Gold Coast fashion: modelling bootcamps for young children ‘daycare on steroids’

A Gold Coast fashion label is helping young models walk the walk with children as young as four learning how to strut their stuff.

A GOLD Coast fashion label is helping young models walk the walk with children as young as four learning how to strut their stuff.

Huxnboss bootcamp coach Stevie Mac describes the classes as “daycare on steroids” as children learn about poise and posing.

“We’ve split up our groups for four to eight-year-olds and eight to 18-year-olds,” he said.

“With the younger children we do all the basic things like stretching, think about posture, being confident.

“A lot of these kids just take to the camera, there is a lot of talent. Children used to be shy in front of cameras but now because they grow up with the iPhone it’s second nature to them.”

Mr Mac said many teens within the older cohort have amassed huge social media followings but are lacking in industry experience.

“A lot of these kids are doing amazing on Instagram — some have 200,000 followers, that’s fantastic engagement,” Mr Mac said.

AGENCY INUNDATED WITH CALLS FOR ‘CURVE MODELS’

Gold Coast fashion label Huxnboss during a modelling bootcamp for children and teens. CEO of Huxnboss Ms Jasmine Jeremy (far right) and modelling coach Stevie Mac (far left). Pic Mike Batterham

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“But in terms of the network and showing up on the catwalk, where do they go for that? That’s the missing piece of the puzzle.”

Mr Mac said social media is encouraging diversity in the fashion world as labels favour models with a strong online following rather than those that fit the traditional height and size requirements.

“Designers are allowing these models to come in and are dressing them the way they are because of what Instagram’s doing,” he said.

“As the industry’s evolving, we’re able to tap into that evolution to fill in the things that are missing from Instagram.”

MEET THE GOLD COAST MODEL POSING FOR VOGUE

Mr Mac (right) said the children are showing lots of talent very early, including three-year-old Ella Sumarwata. Pic Mike Batterham

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Huxnboss bootcamps are run by Mr Mac and Huxnboss founder Jasmine Jeremy, both winners of last year’s Queensland’s Hottest Ginger competition held in Surfers Paradise.

The label will host a fashion show on Saturday, November 16 to celebrate the brand’s second birthday at Greendays restaurant in Bundall, with bootcamp graduates featuring on the runway and American rap artists Compton Av and YL Legend as special guests.

“Huxnboss brings the LA vibe. Our flavour’s really international,” Mr Mac said.

“We’re doing Greendays up so much, hopefully you’ll feel like you’re in Los Angeles.”