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 story, where high fashion meets homegrown simplicity.
For Nicole, life on her 20-hectare ranch in Texas is a delicate balance of romance and hard work. ‘It’s a lot of effort,’ she admits to Stellar, sharing the space with her husband, blues-rock musician Gary Clark Jr., their three children—Zion (11), Gia (8), and Ella (turning six)—and a bustling menagerie of chickens and pregnant longhorn cattle. ‘But the peace and beauty of nature make it all worthwhile,’ she reflects. The ranch, complete with a veggie patch and a sprawling garden, doubles as a playground for her kids and the backdrop for her recent Stellar photo shoot.
On a chilly Texas afternoon, Nicole’s reflective mood contrasts sharply with her high-octane modeling days. ‘I still can’t believe the career I’ve had,’ she muses. ‘It’s like I lived someone else’s dream.’ From walking for fashion giants like Chanel and Gucci to now spending hours in the car for school drop-offs and managing her Austin-based fashion label, Bumpsuit, her life is a study in contrasts. And this is the part most people miss: her journey wasn’t just about luck—it was about seizing opportunities and breaking barriers.
Nicole’s big break came in 2002 when she won Search For A Supermodel, but it was Tom Ford who catapulted her into the spotlight. As the then-designer for Gucci, Ford handpicked her as his ‘girl of the season,’ a title that opened doors to every major runway: Valentino, Cavalli, Missoni, Versace—you name it. ‘My life changed overnight,’ she recalls.
But here’s where it gets controversial: in a pre-internet era, Nicole had an awkward run-in with the legendary Karl Lagerfeld. At just 17, she mistakenly thought he was calling for another model, only to realize later he was the iconic designer behind Fendi and Chanel. Despite the gaffe, Lagerfeld not only kept her in the show but also became a mentor, gifting her a timeless Chanel bag she still treasures. ‘He took me under his wing,’ she says, highlighting his fascination with Australian culture, especially his obsession with Nicole Kidman.
Fast forward to today, Nicole is on the cusp of launching Bumpsuit’s capsule collection with boho label Spell. Founded in 2020, Bumpsuit started as a line of ‘onesies’ for pregnant women but has since evolved into an inclusive brand offering denim, dresses, activewear, and even baby carriers. ‘All of Bumpsuit is non-maternity,’ she explains. ‘We design for everyone, using high-performing fabrics with plenty of stretch.’ Here’s the kicker: the collaboration with Spell was inspired by a pair of their jeans, blending Bumpsuit’s functionality with Spell’s signature prints.
The collection, launching February 20, includes a revolutionary nappy bag designed for lightness and accessibility. ‘I wanted it to be the lightest on the market,’ Nicole says, emphasizing its innovative design.
Amid her whirlwind schedule, Nicole is planning a longer trip to Australia in May and June, a deeply personal journey to introduce her children to her Italian heritage. ‘We’re Italian, and my family has this ‘sausage weekend’ tradition,’ she shares. Held on her grandfather’s farm, the event is a celebration of Italian-Australian culture, complete with salami-making, bonfires, and dirt-bike riding. ‘I’ve been waiting for my kids to be old enough to understand,’ she reveals. ‘It’s a gathering of 700 to a thousand people—it’s wild.’
As Nicole balances her roles as a mother, entrepreneur, and former model, one thing is clear: her life is a testament to embracing change and finding beauty in the unexpected. But here’s the question: Can we truly have it all, or is it about finding harmony in the contrasts? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
