Imagine trading the glitz and glamour of international runways for the serene yet demanding life on a Texas ranch. That’s exactly what Nicole Trunfio, the Australian model turned fashion entrepreneur, has done—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. But here’s where it gets intriguing: how does a former Chanel and Gucci muse find fulfillment in the quiet rhythms of rural life? Let’s dive into her extraordinary journey.
For Trunfio, life on her 20-hectare Texas ranch with her husband, blues-rock musician Gary Clark Jr., and their three children—Zion (11), Gia (8), and Ella (turning six)—is a delicate balance of romance and hard work. The property, complete with a veggie patch, a garden, and a flock of chickens, offers a peaceful retreat. Yet, it’s no walk in the park. ‘It’s a lot of work,’ she admits, ‘but the stillness and beauty make it all worth it.’ And this is the part most people miss—the tranquility she’s found after years in the fast-paced fashion world.
Her days now include hour-long drives into town for school drop-offs and managing her Austin-based fashion label, Bumpsuit. ‘I spend a lot of time in the car,’ she laughs, embracing the trade-off for a life rooted in nature. But her reflective moments reveal a woman still in awe of her career. ‘I still can’t believe the opportunities I’ve had,’ she says. ‘It’s like I lived a dream.’
And this is the part most people miss: Trunfio’s rise to fame wasn’t just about luck. Her big break came in 2002 after winning Search For A Supermodel, but it was Tom Ford, then at Gucci, who catapulted her into the spotlight. ‘He chose one new girl every season to be his ‘girl of the season,’ she recalls. ‘When he picked me, other designers followed—no more castings. My life changed overnight.’
But it was her unexpected encounter with the legendary Karl Lagerfeld that truly shaped her career. At just 17, Trunfio had no idea who the silver-haired designer was when he called out, ‘Maria Carla!’ Mistaking him for someone else, she corrected him: ‘I’m Nicole from Australia.’ Lagerfeld, unfazed, later booked her for Chanel, introducing her as ‘Nicole from Australia’ on French news. Controversial interpretation alert: Was Lagerfeld’s fascination with her Australian identity a stroke of genius or a stereotype? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Fast forward to today, Trunfio is on the cusp of launching Bumpsuit’s capsule collection with boho label Spell. Her brand, initially designed for pregnant women, has evolved into an inclusive line featuring denim, dresses, activewear, and even baby carriers. ‘All of Bumpsuit is non-maternity,’ she explains. ‘We focus on high-performing fabrics and stretch to cater to all women.’
The collaboration with Spell, inspired by a pair of their jeans, includes a revolutionary nappy bag. ‘I wanted it to be the lightest on the market, with accessible pockets that close effortlessly,’ she says. But here’s where it gets controversial: In an era of fast fashion, is Trunfio’s focus on durability and inclusivity a game-changer or just a niche appeal? Share your thoughts below.
As she prepares for a whirlwind trip to Australia—her first in three years—Trunfio is eager to reconnect with her roots. Her plans include unveiling the Bumpsuit x Spell collection and attending her family’s annual ‘sausage weekend,’ a cherished Italian-Australian tradition. ‘I’m bringing my kids for the first time,’ she reveals. ‘It’s about 700 to a thousand of us coming together—it’s wild.’
Her husband, Gary Clark Jr., may join part of the trip, but with his tour schedule, it’s a game of wait-and-see. Last summer, the family traveled Europe and the US on his tour bus—an adventure the kids adored. ‘A different city each night,’ she recalls. ‘Wild.’
As Trunfio continues to blend her high-fashion past with her grounded present, one thing is clear: her journey is far from over. Thought-provoking question: Can a life of luxury and simplicity truly coexist? Let us know what you think in the comments.
The Bumpsuit x Spell collection drops on February 20. Visit spell.co and bumpsuit.com to explore the line. For the full interview and stunning photo shoot, grab the latest issue of Stellar, available in Sunday papers. For more inspiring stories, visit Stellar.
