Model Amanda Murphy expands on her S/S14 catwalk highlights and her lifelong passion for horses
For the Prada A/W13 campaign video, Amanda Murphy walks slowly towards the camera to a menacing Cocteau Twins soundtrack. “I am not who you think I am,” she says. This is a line that rings true for Murphy in her personal life too. The model, who stars in a beautful, pared back story by Alasdair McLellan and Olivier Rizzo for the latest issue of AnOther Magazine, is also a trained radiology technician and horse rider. Clearly, there is more to the 5’11” American model than first impressions might suggest. Here AnOther talks to Murphy about her unexpected past professions and the recent S/S14 shows.
What are your highlights from the S/S14 shows?
Prada, I loved my closing outfit – the strapless plunge heart-shaped dress with so many sequins. The hair was wispy, undone, and clean. The make-up was bare and natural, which made the clothing really stand out on stage.
What keeps you going throughout fashion week?
Oatmeal with honey and nuts or fruit any time I needed a pick me up. My boyfriend is a naturopath and he gives me supplements from Premier Research Labs. They are natural and keep my immune system and body strong.
What memorable editorials have you worked on lately?
Shooting is always fun because we go to locations that I'd probably never think to go to myself. I've been to Tunisia, Morocco, St. Barthélemy, Brazil, and tons of other really cool places. For one shoot I went to Mexico and we had to drive for hours, take horses up a mountain, and shoot in the middle of nowhere because that’s where all the Monarch butterflies migrate. All the trees were orange because they were covered in millions of Monarchs. It was such a cool experience.
Do you still have your horse? How long have you been riding?
Jesabel and I grew up together. I got a job when I was 15 so I could afford her and I’ve had her for 12 years. She taught me responsibility at a young age and kept me out of trouble. I started taking lessons when I was 13 but horses have always been a part of my life. When I'm home I see her almost every day. My boyfriend and the stable take excellent care of her when I am out of town on jobs. I try to make time for a jumping lesson every week.
What is your night time routine?
I have a variety of facial moisturisers that I rotate at night and I like drinking tea before bed, but the truth is that the majority of my bedside table is covered by a tropical terrarium with crested geckos and a tree frog in it.
You are also a trained radiology technician. Was this always something you were interested in?
My mother is a nurse and I always wanted to do something in the medical field whether it be with people or animals. I will continue on to MRI school eventually.
Text by Mhairi Graham
