This much I know: Rosanna Davison
Fame is a completely external thing, it is not something that exists within my world.
What I think of myself is very different to what other people think of me. I think people would be surprised at just how normal my life is.
I’m my own worst critic. I was probably much happier with my looks before I got into modelling. The industry makes you much more critical than you should be. Although now, in my late 20s, I’m more relaxed with who I am and what I’ve done.
Having a famous father (Chris de Burgh) has been both a help and a hindrance. Of course it opens doors, but I definitely had to work harder to prove myself.
I certainly put a lot of pressure on myself to achieve, both academically and in my career.
I never planned to be a model. I studied history of art and sociology at UCD and thought I’d work in sports science or nutrition. At the moment, I’m coming to the end of a three-year course on nutrition and biochemistry.
It sometimes amuses me when I read things about my dad that I know to be untrue.
I’ve a pretty good understanding of how the media works. You get to a stage where you can almost predict the outcome of certain events. Doing a whole module in sociology certainly helped.
I’m lucky because I’ve always had a really supportive network around me. But it must be so hard for people to cope with the media when they hit a high level of fame very quickly.
The horsemeat scandal doesn’t surprise me, I’m sure its just one way that corners are being cut in the food industry.
I’ve been a vegetarian for a decade and became a vegan a year ago. One of the huge myths is that it is hard work. It’s actually incredibly easy to avoid meat and dairy and the difference to my energy levels has been great.
Growing up, I wasn’t into fashion. I was more of a tom boy, at my happiest in wellies and tracksuits, helping my grandmother, my dad’s mum, on her farm.
Even now, when I’m not working, I dress for comfort in a low key way — lots of jeans and boots — and am very much at home in the outdoors.
My grandmother led a very colourful life — she was a spy during the cold war — and I will never forget her advice: live life to the full and cherish your memories.
I’m a bit of a perfectionist and a clean freak. It’s easy for me to slip back into being overly self critical. I should really learn to relax more.
Ever since my school days, I’ve always loved sports. In school, I was into competitive athletics and netball. At moment I go to a personal trainer at BodyByrne on Clarendon St, I run, and I do pilates.
I really do believe in beauty coming from the inside — by that I mean that it is affected by your personality as well as by what you put into your body. Plenty of sleep, water and exercise. I’ve tried all the make-ups and creams in the world, but nothing works as well as looking after yourself.
The Irish modelling industry has become much more competitive since the recession. My advice to anyone starting out is to treat it as a hobby and as handy pocket money at first; don’t depend on it being your full-time career. Finish your education.
Rosanna Davison is one of the judges at the Carton House Most Stylish Lady competition where ‘Purple Reign’ is the theme on Easter Monday, Apr 1, at the Ladbrokes Grand National 2013 at Fairyhouse Racecourse, Co Meath. For more information visit www.cartonhouse.com.
