself together and we’re so looking forward to seeing more of her in the next year.

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