Double date ... Kate Waterhouse with Jordan (left) and Zach Stenmark.
Twins Jordan and Zach Stenmark had AFL sports scholarships to the University of Sydney and a place in the AFL's Greater Western Sydney (GWS) team for under 18s but these north shore boys swapped the footy field for the runway last year and found instant international success. Kate Waterhouse caught up with the 20-year-olds to chat about their journey.
How did you get into modelling?
Zach: We just finished year 12 and a friend of ours said, ''Guys, I don't want to sound like I'm coming on to you but I really think you should start modelling.'' And we were like, ''No, we have just been given a scholarship to Sydney Uni and we just want to finish and go and play footy.'' We were playing for GWS, so we were like ''No, not happening.'' But he kept on saying it and after a while we went into Vivien's [Model Management]. Our agent was like ''I'll sign you on the spot,'' and we thought ''Oh, OK, this must happen to everyone.'' Then, two weeks later, we were flown by Tom Ford to London.
How serious was your football career?
Zach: It was our No. 1 priority, we were training every single day, sometimes twice a day.
Jordan: We had a scholarship for football and agricultural economics was a back-up plan for us. If someone said two years ago that I'd be modelling now, I'd be like, ''Nup, you're full of it, I'll be playing footy.''
What's been your biggest modelling highlight so far?
Zach: Meeting Tom Ford; doing the Calvin Klein show on exclusive twice while opening and closing their show.
Jordan: Working with Bruce Weber and Terry Richardson was pretty amazing.
If one lands a job and the other doesn't, is there ever any rivalry between you both?
Zach: You kind of think, ''Oh damn, why didn't I get it, we look pretty similar,'' but at the same time it's still a win because a lot of people can't tell us apart, so it's publicity for both of us.
Jordan: As much as we are separate models, [as identical twins] we still are a unique package.
Do you get on each other's nerves?
Zach: Yes, anyone who spends 24 hours a day together does but it's great having each other there when we are away from home.
Zach, how does your long-term girlfriend cope with you now travelling around the world as an international model?
We have been going out since high school, so it's hard, but Skype is probably our saviour. It's never easy but she is very supportive and understands this is what I've got to do. She is driven as well; she is doing vet science.
Jordan, have you found that the girls are more friendly now you are an international model?
Jordan: I don't know, I guess it's a little different [laughs].
Did you cop any flak from your footy mates for becoming models?
Zach: Yes, definitely.
Jordan: There were a lot of jokes but they were all in good fun and that is just footy club banter.
What is the best perk about being an international model?
Jordan: Lots of frequent-flyer miles and seeing the world.
Zach: And free undies!
WE WENT TO Ormeggio, Mosman.
WE ATE Agnolotti filled with braised beef shin; pan-fried flounder fillets; char-grilled. Blackmore wagyu brisket.
WE DRANK Pizzini sangiovese from King Valley, Victoria.
ZACH WORE Burberry trench coat, Nudie Jeans and Lanvin shoes.
JORDAN WORE Industrie leather jacket, Nudie Jeans and Maddox boots.