Best known for her work as a model, actress and television personality, AnnaliseBraakensiek is one of Australia’s most popular and multi-faceted celebrities.
An internationally recognised covergirl and Logie Award nominee, Sydney-based Annalise is also a keen designer, vegetarian chef and entrepreneur, whose passion for healthy living, the environment and animal rights shines through in all she does.
Scouted by a photographer on Bondi Beach at 16 years of age, Annalise has since been model and muse for some of the biggest and best-known designers, photographers and brands.
Her big break was the coveted Inside Sport Model of the Year in 1994, after which she went on to grace the magazine’s cover a record six times. Annalise’s beach-blonde looks and killer curves have also landed her on the cover of Cosmopolitan (US), Loaded (UK) and Maxim (Italy) to name a few.
She’s starred in numerous advertising campaigns for Guinness, shot by celebrity photographer Rankin, Nivea, La Perla, Lee, Levi’s, Toyota with Jacki Chan and more, and has featured on no less than 21 different “Sexiest Woman Alive” lists.
Modeling led to television work, with Annalise’s relaxed charisma and impeccable comedic timing winning her roles on some of Australia’s highest-rating TV shows, including Channel Seven’s Home and Away and the 20 to 1 series on the Nine Network.
Her acclaimed role as “Claudia McPherson” on cult SBS comedy Pizza garnered Annalise a Logie Award nomination for Outstanding New Talent in a Comedy. She helped develop her character, co-writing dialogue and contributing to storyline development. The show itself went on to be nominated for four Logie awards.
Annalise has appeared as a presenter on German MTV and Pro Sieben (she is fluent in both German and English, and can speak Dutch, Italian and Japanese), and was co-host of UK television game show Play Your Cards Right.
Recently, Annalise completed work on Sleuth 101, a comedy from the producers of Spicks and Specks (ABC)
Driven and optimistic, Annalise is also a creative and talented businesswoman with a commitment to designing beautiful products that reflect her dedication to agreen lifestyle.
In August 2009, she launched her first collection of eco-friendly underwear for fuller-figured women “Annalise” Exclusive to Bras N Things, available in all Bras N Things stores across Australia and New Zealand, and online at www.bnt.com.au.
Annalise designs each piece in the range, with an emphasis not only on fashion, but on organic and recycled materials. Following its sell-out success, there are now plans in the works to extend the range to include sleepwear in November 2011.
Annalise’s credentials as a designer also include a double major in jewellery and sculpture from the University of NSW College of Fine Arts. Annalise is set to launch her signature jewellery collection “Annalise” in 2011.
In November 2008, Annalise launched Love Lunch. A passionate vegetarian cook, Annalise’s recipes draw on her extensive travels through Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as her childhood growing up on a biodynamic farm. Eachweek she lovingly plans and prepares her menus, with an emphasis on organicseasonal produce and delicious dairy- and gluten-free foods.
Outside media and business commitments, Annalise willingly lends her time and energy to a number of cancer charities. Having lost her father to the disease, she works closely with the Starlight Foundation, Cancer Council and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre to raise vital money and awareness.
She’s also a tireless advocate for animal rights and has lent her name to campaigns for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Human Society International (HSI), and the RSPCA.