TL;DR

  • Interview and portrait feature with Alys Hale after her Russh essay "Mind Meets Body" (June/July 2018).
  • Conversation explores the overlap between fashion writing, modelling, and creative identity.
  • Includes 6-image gallery.
  • Credits: Interview and Photography Dave Blake · Subject Alys Hale (IMG Australia).

I had wanted to connect with Alys Hale after reading her article “Mind Meets Body” (Russh, June/July 2018). A quick dig turned up something even better: alongside being a sharp writer, she was also one of Australia’s premier fashion models with IMG Australia, and had once body-doubled for Kate Moss.

“I’d love to shoot with you sometime” sounded a lot better in my head than “I’d like to talk to you about your words.” One smooth, business-oriented DM plus an email to her booker, and the date was set.

Alys Hale portrait by Dave Blake in Sydney
1 / 6 · In flow.

“Come on in, I’m celebrating my paperwork,” Alys said with a smile, a British accent, and a hit of dry wit. We met at her terrace apartment in Glebe, with stairs, over-packed suitcases, and that lived-in creative energy that makes a place feel real.

It’s an otherwise ordinary Friday afternoon and I’m drinking whiskey with lovely people. “We’re out of wine,” says Ollie, and I make a note: this is a model apartment.

Alys Hale editorial portrait in natural light
2 / 6

We made small talk about writing, journalism, and creative work. Alys writes for Russh and The Guardian, and also makes music and DJs. Warm people, good conversation.

The reason I was there was to test. We looked at a mood reference, she came back perfectly on brand, and we walked out to the back yard.

When you shoot with someone as experienced as Alys, it doesn’t take long to make great pictures.

Alys Hale in black and white styling during test shoot
3 / 6

Click, click.

“I didn’t realise at first, but you’ve got a bit of a Kate Moss vibe going on.”

There was a quiet pause while I checked the back of the camera.

“Interestingly, when I was thirteen I was scouted by Kate’s agent. I went on to body double for her.”

Alys smiled. Old-school cool.

Alys Hale portrait by Dave Blake
4 / 6

“This isn’t going to sound very romantic, but I think we’ve got it,” I said after what felt like no more than eight minutes.

“You do shoot fast.”

If only I’d remembered to answer with something witty.

Alys Hale portrait leaning against wall
5 / 6
Alys Hale final portrait from Sydney session
6 / 6

Follow Alys: @alyshale
Photographs and words: @daveblakephoto
Model profile: IMG Models