Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins launches 'Cozi' swimwear label

By Naomi Toy

July 28, 2008 12:01am
Article from: The Daily Telegraph

SHE made her name as the most beautiful woman in the universe - now it seems Jennifer Hawkins is destined to rule the world.

The Aussie beach babe will take to the catwalk next month to launch her own swimwear range.

The venture, which capitalises on her association with Myer, is the latest addition to the growing Hawkins multi-million dollar empire.

Since being crowned Miss Universe in 2004, Hawkins has signed a $4 million deal to be the face of Myer and a $1 million contract with Loveable lingerie as well as fronting campaigns for Pepsi, Lux and Covergirl.

She has also become a popular television personality, presenting on Channel 7's The Great Outdoors and will host the network's new reality show Make Me a Supermodel which goes to air next week.

Marking her first foray into fashion design, Hawkins will star in her own parade when she models her "Cozi" creations at Myer's Sydney City store on August 28.

It will be the culmination of more than six months of secretive, behind-the-scenes work for Hawkins and the Myer production team and the fulfillment of the former Miss Universe's dream.

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph, Hawkins said she was thrilled to finally be able to talk about her brainchild which was borne out of increasing frustration at trying to find the perfect bikini and an insatiable urge to tinker with designs currently on the market.

"I'm in a bikini a lot - I'm working in one," she said.

"I'd see a bikini somewhere, wear it and then want to change it in some way or another, whether it be the colour or the feel of it, or the fit. I just wanted to give it my own little touch."

Hawkins said she had kept her girlfriends in mind when designing the range and believed that the sizes and styles in the range catered for all Australian women.

"I've got a girlfriend and she's tiny and she wanted a bit of padding in there and I've got another girlfriend with a really big bust and no butt and she wanted something that would make her boobs understated and her booty a bit bigger. There's something in there for everyone."

Hawkins pitched the idea of her own swimwear range to Myer store bosses late last year and, not surprisingly, they loved it.

The swimwear range, which includes bikinis and one-pieces in a variety of colours and patterns in sizes 8 to 16, features kaftans and cover-ups and will sold exclusively in Myer stores.

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