Imagine swapping the dazzling runways of Paris and Milan for the serene pastures of 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 a life of chickens, cattle, and carpool runs? Let’s dive into her extraordinary journey.
For Trunfio, life on a 20-hectare ranch in Texas 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 tranquility and hard work. ‘It’s a lot of effort,’ she admits to Stellar, ‘but the peace and beauty of nature make it all worthwhile.’ The ranch, complete with a veggie patch, a garden, and a flock of chickens, doubles as both a family haven and the picturesque backdrop for her recent photo shoot.
And this is the part most people miss: Trunfio’s days now involve 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, reflecting on how her quiet rural life contrasts sharply with her high-octane modeling career.
On a chilly Texas afternoon, Trunfio looks back on her meteoric rise in the fashion world with awe. ‘I still can’t believe the career I’ve had,’ she says. ‘Why me? I was so lucky.’ From winning Search for a Supermodel in 2002 to becoming Tom Ford’s ‘girl of the season’ at Gucci, her life changed overnight. ‘I didn’t have to audition—designers like Valentino, Cavalli, and Versace just booked me,’ she recalls. But here’s the controversial part: in a pre-internet era, Trunfio had no idea who Karl Lagerfeld was when they first met. ‘He was yelling, “Maria Carla!” and I corrected him, “I’m Nicole from Australia,”’ she shares. Despite the awkward encounter, Lagerfeld not only kept her in the Fendi show but later booked her for Chanel, even introducing her on French news as ‘Nicole from Australia.’
Now, here’s where it gets even more fascinating: Trunfio’s fashion legacy continues with Bumpsuit, a brand she launched in 2020. Initially designed for pregnant women, the line has evolved into an inclusive, high-performance collection featuring denim, dresses, activewear, and even baby carriers. ‘We don’t do maternity clothing,’ she explains. ‘Our pieces are designed to fit pregnant and non-pregnant women alike, using fabrics that stretch and adapt to every stage of life.’ Her latest collaboration with boho label Spell—inspired by a pair of their jeans—includes a revolutionary nappy bag with accessible, zipper-free pockets. ‘I wanted it to be the lightest bag on the market,’ she says.
As Trunfio prepares for a whirlwind trip to Australia to unveil the Bumpsuit x Spell capsule collection, she’s also planning a longer visit in May and June to introduce her children to a cherished family tradition: the ‘sausage weekend.’ Held on her nonno’s farm, this annual Italian Australian ritual involves making salami, bonfires, and dirt-bike riding. ‘I’ve been waiting until they’re old enough to understand,’ she reveals. ‘It’s a gathering of 700 to a thousand people—a true celebration of our heritage.’
But here’s the question that lingers: Can a life rooted in rural simplicity truly satisfy someone who’s walked the world’s most glamorous runways? Trunfio’s answer is clear: ‘It’s all about balance.’ From Lagerfeld’s mentorship to her innovative fashion brand, she’s proven that dreams—whether on the catwalk or the ranch—are worth chasing.
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, pick up the latest issue of Stellar, available in Sunday papers. And don’t forget to check out more from Stellar here.
What do you think? Is Trunfio’s transition from runway to ranch inspiring, or do you think she’s leaving her fashion legacy behind? Let us know in the comments!
