Best known for her work as a model, actress and television personality, Annalise Braakensiek is one of Australia’s most popular and multi-faceted celebrities.

An internationally recognised cover girl 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 a 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 (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 the upcoming 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 a green lifestyle.

In August 2009, she launched her first collection of eco-friendly underwear for fuller-figured women, available exclusively in Bras ‘n Things stores across Australia and New Zealand, and online at www.bnt.com.au

Annalise designs and helps develop every piece in the “Annalise Exclusive for Bras ‘n Things” range, which features 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 2008, Annalise launched Love Lunch, her organic, meat-free catering company that focuses on delivering delicious and healthy lunches.

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. Each week she lovingly plans and prepares her menus, with an emphasis on organic seasonal produce and delicious dairy- and gluten-free foods.

Currently, Love Lunch delivers meals once a week to Sydney only. For more click here or, visit www.lovelunch.com.au

This year sees Annalise fulfill her original career dream – to design jewellery. She introduced her first collection, “Annalise”, in February, with pieces inspired by her love of Native American designs and her Norwegian heritage.

The “Annalise” collection features hand crafted sterling silver pieces with turquoise, lapis, coral and rose quartz with one of a kind, made-to-order, limited editions and more general pieces for sale. You can see the full range at www.annalise.com.au  

Annalise’s credentials as a designer include a double major in jewellery and sculpture from the University of NSW’s College of Fine Arts.

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.

In her spare time, Annalise is a keen ceramicist who loves to draw, paint, listen to hip-hop, dance salsa, samba and dance hall, watch art house film and deepen her yoga practice.

You can find out more on her official website, www.annalise.com.au