About
Holly Rose Emery is a New Zealand fashion model known for her easy‑going charm, statuesque 5‑foot‑11 frame, and runway résumé that stretches from Prada exclusives to Savage X Fenty campaigns. Born in Auckland on 29 May 1996, she signed her first contract at sixteen and swiftly appeared on some of fashion’s biggest catwalks—Chanel, Valentino, Marc Jacobs, and more—earning Vogue Australia praise as “one of the most in‑demand models in the southern hemisphere.” Today she divides her time between New York and London, balancing high‑profile shoots with advocacy for body diversity in an industry she once paused to protect her well‑being.
Before Fame
Growing up in Auckland, Holly was a sporty teen who played netball at Diocesan School for Girls. At 95 kg, she found the game hard on her knees, so—with medical supervision—she shed 36 kg over two years, a transformation that sparked media chatter but also opened modeling doors. When her dad spotted a newspaper ad for a local agency, he encouraged her to give them a call; Holly and her mum visited the office the very next day, and she was offered a contract on the spot. Five months later, she left high school, moved to Sydney, and soon booked a coveted Prada runway debut.
Trivia
- Star sign: Gemini, something she happily owns while crediting “strong gut instincts” as her super‑power.
- Career pause: Between ages 19 and 23, she stepped away from fashion, working retail, exploring photography, and rebuilding self‑confidence before returning as a curve model.
- Favorite essentials: A book (even the heavy ones), AirPods, three lip products, and a well‑worn Keriana clutch for castings around New York.
- Comfort food: She swears by a classic French carrot salad—grated carrots, Dijon, citrus, olive oil, and raisins—and fantasizes about the olive‑oil cheesecake at Auckland’s Pici.
- Mantra: Her father’s advice—”Don’t sweat the small stuff”—still serves her on chaotic shoot days.
Family Life
Holly keeps personal relationships largely private, yet she often credits her close‑knit family for grounding her. It was her father who clipped that pivotal newspaper article, and her mother who accompanied her to the agency meeting; both have remained steady supporters throughout the highs and lows of fashion. In recent interviews, she lists “my family, friends, the ocean, sunshine, fresh air—and myself” among her greatest loves, and she hopes one day to retire by the beach in Aotearoa surrounded by those people.
Associated With
Emery’s runway and campaign roster reads like a who’s who of modern style: Prada, Chanel, Miu Miu, Valentino, Dries Van Noten, and Savage X Fenty among others. She has collaborated closely with New Zealand mentor and agent Ngahuia Williams and appeared in a Harper’s Bazaar feature alongside Australian supermodel Gemma Ward that highlighted their parallel comebacks and shared Prada origins. Holly’s editorial credits include Vogue Ukraine, Calvin Klein Underwear, and Marina Rinaldi, reflecting both her high‑fashion pedigree and her push for size inclusivity.
