Australia’s next top models: New runway stars you need to know at Fashion Week
These new Aussie models could be the next Miranda Kerr or Adut Akech are breaking down stereotypes on the catwalk.
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Those in the fashion industry know it when they see it.
It takes a lot to strut in the well-heeled footsteps of Australian supermodels like Miranda Kerr and Adut Akech.
There is no formula any more for what makes a top model – call it an X-factor, because it isn’t just about being a certain height or having a pretty face.
In an industry known for celebrating external beauty, fashion is increasingly turning inward and success in modelling is about much more than appearances.
“When you start looking at what is going to make (a model) stand out in Paris, London or New York … their look is one thing, but I think more, now, it’s an energy … and their style,” said Danielle Ragenard, IMG Models’ Australian vice president and managing director.
She said up-and-coming models who were touted as future stars had “a strong social conscience – they can see what’s going on in the world and that drives a lot of them to use modelling to highlight social issues”.
For Australian label Bassike, this is a key factor when casting their two Afterpay Australian Fashion Week shows this season.
“A strong social consciousness and embedded culture of inclusivity and diversity is a common value we have always shared at Bassike,” said Bassike co-founder Deborah Sams.
Bassike co-founder Mary Lou Ryan added: “We are committed to this being reflected in the talent we choose to work with which extends to the casting of our models for shows – celebrating representation in all forms”.
At Fashion Week, which starts on Monday, there will be a string of new models making their debut.
“It’s a huge opportunity for our talent to have a platform and be seen,” Ms Ragenard said.
“When we started thinking about it (Fashion Week), we thought we might have 30 models – now, there’s upwards of 80 in the pack,” she told News Corporation.
This Fashion Week will be the first full-scale one to be staged anywhere in the world, live, and with a real-life front row during the pandemic era. And that means being booked to walk is more competitive than ever.
It all comes down to the wire, as designers can still be casting models hours out from runway time.
“To get any show this season, even one show, as a new face is going to be quite an accomplishment,” Ms Ragenard said.
Here are the new models to watch:
NYLOW AJING
Age: 19
Background: South Sudanese
Hometown: Brisbane, Queensland
About: Discovered on Instagram, Ms Ajing is one model being billed as the next big thing. She recently appeared in Aje’s resort ’22 runway show, with Aje co-founder Edwina Forest saying it was her “strong, confident walk” and “sophisticated yet youthful vibe” which caught her eye.
“She is definitely one to watch,” Ms Forest said.
Aje co-founder Adrian Norris added: “Nylow is a rising star and we recognised that early on in the casting piece”.
Ms Ajing has modelled for other Australian brands including Zimmermann (she appeared in the label’s digitised New York Fashion Week show), as well as in Russh magazine, Sass & Bide and Oroton.
“Nylow will be someone we sign globally, so in LA, New York, London, Milan and Paris, she is what we would call a worldwide signing,” Ms Ragenard said. “That is a real tell of a model’s potential.”
Meantime, Ms Ajing said she “would love to walk as many shows I can” during Fashion Week.
“With modelling, as much as you get offers, you also get rejections. So you have to be true to yourself,” Ms Ajing told News Corporation.
“I have been practising my walk – I can say that I walk really well. I can be fierce, maybe too fierce at times … but maybe that’s a good thing.”
LAUREN BROWN
Age: 17
Background: Australian, English
Hometown: Sydney, New South Wales
About: Scouted at a climate rally, Ms Brown is a competitive soccer player and environmental advocate who is passionate about sustainability and conservation.
While she looks like an “English rose”, she is planning to “use her voice to elevate that conversation”, Ms Ragenard said.
“She also has an incredible look, a bit of a baby Gemma (Ward) look about her.”
NABILA LEUNIG
Age: 17
Background: Indonesian
Hometown: Perth, Western Australia
About: Scouted at the Royal Perth Show. Ms Leunig has appeared in editorials for Russh and Perth’s Sunday Times magazine (including wearing cool girl overalls in an editorial dubbed “Teen Spirit”), and draws inspiration for modelling from her other interests in acting and art.
“She was doing exams last week, we have quite a few designers fitting her,” Ms Ragenard said.
JASMINE O’NEILL
Age: 18
Background: Australian
Hometown: Brisbane, Queensland
About: Scouted at The Ekka in Brisbane at age 13, Ms O’Neill finished high school last year and has moved to Sydney.
“She has already worked quite a lot, for Marie Claire and big brands, this will be her first Fashion Week,” Ms Ragenard said.
“Her chart is looking quite good at this point, we are starting to lock things down.”
YAZ NAIDOO
Age: 21
Background: South African, Chinese, Dutch and English
Hometown: Gold Coast, Queensland
About: The health science student has strong interests outside fashion (cooking and dancing are listed as her hobbies).
“She is super fit and super toned, she has a unique look,” Ms Ragenard said.
PIERCE JONES
Age: 23
Background: Indigenous Australian, Irish, African American
Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
About: An advocate for indigenous Australians, Mr Jones has keen interests in photography and film. He wants to raise awareness around the link between mental health and nutrition.
“He wants to use his voice to elevate the indigenous conversation,” Ms Ragenard said. “He is super passionate about fashion and mental health and awareness.”
SIMON DENG
Age: 19
Background: Sudanese
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
About: Born in Sudan, Mr Deng moved to Australia as a child. He is an NBA enthusiast (he can be seen on Instagram wearing a Miami Heat jersey), and plays AFL and soccer in his free time outside modelling.
He is also studying criminal and community studies at university.
“He migrated to Australia from Sudan with his family. He is a huge basketball fan (and) loves playing AFL,” Ms Ragenard said.
NITESH PILLAI
Age: 19
Background: Malaysian, Indian
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
About: Outside modelling, Mr Pillali is studying politics, philosophy and economics at the University of New South Wales. His interests outside fashion include global human rights issues, soccer and meditation. The vintage clothing enthusiast is committed to increasing cultural diversity in the fashion industry.
“He is full-time studying (at university), he has a broad interest in human rights and is into meditation,” Ms Ragenard said. “He is a super smart guy, he’s waiting to see where this (modelling) takes him. The men’s shows are loving him.”
HARRY ELAND
Age: 18
Background: Indian, English, Australian
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
About: The commerce/law student is an avid soccer fan (he follows Manchester United) and plays for Manly United FC.
In Year 12 drama class, he performed an absurdist play about a man who was in love with a suitcase.
“He is a great personality and hugely intelligent as well,” Ms Ragenard said. “He’s showing people that you don’t need to be pigeonholed. He’s a cool kid.”
JAI BOWER
Age: 20
Background: Australian, English, Spanish
Hometown: Gold Coast, Australia
About: The model and architectural design student is passionate about “sustainable and innovative designs for residential and commercial buildings”. He played rugby league at a state level, and his interest in high-end fashion means his modelling ambition is the runways of Europe.
“The fashion aspect and the creation of the (clothes) is something that is really interesting to him, and how those worlds of architecture, design and fashion come together,” Ms Ragenard said.
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week is in Sydney on from May 31 to June 4.
Originally published as Australia’s next top models: New runway stars you need to know at Fashion Week
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