Australian broadcast star Grace Hayden has taken aim at those who label her as a 'sex symbol' and hit back at critics of her style as she attends Australian Fashion Week. The 23-year-old, daughter of cricket legend Matthew Hayden, has built an impressive career despite her young age.
Hayden is particularly known for her cricket commentary and has featured on coverage of major events like the Golden Slipper horse race. However, her rise in a male-dominated industry has attracted significant criticism.
The popular presenter believes she and other women in media face a double standard. 'I think conversations around women in media and sport are constantly evolving, and with social media there's naturally a lot more commentary around public figures in general now,' Hayden told news.com.au.
Hayden stated her main goal is doing her job well and ignoring outside noise. 'Honestly, I try not to focus too much on labels at all,' she said. 'My priority has always been the work itself – being prepared, continuing to learn and showing up professionally in every role I take on.'
'I feel incredibly grateful to work across sport, entertainment and fashion, and for me it's always about growing, challenging myself and enjoying the opportunities that come with the job.'
Hayden believes professionalism and personality can coexist. 'I've always believed you can be professional, prepared and respectful of the role while also embracing confidence and personal style,' she said. 'Fashion has always been something I enjoy because it's a form of self-expression, and I think there's room for individuality in every industry.'
Hayden has showcased her bold fashion at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art as a guest of Shark Beauty. The 23-year-old claims Fashion Week is the perfect venue to celebrate her eye-catching style choices. 'For me, Fashion Week is about celebrating creativity, supporting Australian designers and embracing an industry I genuinely love being part of,' she explained. 'Working in television and sport, you naturally understand that people will always have opinions, but I've learnt to stay focused on the positives.'
