Kerrie McMahon, an Irish model and author now based in Los Angeles, has made her mark worldwide by working with top hair and beauty brands and gracing the covers of prestigious magazines like Glamour, Maxim, FHM, and Shape. Known for her dedication to health, fitness, and a positive body image, Kerrie advocates for self-care and confidence.
Beyond her professional life, her greatest joy is motherhood, especially her role as a mother to her daughter, Isabel. In this exclusive interview with L’Officiel Monaco, Kerrie shares insights into her journey, challenges, and the personal struggles she’s overcome.
How did your journey into the modeling industry begin, and what were some of your early experiences like?
My dad was a creative director for an advertising agency which meant as a child I got to take parts in photo shoots. So starring in a toy catalogue campaign with my sister and cousins was my very first and very fun experience of modelling!
As a grew up I did some fashion shows in Ireland, and took any opportunities as they came along. I was lucky to work with people who believed in me and that gave me the confidence to move to America. The early days were a whirlwind, I’d never lived away from home before. I got so much life experience in a short space of time. Even just learning how to fend for myself in a new country where I didn’t know anyone was huge. I lived in a tiny apartment by the beach in Santa Monica, and at first I did not even have a car so I would cycle my bike to any meetings and castings near by!
Living in Los Angeles must be inspiring in many ways—how has the city influenced your career and personal life?
I really love Los Angeles. I always feel the unique energy of the city the minute I land at LAX. It feels like any dream is possible, as if you’re always on the brink of something exciting. I’ve had so many modeling adventures, have a home in the Hollywood Hills and had my daughter here in 2021. If you had told me even one of these things would have happened 10 years ago, I would never have believed it. I still have pinch me moments and feel genuinely so grateful to live here.
Dress: Gasanova @gasanova.brand; Earrings: Defaience @defaience; Bracelet: Veronica Tharmalingam @veronicatharmalingam; Shoes: Jonak @jonak; Dress: Isabel Mama Luma @mamalumaofficial.
You’ve worked with numerous hair and beauty brands globally. What do you enjoy most about collaborating with these brands, and what do you look for in a partnership?
I really like the creativity of seeing an artistic vision come to life. Learning about new products. Traveling to some beautiful parts of the world I’d never have otherwise seen. I’ve been lucky to have a few brands I consistently work with so it’s like working with friends, and not as daunting as some jobs can be. In an ideal partnership, I love to collaborate with brands that I actually use or that match my current lifestyle. A few years ago, the baby brands were not even on my radar and now that’s a big part of Instagram account!
Dress: aŠady, @dana.asady; Jewellery: Bruna @brunathelabel; Shoes: Claudio Merazzi @claudio_merazzi_brand.
Health and fitness are clearly very important to you. Could you share some of your favorite routines or wellness practices that help keep you balanced?
Movement has always been very important to me, as I grew up taking ballet and that discipline is deeply instilled. It is easier to be healthy in La as the sunny outdoor lifestyle is so conducive to things like hiking, swimming, running on the beach, or walking my daughter in her stroller! If I’m feeling out of balance I get curious and look at my sleep, diet, exercise to see which one may be lacking. Then I pick one thing I could do for even 30 minutes to feel a little better in myself, whether it’s resting, yoga, a walk outdoors or even putting on music and having a little dance party at home.
Promoting a healthy body image is a key focus of yours. What message do you hope to convey to your audience, and why is this advocacy close to your heart?
I missed out on the majority of my teen years due to an eating disorder. It is a never ending spiral of feeling like you’re not good enough. Obsessing over being perfect. I would never want other young girls to go through that. I still have to work hard to not be overly critical of myself. Instead, I try to listen to my body, enjoy food and worry less about always doing the right things. If I’m too rigid, it effects my brain negatively. Everyone will experience different season of life with their heath and fitness regimes. I always want to portray that you are so much more than how your body looks. Plus life is too short to be hungry!
Dress: Zimmermann @zimmermann; Earrings & ring: Cristina Sabatini @cristinasabatini.
How has motherhood, especially with your daughter Isabel, shaped your outlook on the modeling industry and the concept of beauty?
It was very interesting for me to experience pregnancy and postpartum. To see the real purpose of the female body and how happy I felt to be able to grow and nurture my daughter. I never felt more content even though I may not have been aesthetically at my best. And I really leaned into that special time of bonding without worrying about “bouncing back”. I think there is too much pressure on women to do it all. In terms of the modeling industry, I hope it continues to make progress and expand it’s narrative of what is beautiful. It is already so much more inclusive that when I began which is amazing to experience. I will always encourage Isabel to see the best in everyone, regardless of appearance.
Hat: Toukitsou @Toukitsou; Shirt, jacket, pants: Hermes @hermes; Necklace & ring: Cristina Sabatini @cristinasabatini; Dress: Mama Luma @mamalumaofficial.
As an author, what topics or themes do you enjoy writing about, and are there any projects you’re currently working on that you’d like to share?
My English teacher always advised to write what you know so a range of female topics like health, beauty, young adult issues and now motherhood come easier to me. I hope to write a fiction novel based on my modeling experiences in America one day. I’m also collaborating on a short children’s story with my mum based on a game she played with my daughter, called ‘Night Night Dollies’. For ages 0-4; 5-8. This is a fun passion project and we hope to contribute any revenue to a children’s charity.
Shirt jacket, skirt: Hermes @hermes; Earrings: Burkinabae @burkinabae; Ring: Cristina Sabatini @cristinasabatini.
CREDITS
Photographer Nathalie Gordon @photonathalie
BTS Photographer @stanevans
Model – Kerrie McMahon @kerriemxoxo
Hair Stylist – Marjorie Lightford @marjthestylist
Makeup Artist- Luis Casco @luiscascomakeup
Nail Artist – Tracey Sutter @tlsutter
Creative Director & Lead Fashion Stylist- Lisa Smith Craig @lscstyling
Producer & Style Team- Essence Carson @essencecarson
Style Team – Niquita Tamar @niquitatamar
Creative Production – @wemergenetwork
PR – LSA @leo.alderman @lsapublications