While actor and model Maddison Brown is often away in the states shooting on the set of Dynasty no less, she wants you to know that her heart lies here in Australia. In fact, she waxes lyrical about her home; from the Great Barrier Reef to eating mangoes at Nielsen Park, Australia's glittering coastline is never far from her mind.

It seems fitting then that set amongst the backdrop of Sydney's Nielsen Park with images lensed by Alice Wesley-Smith, Maddison shares why she won't compromise on caring for the environment and how wearing Australian designers brings her comfort while overseas.

 

What’s the first thing we should know about you?

I’m Australian and I identify strongly with that. I think Australians have an appreciation for the elements growing up in such a rugged and beautiful country. There aren’t many places in the world where the dangers and the beauty of the natural world are drilled into you from such a young age. The dangers of venomous snakes and spiders, skin cancer from the sun and our outdoor lifestyle but at the same time the beauty of being out in the bush, swimming in the ocean on a warm sunny day. Most Australians I know just have a profound connection with nature and I am very proud of that as an Australian myself.

I won’t compromise on…

My personal pledge to do everything I can to protect our oceans and planet. I'm very mindful of saying no to single use plastics and being more considered with the way that I shop and the brands that I support. I know that even the small changes that I make to my daily lifestyle can affect positive change for our environment. It helps me to feel like I’m doing something - anything - as just one person to be more mindful of my relationship with the earth.

 

You’re on your way to the beach, where do you go and what are the three essentials you take with you?

A refillable bottle of water, sunscreen and some fruit. I love eating mangoes by the beach. It's my favourite thing to do on a summer's day. The beaches in Australia are like nowhere else in the world. I feel so lucky to have grown up in Sydney. My favourite beach is Nielsen Park and every time I’m home the first stop I make from the airport is for a swim at Nielsen Park.

After a long day on set, what do you do to unwind? Do you have any self-care routines?

I absolutely love to cook! It's become one of my favourite hobbies. I find cooking so therapeutic. I love pilates and I do Fluid Form At Home almost every day. I have a dog and she’s very cuddly, so that helps me unwind too.

 

Maddison wears Matteau Edition 2, our first preview before the collection drops in October

 

You recently had a break from filming and flew home for a month, what was that time like for you?

It’s hard to describe how much it meant to me. I had to do two weeks of mandatory quarantine but it actually went by really quickly. I think after such a hectic shooting schedule in the US the downtime was kind of nice. I missed Australia so much and not being able to come home for over a year and a half was incredibly difficult. I struggled not being able to see my family or spend time by the beach - those little things I once took for granted. I spent most of my time with my family because it was lockdown in Sydney. It was an incredibly special time. I was able to swim at the beach and spend time in the bush as well. All in all it was a much needed visit. I always leave a piece of my heart behind.

 

When you’re not in Australia, do you have any rituals or carry anything with you as a reminder of home?

I wear a lot of Australian designers - Matteau, Bassike, Scanlan & Theodore and Camilla and Marc are my favourites. I love wearing Australian brands, it makes me feel close to home. I also choose to support the Australian fashion industry as a whole as much as I can. Particularly brands like Bassike that are sustainable and ethically made. Bassike organic cotton tees are a staple in my wardrobe and so are Matteau swimsuits and dresses. I always have a tube of macabalm with me. An Australian made and owned moisturising balm made from organic macadamia nuts and Kakadu plum. It is my favourite skincare / beauty product.

Do you have a style icon? Who are they and why do they inspire you?

I really love Princess Diana. The way she carried herself, she was always so elegant. I don’t know if I have a style icon in the sense that I do my own thing when it comes to clothes and style but I do love her energy.

 

What’s the best style advice you’ve ever received?

Less is more, and trends are trends for a reason. I try to invest in a few key/classic pieces for my wardrobe each season which in turn reduces my consumption of clothes. I don't like to be wasteful.

Lastly, what are you most looking forward to in the future?

So many things - like the borders in Australia re-opening and international travel resuming, so I can see my family more often. This trip home I was also invited to go on an expedition with scientists and marine biologists to survey the Great Barrier Reef. It was a dream come true but covid lockdowns and border closures meant we had to reschedule. I can't wait to get back and be part of the research that is going to be so significant for my generation.