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SYDNEY - Kiwi supermodel Rachel Hunter is ready to step off the catwalk to focus her attention on creating the fashions that brought her fame and fortune.
The New Zealand-born personality, who is in Australia to launch her new swimsuit range Lola, says she wants to turn her career attention to business - especially in her homeland.
Over the past two decades the 37-year-old former wife of crooner Rod Stewart has enjoyed life in Los Angeles, dabbling in film and featuring in US television programs including The Drew Carey Show, Dancing With The Stars and Suddenly Susan.
While Hunter enjoys travelling between the US and the UK, occasionally visiting New Zealand, the leggy mother-of-two said she wanted to spend more time in her homeland and was eager to add businesswoman to her resume.
"I really want to do stuff that is more at home (in New Zealand) and really look at the bigger picture," Hunter told AAP.
"I love being home and they always welcome me with open arms.
"I would really love to create some sort of business there, so that's what I am looking at doing, more so than more TV. I want to focus on my business."
The Lola brand made its Australian debut at the exclusive Palazzo Versace hotel on the Gold Coast last night and will be launched at Sydney harbourside bar, The Loft, tonight.
Hunter, who is leaving the modelling of her colourful range of bikinis and one-piece swimsuits to others tonight, said she felt the era of the supermodel was dying.
She said high-profile models such as Cindy Crawford, Elle Macpherson and Naomi Campbell were being replaced on magazine covers by film and music talents like Dreamgirls star and solo artist Beyonce Knowles.
"That era of Cindy and Naomi and the supermodel will always be there, we will always be known," Hunter said.
"But, for years now we have seen people on the covers of magazines that aren't models - they are actresses - and it's disappointing."
During her visit to Sydney, Hunter will also be the special guest at the St Tropez Beach Party tomorrow night.
The event raises money for the Children's Hospital at Westmead and tickets can be purchased by calling (02) 9699 2000.
- AAP
