Jaime Dillon Ridge | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1993 (age 31–32) Manly, New South Wales, Australia |
| Education | Diocesan School for Girls, King's College, The University of Auckland |
| Occupation(s) | Fashion blogger, former model, |
| Known for | Dillon Dot, The Ridges |
| Partner | Tommy Bates |
| Parent(s) | Matthew, and Sally Ridge |
Jaime Dillon Ridge (born 1993) is a New Zealand fashion blogger and owns the blog Dillon Dot. [1] She has appeared in several Australasian fashion magazines, including Badlands [2] and Denizen. [3]
Ridge was born in Manly, Australia in 1993 but the family returned to New Zealand in 1997 so Matthew could captain the Auckland Warriors. [4] Ridge's parents are New Zealand rugby player and former All Black Matthew Ridge, and Sally Ridge. Growing up, Ridge was often in the public eye and appeared in gossip magazines. [5] [6]
After moving to New Zealand, Ridge was educated at Diocesan School for Girls. [7] In 2010, she moved to Diocesan's brother school, King's College. [8] [9] Ridge also holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland. [10]
Due to financial pressure following her split with Adam Parore, [11] Ridge chose to go directly to university after Year 12, so Sally could save the over $20,000 annual fees charged to attend King's College. [9]
Jaime started her personal style blog Dillon Dot in 2015 after having gained a considerable Instagram following. [12] She had previously worked as a fashion and beauty account manager for an Auckland PR firm. [12]
In 2012, age 19, Ridge and her mother starred in their own six-part reality television show The Ridges, based around their everyday lives. [13] She was reportedly paid $24,000 for the series. [13]
While the first episode debuted in the top five evening shows, the show quickly fell in the ratings. [14] [15] Despite the finale regaining viewers, [16] in early 2013 TV3 announced the show would not be renewed for a second series. [17]
Ridge did some modelling for the clothing company that Sally and Parore established in 2004 [18] and describes modelling in print media, catwalks and music videos as a temporary side job. [19] Along with Sally, Ridge is represented by agent Sara Tetro. [20] [11] [21]
Ridge claimed that while Sally and she were best friends, [19] [22] she hadn't spoken to her father in years. [19] Ridge has expressed sadness at not meeting new half-brother London Ridge, father Matthew's son with current partner Carly Binding, [23] former member of New Zealand girl group TrueBliss and solo artist. [19] Ridge and Matthew had reconciled by early 2014. [24]
In February 2014, Ridge and mother Sally spoke out against online bullying following the death of New Zealand celebrity Charlotte Dawson. [25] Previously, Ridge had publicly criticised an opinion article speculating as to the cause of Dawson's death. [25]
ONE News reported Ridge as being one of the most followed New Zealanders on social media. [25]
In August 2014, Jaime collaborated on a jewellery line for women and men with local designer Lindi Kingi. [26]
During The Ridges, Ridge agreed to participate in a charity Boxing match. [11] The show covered Ridge training for 7 weeks with father Matthew's former-Warrior teammate Monty Betham at Boxing Alley gym in Auckland. [27] Already underweight Ridge was pressured to lose 5 kg in one week, [20] dropping to just over 60 kg. [28] The show culminated in Ridge winning the 'KFC Godfather of All Fight Nights' match against fellow TV3 reality television star Rosanna Arkle of The GC . [29]
In November 2013 Ridge acted as the face of Dress for Success Auckland's charitable fundraiser sale The Great Designer Sale. [30]
In August 2014, Ridge produced a piece of art for ANZ Daffodil Day Art Auction charity art auction. The proceeds of the auction went to the Cancer Society of New Zealand. [31]