The Muse: Aude Mangharam

The Journal is a place where we celebrate makers, artisans and creatives — those who shape culture with intention and craft. Here, we share their stories, honour their artistic process, and illuminate the beauty of creation.

Aude Mangharam is the model and muse behind Haléau’s debut campaign, chosen personally by founder Eleanor Pendleton for the way she speaks to all women. Aude embodies the importance of representation and diversity at the heart of Haléau’s values – and yes, her skin really is flawless. 

With her luminous presence and emotive depth, Aude brings Haléau’s philosophy of skin-first, intentional beauty to life. Her career has seen her grace the pages of VOGUE Australia and i-D magazine and front campaigns for Wardrobe NYC, Albus Lumen, and Sir the Label, where she has become known for her ability to move effortlessly between strength and softness.

For Haléau, Aude is more than a model – she is a collaborator and a symbol of the brand’s belief in inclusive, considered luxury. Her role in the campaign marks the beginning of a creative partnership that celebrates beauty as art, intention, and identity. Here, we speak with Aude to learn more about the muse.

Aude, what was it like to be the muse for Haléau’s launch campaign?

It was an honour to be part of Haléau’s launch campaign. Being part of something new is, of course, very exciting. I got to experience the incredibly positive and collaborative atmosphere on set. It was so inspiring working with a vision of beauty that comes from a deep sense of who we are and how we interact with the world.

How did you connect with the brand’s vision of natural beauty, and what message do you hope your role conveys to those who see the campaign?

Haléau’s vision of natural beauty really resonated with me. My nature is joyful and spontaneous, and working with Haléau gave me that joy – along with the hope that kindness and beauty can exist and be relevant in this world. Throughout the campaign, my authenticity was celebrated. There were no strict rules; I was able to be myself, which made me feel confident and beautiful. I hope that people see that in the campaign and are reminded that their natural selves are the most beautiful version of themselves.

How did your modelling journey begin, and what drew you to the industry in the first place?

I was 14 years old when a photographer approached my mum and me at a supermarket in Perth and asked if we could do a shoot. After lots of convincing, my mum agreed, and I did my first shoot at 14, then got signed a year later. I was never expecting to go down this route. I finished school and graduated from university with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance. I postponed my postgraduate law spot and moved to Sydney to model full-time for a year. What was meant to be a one-year plan turned into six – and many incredible travels and experiences.

What have been some of the highlights or defining moments in your career so far, and what excites you most about the path ahead?

There have been so many amazing moments. My published editorials were very defining throughout my career, as well as campaigns – like this one with Haléau – that allow me to be part of something brand new and exciting. Early in my career, I had a piece in i-D magazine that was super raw, where I was photographed playing my instrument, the trumpet – something not many people know about me. More recently, I was part of an editorial published in VOGUE Australia. Jumping from cliffs in remote landscapes, desert shoots with Arabian horses, underwater shoots – I love adventure and diversity. I’m excited to continue this path I’ve created, growing and evolving not only with my career but as a person too. I’ve learnt so much from this industry and met so many talented and inspiring people. To continue these interactions and learning is what really excites me.

As someone who embodies the looks we see, how do you express your own sense of self through modelling?

For me, what is central to what I do is the human experience. Modelling is how I connect, communicate, and engage with the world around me. It is a joyful experience that I like to share with others. I love that modelling lets me express more than just a look. Through it, I can express confidence, vulnerability, joy, strength – whatever I’m feeling in the moment that could resonate with others. This form of emotional communication and honesty is how I express my sense of self.

Did working with Haléau’s skin-first cosmetics approach enhance the way you think about makeup and beauty?

I have always been drawn to people who are free and completely themselves. Haléau’s skin-first cosmetics approach definitely enhanced my perspective on makeup. Sometimes I feel like I can get sidetracked when working with makeup and beauty, where my goal becomes hiding what I think are imperfections. Haléau reminded me it’s actually about enhancing our natural selves, our skin, and our individual beauty.

Can you share a favourite behind-the-scenes moment from the shoot? Maybe something fun or unexpected that happened on set that made the experience memorable for you.

Oh, there were so many moments! For me, the spontaneity of each shot was what made this shoot unique and memorable. I remember we were on a boat travelling to another side of the lake when suddenly the scenery was just so beautiful we stopped in the middle of the water to shoot the first frame on the side of the boat. It was so refreshing to go off schedule for a little while instead of having to stick to a set plan. I feel like so many beautiful moments get missed otherwise, especially when working with the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

Your career often has you travelling. What’s next for you?

I’m really looking forward to the next few years. I feel like there’s a lot of travel coming my way, which is exciting. My plan is to head back to New York to continue where I left off last time. I took some downtime this year and minimised my travelling, which has been so nice. It also means I feel reset and inspired to go exploring again.