Young Melbourne model Sian Scale dies of rare cancer

A family and the fashion industry is mourning “a bright and unique light — who unapologetically marched to her own beat” — after her tragic death this week. See if you can help fulfil her final wish.

Melbourne model, Sian Scale, died this week Picture: Chadwicks

Australia’s fashion industry is in mourning following the death of one of Melbourne’s most adored models, Sian Scale.

At just 28, the natural beauty who started her career on the international runway walking for Marc Jacobs no less, died this week after battling a rare, incurable cancer.

Sian was surrounded by the love of her family at Peter MacCallum hospital.

Her family said Sian never complained, never asked “why me” but was always thinking of others: “Sian was very generous, loving, kind, fun, adventurous and modest,” they said.

“She was determined and strong and had such grace in navigating the most difficult year of her life with such acceptance, optimism and vulnerability.”

Sian started her career on the international runway. Picture: Chadwicks

Melbourne model, Sian Scale, has been described as “determined and strong”. Picture: Chadwicks

Sian grew up in Mansfield but more recently has been living in inner Melbourne where she thrived on the many exciting opportunities and events this lifestyle offered.

Sian was equally at home on her family farm, in nature, as she was on the runway.

Her family recalled how they once drove the Chadwick model from a camping trip straight to the catwalk for the Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Sian grew up in Mansfield but had been living in Melbourne where she thrived on the opportunities. Picture: Chadwicks

Sian worked with many high-end international designers and featured in fashion campaigns in Vogue and Vanity Fair. Picture: Chadwicks

“She was always willing to try something new and did things on her own terms. Quickly making a name for herself as likeable and easy going, Sian’s generous spirit and natural beauty saw her quickly snapped up as a model to watch in her home country.”

Sian was a keen advocate for social and gender justice issues and assumed the role of a mentor to many of her friends and younger models carving out their own careers.

It was overseas where she was rolled gold, working with high-end international designers from Burberry, Dior and Chanel in London, New York and Paris and featuring in fashion campaigns in Vogue and Vanity Fair.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beautiful model Sian Scale,” the Chadwick Models team posted this week. “Sian was a bright and unique light in our world, who unapologetically marched to her own beat. We will all miss her more than words can express, and her incredible work in pictures will immortalise her forever.”

Tributes have been pouring in all week for the beauty, with stylists, photographers and designers all reaching out.

Sian’s final wish was for people to give blood, noting “If anyone wants to do anything in memory of me, it is to give blood – it is the gift of life.”

Sian leaves behind a legacy of love for her family and friends. She will be sadly missed by her parents and two brothers, and her many friends and work colleages.