Nicole Trunfio

Nicole Trunfio – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Dive into the life of Nicole Trunfio — Italian-heritage Australian model, entrepreneur, and activist. Explore her early years, modeling rise, business ventures, public voice, and inspirational quotes.

Introduction

Nicole Trunfio (born 16 March 1986) is an Australian model, entrepreneur, brand founder, and public voice known for her advocacy of body positivity, sustainability, and women’s rights. Although commonly described as Australian, she carries Italian heritage (her father is of Italian descent) and often embraces that part of her identity.

She first gained fame through modeling competitions, then built a distinguished modeling career working with top fashion houses. Beyond modeling, she has also launched sustainable fashion and maternity brands, spoken out on social issues (especially motherhood and breastfeeding), and used her platform for activism.

Nicole’s story blends glamour with grit — from humble beginnings to global visibility, from catwalks to boardrooms.

Early Life and Family

Nicole was born in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia, to an Australian mother (Kim) and an Italian father (Giuseppe).

She has said she felt “more Italian than Australian” growing up because of her father’s heritage and family traditions.

Trunfio’s childhood was modest in resources but rich in love. She has said that though they were poor, she never felt poor because “there was always food on the table and love in the household.”

She attended primary schools in Merredin and Parkfield, and high school in Australind, Western Australia.

Youth and Entry into Modeling

As a teenager, Nicole was scouted when she was about fifteen while shopping in Perth. Search for a Supermodel (its third season).

Subsequently, she competed in Supermodel of the World, where she placed in the top ranks (she came second internationally).

At age sixteen, she moved to New York City with just about AUD 5,000 in her account, dropping out of school (Year 11) to pursue modeling opportunities abroad.

While in New York, she also studied acting (at Stella Adler Studio) and attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney.

Career and Achievements

Modeling Success

Nicole’s modeling work spans high fashion, commercial, editorial, and runway. She has worked with top brands and designers including Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Christian Dior, Gucci, Fendi, Missoni, Roberto Cavalli, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Victoria’s Secret, and others.

She has appeared in campaigns for Karl Lagerfeld, D&G, Sonia Rykiel, Lacoste, Sisley, BCBG Max Azria, and Guess.

In 2011, she replaced Miranda Kerr as the face of Australian department store David Jones for their winter launch.

Television, Film & Mentorship

Nicole has also ventured into acting and television. She appeared in the Australian film Two Fists, One Heart as “Jessica,” an Italian temptress character.

She has served as mentor on modeling reality shows. For example, she was a mentor for female contestants on Make Me a Supermodel (U.S. version) and for The Face Australia.

She also did a cameo in the Sofia Coppola film Somewhere (2010) as a “brunette bikini babe.”

Entrepreneurial Ventures & Activism

Nicole is not only a model but a businesswoman and advocate. Her ventures include:

• Erth Jewellery: A sustainable and ethical jewelry brand she launched in 2016.

• Bumpsuit: A maternity clothing brand, created to offer stylish and functional options for pregnant women.

• Erth Swim: A sustainable swimwear line launched in 2020, designed to minimize environmental impact and manufactured by women in Bali/Indonesia.

She uses her platform to advocate for normalizing breastfeeding. In 2015, she appeared on the cover of Elle Australia breastfeeding her son; the image was initially released only to subscribers to avoid controversy, which she called out.

She’s also active in sustainability and women’s rights causes, participating in events like the 2017 Women’s March and supporting environmental giving campaigns (e.g. 1% for the Planet).

Her personal life too has elements of public note. She married musician Gary Clark Jr. in April 2016.

Legacy and Influence

Nicole Trunfio’s legacy lies at the intersection of fashion, motherhood, ethics, and activism:

• Redefining the modeling image: She brings a holistic self — as a mother, founder, and public voice — to an industry often focused only on surface aesthetics.

• Sustainability & ethical entrepreneurship: Her brands show that style and commerce can be aligned with ecological and social values.

• Advocacy for women & mothers: Her willingness to breastfeed publicly and speak about stigma contributes to shifting cultural norms.

• Global citizen identity: Her Italian roots, Australian upbringing, and American life reflect a transnational identity that resonates in a globalized world.

She helps challenge the stereotype that models are mere faces — instead she embodies leadership, values, and impact.

Famous Quotes of Nicole Trunfio

Here are some notable quotes by Nicole Trunfio (from public sources) that reflect her values, reflections, and voice:

“I love the feel of good quality Italian black lace that feels delicate and really feminine.” “I will pursue my passion of cooking every day until my hands fall off and I lose all sense of smell and taste.” “My mentors in life are much older than me and have been through life. They can actually give me some sound advice on what I’m going through.” “Because I come from such a close family, my natural instinct is to marry and have kids as soon as possible.” “There is nothing more powerful and beautiful than motherhood.” “Skin is really important; after all, it’s my business.” “My weight is something that people seem to talk about a lot.” “I truly love Australia; I miss Aussie kids and their attitude!” “I haven’t looked to my peers for advice because we’re all going through the same thing. How do you ask your friends for advice when they’re going through the exact same thing?” “I like pieces that are cool and simple. I try to wear really cute things, but they just don’t suit me at all.” “I love not having a daily routine, just having the things I need with me and going anywhere in the world.”

These quotes show her sophistication, humility, and reflections on identity, motherhood, and authenticity.

Lessons from Nicole Trunfio

1. Integrate identity and career.
   Nicole shows that modeling, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and activism need not be compartmentalized — they can inform one another.

2. Stand for what matters.
   Her public stances on breastfeeding and sustainability demonstrate that visibility can be used for social change.

3. Continuous reinvention.
   She evolves — from model to mentor, founder, and advocate — refusing to be static.

4. Value substance over trends.
   Her preference for quality materials, timeless simplicity, and ethical business suggests substance matters more than flash.

5. Lean on mentors and humility.
   Her acknowledgment of older mentors and cautious approach to peer advice reveals a grounding sensitivity in her growth.

Conclusion

Nicole Trunfio is far more than a model: she is a multi-dimensional figure whose life weaves together heritage, motherhood, fashion, sustainability, and public voice. From her early rise via modeling competitions to building brands and speaking boldly about motherhood and equality, her journey serves as an inspiring model of using influence with intention.