It's true. Our love for Inka Williams knows no bounds. She reminds us of one of our earliest ambassadors, a fresh-faced Miranda Kerr, who joined the Bonds family in 2003 and has been popping up in campaigns here and there ever since. She's also following in the footsteps of her good mate, Sarah Ellen, who fronted our Autumn/Winter '17 collection. 

Now, it's Inka's turn to take on the reins as the face of our Nineties-inspired Spring/Summer '18 women's range. We caught up with the busy 18-year-old to get the lowdown on what it was like to grow up in Bali and what influence the Indonesian island has had on her life and career to date. 

You were born in Melbourne but raised in Bali. What was it like to grow up in Bali?

Growing up in Bali has shaped a big part of who I am today. I have always felt safe in Bali, growing up in a small village riding my bicycle around at 8-years-old with only rice fields and empty beaches around. I have always been very connected to Balinese people and have lived my whole life around them, even partially raised by them. The Indonesian and especially Balinese language and culture influenced me at a very young age. Going to school there was pretty cool, so many different nationalities of expats which taught us how to be accepting of everyone and being more open minded.

What’s it been like moving to London and how has life changed for you recently?

I have of course had to acclimatise, both to the much cooler weather, but also to being in such a big city without beaches or waterfalls.

What do you miss most about Bali?

My family, the people, my pets, the beaches, the weather, the food. Is this already too many?!

You started modelling from a young age. How did your career grow from local photo shoots to major global campaigns?

It was a lot of hard work as I started from scratch and back in the day, Bali wasn’t as big so I have always been pretty far from the rest of the world. But, yeah, great management too (agencies and my mother!) as well as sticking to it and a love for the art .

Social media has played a huge role in your success (she has over 1 million followers @inkawilliams). Why do you think this is?

I don’t think there is any specific reason why. I think followers just appreciated my aesthetic, and I suppose I’m very blessed and lucky to live somewhere as idealistic as Bali. I think it would be pretty aspirational for people living in big cities or cold locations.

Which Instagram accounts do you check religiously?

@natgeo and my Bali-raised besties who now live all over the world.

What do you feel most comfortable wearing and why?

Something light. Sarongs, bikinis, no shoes - it's as equally comfortable to me as it nostalgic.

If you weren’t modelling what do you think you’d be doing instead?

It’s so hard to say, because no matter how much you plan your life and career, it doesn’t always go that way. Of course, I would want to be doing something that I enjoy and felt inspired by like I do with modelling. But if not that, something with animals, or nature. I also love making smoothies and juices and also organising people’s spaces (rooms, closets, living areas) haha! 

What’s your approach to your health and wellbeing?

It sounds cliché, but I believe in moderation, nothing good comes from depriving yourself. I think growing up somewhere so humid, healthy raw fresh meals were so accessible but also enjoyable. Salads, fruit and fresh juices are much more inviting in the warmth and are almost comfort foods. I think for wellbeing it’s important to also just stop, appreciate and take in what’s around you.

What are you most looking forward to in the next six months?

Growing as person and a model, and getting to work with new creatives.

~ Quick-fire questions ~

Makeup or no makeup?

No makeup.

Summer or winter?

Summer.

Sweet or savoury?

Sweet.

Bikinis or one-piece?

Bikini.

Instagram or Snapchat?

Insta (but not too much!)

Coconut or pineapple?

Coconut all the way. 

Thongs or bare feet?

Bare feet!

Sunrise or sunset?

I can't choose, but sunrises are rare. I love my sleep!

Sushi or poke bowl?

Poke bowl. 

Gigi Hadid or Kendall Jenner?

Can’t say as I don’t know them personally – probably Gigi!

Read more from Inka in this article with GRAZIA.

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Shop our women's New Era Spring/Summer '18 collection online here.

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