Jaime Ridge
New Zealand celebrity
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
Jaime Dillon Ridge | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1993 (age 32–33) Manly, New South Wales, Australia |
| Education | Diocesan School for Girls, King's College, The University of Auckland |
| Occupations | Fashion blogger, former model, |
| Known for | Dillon Dot, The Ridges |
| Partner | Tommy Bates |
| Parent(s) | Matthew, and Sally Ridge |
Early life and education
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]
Career
Dillon Dot
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]
The Ridges
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]
Modelling
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]
Personal life and family
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 then-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]
Charity work
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] 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]