Donald Trump signed model Phillipa Steele launches Fiji Airways uniform

PHILLIPA Steele - the first Fijian model to be signed to Donald Trump's agency - hit Sydney for Fiji Airways.

The new-look Fiji Airways plane. Picture: Supplied

GROWING up in a small settlement in Fiji, Phillipa Steele has largely been shielded from the big, bad world.

But things are quickly changing for the 16-year-old schoolgirl, who is the first Fijian model to be signed by Donald Trump's modelling agency.

Thin's not in for modern swimwear models

Steele, in Australia to model Fiji Airways' new crew uniform, will move to New York next year to begin her contract at Trump Model Management.

"I can't wait for January but I've hardly travelled and I am going to the Big Apple and that's like going to another planet," she said.

Pictures: Top Australian models

Pictures: World's #1 bikini model Kate Upton

Steele grew up in a mixed-race settlement called Kulukulu on Fiji's Coral Coast with six brothers and one sister.

Her family has lived there for generations.

"It's full of mixed blooded people like me," she said.

Steele's paternal grandfather is Fijian, paternal grandmother is French, maternal grandmother is Fijian-Tongan and her maternal grandmother English.

Outrage erupted in Fiji last year after another young model, who was the country's contestant for the Miss World 2012 beauty pageant, was criticised because she did not look "native" enough.

Sixteen-year-old Torika Watters, who is of mixed European/Fijian heritage was stripped of her crown because of the outcry.

Native tongues wag over Miss Fiji Torika Watters

Miss China wins Miss World 2012

"It was a huge controversy but from my point of view I have never had those sentiments directed at me," Steele said.

"I have never faced racial discrimination in Fiji.

"The people in Fiji are so kind.

"My mum has been telling me to be thick skinned to everything and learn to deal with it.

"She said to take the good and ignore the bad."

Steele arrived in Sydney yesterday afternoon to model Fiji Airways new flight attendant uniform for the airline's launch party at Simmer on the Bay at Dawes Point.

She was thrilled to meet one of her idols, Fijian-born Australian singer Paulini, who performed at the event.

"I'm a big fan of hers, we have heaps of her CDs," she said.

Phillipa Steele with singer Paulini at the Fiji Airways launch event. Picture Supplied

Steele said she was honoured to have the chance to represent her country and loved the new uniform.

The aqua colour of the uniform reflects the ocean while the brown represents respect.

The uniforms also have three distinct masi motifs created by Fijian masi artist Makereta Matemosi. The Qalitoka symbolises the unity of people to complete a task, Tama symbolises friendly service while Droe signifies clear blue skies and a cool breeze on the beach.

"Fiji Airways is like showing our brand to the world and the uniforms are just so spectacular," Steele said.

"They represent our unique culture and tradition beautifully with the sky, sea and personality of the people.

"I just think everything blends together."

Steele had only been to Australia once before when she was five and can't remember the trip, but her Sydney visit was a good taste for what's to come in New York.

"I'm not used to all these big buildings," she said.

"We have a nice view of the Opera House from our room so I'm really excited about that."

Fiji Airways, formerly known as Air Pacific, welcomed the first of three modern, new Airbus A330 planes in March with much fanfare.

"I couldn't wait to be part of that special moment for Fiji," Steele said.

"We were having class when the plane flew past and I just ran outside - I didn't care."

The wide-bodied planes are more environmentally friendly than their predecessor with more comfortable seats with large touch screens, mood lighting, USB ports and power points for charging in economy class.

To celebrate the launch Fiji Airways has sale fares from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne from $330 for bookings made before July 2 on flights for flights in February.

Fiji Airways has sale fares to Nadi from $330

Exploring rock slides and cannibal cave on Taveuni Island in Fiji

Water wonderland on Qamea Island in Fiji

The new-look Fiji Airways plane. Picture: Supplied