But the 20-year-old stumbled when asked what local designer she was wearing, prompting David Jones general manager Collette Garnsey to jump in to supply the Australian label Scanlan and Theodore.

And when Barton was asked about her favourite designs, Ms Garnsey also took control.

“We have gone through quite a nice range of fashion this morning,” she said. “And Mischa loves it — Alice McCall she really enjoys wearing.” Barton, a member of Hollywood’s A-list social circuit, arrived in Australia on Monday with a large entourage, including her parents and younger sister.

Media reports suggest the actor is being paid in excess of $100,000 to be an invited guest at a David Jones launch today.

With at least four security guards keeping watch, Barton spoke candidly about life in the spotlight. She talked about everything from being a role model, to her love life and the tourist sights she would like to see, including “the river”, referring not to the Yarra but to Sydney Harbour.

“I do feel a certain amount of pressure to be a role model for young women, but I don’t feel that on a daily basis,” she said.

Barton got her start in showbiz at a young age, scoring a modelling contract with the Ford Agency. She went on to have a string of film roles, including parts in Notting Hill and The Sixth Sense. But it is for playing Marissa Cooper on The OC that she is best known. Of the constant media attention, she said: “I am getting pretty used to it.”

Source: www.theage.com.au