Model to friend of the Brand...Meet Philippa Godson

To many taylor lovers, you might feel as though you know Philippa, and rightfully so. She has been a prominent model for taylor and our sister brand Symetria, for the past few years. Throughout numerous seasons, Philippa has established an extraordinary ability to flawlessly embody the essence of our brands. Working on so many photoshoots together has made her go from model to friend of taylor.

Recognising how valuable Philippa has been to our brands, it's high time that we properly introduce the woman in front of the camera. We chat with Philippa about her journey to becoming a model, what it's like working part-time as a model while studying and of course, we want to know about Frodo her beautiful puppy!

SEE PHILIPPA'S FAVOURITE W23 PIECES

1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
"Hi! My name is Philippa Batley (Godson). I am originally from KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. I was born into a large, wild, and wonderful family consisting of myself, my mom, my dad, and my four much older brothers. It’s safe to say that I came as a big surprise all those years after the boys, and in South Africa, we refer to this as being “die laat lametjie” meaning, “the late lamb”. I have an incredibly supportive partner, Andrew Batley, and together we have our good boy, Frodo. We recently got married back in South Africa on the 22nd of April 2023, after a 2.5-year “lockdown engagement” we finally made it down the aisle! We started the visa application process to come to New Zealand in 2019 and made it through the borders by the skin of our teeth before the pandemic hit. Neither of us had ever been to New Zealand, and we are both very family-orientated, so the idea of being so far away was extremely daunting. There were other places we discussed potentially travelling to, however, we kept coming back to the idea of New Zealand. We just knew that after a few years of long distance in our relationship, we wanted to have an adventure together and are so grateful we took a leap of faith because we do love Aotearoa and the people and beauty that it encompasses. We couldn’t be happier."

Philippa wears the Reconcile Oblique, Long Extension Tank and the Cogent Pant.

2. WE CAN'T FORGET THE STAR OF THE SHOW, FRODO, YOUR BEAUTIFUL PUPPY. HOW LONG HAS HE BEEN PART OF YOUR FAMILY?
"We got Frodo between lockdown in September 2020. We drove to fetch him from a small farm in Hawkes Bay - BEST DAY EVER. I was still waiting for my work/partnership visa at the time, so Mr Frodo and I have shared many days fighting homesickness and the lockdown blues, but most importantly, many happy adventures. I am animal crazy to say the least, so this dog is very special to me."

Philippa wears the Framework Print Cascade Shirt, Long Extension Tank, Station Pant.

3. HOW DID YOU START MODELLING? IN YOUR MODELLING CAREER YOU'VE WORKED ALL AROUND THE WORLD, LEAVING HOME AT A YOUNG AGE. TELL US ABOUT YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENTS.
"I was scouted by an agency when I was 15. I was representing South Africa in competitive figure skating and was struggling with what we now know to be endometriosis. I couldn’t take more time off school or skating (I was missing enough days with endo as it was) so my parents and I respectfully declined. However, when I was 17, the same agency came to my school's fundraising fashion show where ironically I was selling the tickets at the door. This time round was much better timing. I had to stop competing in my skating and had my first endo surgery a few months prior. I was going through a lot and wanted something completely different to dive into. I was sent to Cape Town when I finished school, and after 2 months I was humbled to be featured on Models.com. After that, I was working in Europe and couldn’t believe how quickly it had all happened. For me, the best memories are of my travels. Had I not been a model, I would never have been able to afford to see the places I did and I never would have met the people I have. Although the first year or two I was incredibly far out of my comfort zone, and felt like I didn't fit in, soon enough, I learned to navigate myself on my own and wrap my head around what it meant to be a working model. I am lucky I have very supportive (and patient) parents and agents who had my best interests at heart."

Philippa wears the Framework Print Cascade Shirt, Long Extension Tank, Station Pant.

4. YOU'VE BEEN MODELLING FOR TAYLOR, AND OUR SISTER BRAND SYMETRIA, FOR A NUMBER OF SEASONS NOW. WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE ON SET WITH THE TAYLOR TEAM?
"I truly and genuinely love being on set with the taylor/Symetria team. Everyone is incredibly kind, and respectful and most of all the day is always fun! It never feels like work as everyone is so creative and very open to collaboration. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a team where they ask for the model's opinion. Many don’t know this but as a model, you have zero input in what happens on set creatively, you are given a brief and a mood board and it is your job to mould yourself to and execute someone else’s vision. The taylor team asks for my feedback throughout the process, which I think is amazing. I have also learnt a lot from Vicki, I have seen how she cares about people and how she treats her employees and I would love to embody these qualities in my own business one day."

5. IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY THERE IS SO MUCH CHANGE BETWEEN JOBS, CLIENTS AND THEIR REQUIREMENTS. HOW DO YOU ADAPT TO THIS?
"I would be lying if I said I have always had the hang of this. When you are younger, things can feel a lot more personal. But over time through experience, you learn to accept that nothing is personal. You cannot be everyone’s cup of tea - and that is OKAY! One day you are a brand's muse and the next people can't place you in their brand. You are praised one hour, and not thought much of the next. It is a roller-coaster and is something I had to figure out on my own, but what I have learned is that you are who you are, and to care more for character than looks. Yes, you can change movement, poses, mood, and facial expressions to fit a brand but beyond that, you need to honour who you are and not take anything personally (this does not happen overnight). I think of it as a role, and you just need to try to perform what is needed and then the change can be so much fun!"

6. WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE MODELLING INDUSTRY?
"No, you do not get to keep the clothes! My friends were very disappointed to hear this sad reality. Secondly, models do work hard. Days are long, and you are constantly on your feet. My longest day shooting a TV commercial was 16.5 hours. It is not unusual to have a 4 or 5 am call time in summer, and you are awake long before to ensure you're on time. Modelling can also be very lonely. Often you're far from home, and as you make a new friend and begin to settle, one of you has to leave for work. You have to make yourself constantly available, so navigating when to say "no" can be difficult. A common misconception for new or younger models is that we have to do everything an agency, designer, or casting director says. This might sound like basic knowledge and thankfully, there are more rules & regulations to protect underage models than when I started. However, it is not always easy to say "no" when you are navigating a new industry, especially when you are younger than the people around you. Remember you are an independent contractor, so you are your own boss, and an agency is your representative. If you are uncomfortable with something, it doesn't matter how big or small, try your best to speak out or speak to someone you trust to help you navigate the situation. No matter what you have the right to maintain personal autonomy and set healthy boundaries for yourself just as you would in any other job. I was very pleasantly surprised with the support I was given when I started to voice my concerns, you just need to find your people who will listen and respect your wishes."

Draped Sequence Jacket, Framework Print Cascade Shirt, Long Extension Tank, Cogent Pant.

7. YOU'VE BEEN STUDYING, TELL US ABOUT YOUR DEGREE.
"I have a Degree in Psychology and English. I have also completed additional modules in Sexual Trauma, theoretical and applied ethics, community psychology, sociology of education, and group dynamics (lockdown with no work visa kept me studying extra credits). I recently did a Health Coaching Certification and am currently applying for Health Coaching positions in Auckland. In the interim, I am doing private coaching in person and online and of course, modelling part-time."

8. WHAT IGNITED YOUR PASSION FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?
"Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can attach itself to any organ or tissue in the body. Although I consider myself lucky to have had an early diagnosis (compared to the average of 8 years to be diagnosed in New Zealand), the disease still managed to consume me whole and before I knew it, it had attached itself to many major organs and I was bedridden for some time. Endo affects all aspects of one's life, and mental health is a major area of concern for those facing the disease. I remember the depression, anxiety, hopelessness and being unable to walk or complete basic tasks, but my support system around me got me through it all, and it sure took a team! I feel a sense of duty to pay this forward now. Health Coaching allows me to walk alongside people while they face their own health and mental health challenges. If I can be included or trusted in one's journey, then I consider it a privilege."

Philippa wears the Intersection Coat, Reconcile Oblique, Long Extension Tank and the Cogent Pant.

9. WHERE WOULD YOU IDEALLY LOVE TO BE WORKING/DOING IN 5 YEARS?
"I hope to have gained a ton of health coaching experience in clinics and travel to communities that need health/mental health services most. I hope to have my own business up and running and have expanded my Endometriosis support group (@endo_hope_ ) and create more awareness - I used to do some public speaking on it in SA and to achieve that in NZ would be amazing. I hope to continue planting roots in Auckland with my husband and give Frodo some Furry siblings!"

11. WHAT WILL THIS YEAR BRING? WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2023?
"I hope this year will bring the right opportunity for me to help others and learn more about the mental health dynamics within NZ. I look forward to settling into married life, potentially travelling with my husband (and Frodo). And of course, I hope to do some more exciting work with the lovely taylor/Symetria team if I should be so lucky!"

Philippa wears the Reconcile Oblique, Long Extension Tank and the Cogent Pant.

12. AND FINALLY, IF WE'RE COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD, WHERE ARE WE EATING AND EXPLORING?
"If you are in my South African neighbourhood, we are looking for the best of the best Durban curry - so I hope you can handle the heat! We are heading out on an adventure far from the city, into the African bush, finding all the animals we can.

If you are in my Auckland neighbourhood, well then we are eating my home-cooked meals because if you're a guest of mine, I am feeding you. Once your belly is happy and full we are exploring beaches, parks, and hidden trails (all dog friendly of course)."

SEE PHILIPPA'S FAVOURITE W23 PIECES