With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week underway in Sydney, we check in with the local faces getting ready to take their place in the next generation of modeling stars. With growing presences at home some may already be familiar, but one thing’s for sure-these girls are worth remembering.
Name?
Astrid Holler
Age?
19
Where are you from?
Sydney, Australia.
Where were you scouted?
In a shopping centre when I was 16 by someone from Vogue.
You’ve already established a pretty solid catalog of work at home and internationally; do you have a favourite modeling moment?
Oh, I don’t know, I’ve had a lot of memorable experiences (laughs) but if I had to choose one, it would probably be opening for Alexander Wang.
That’s pretty huge. What do your friends and family think of all this craziness?
They think it’s great and are so supportive.
What are you looking forward to right now?
That’s tough, I guess I’m excited to see what 2016 will bring, what jobs I’ll get and who I’ll get to shoot with.
Name?
Madeleine Gurton
Age?
18
Where are you from?
Perth, Australia.
You’re still pretty fresh to modeling, but what has been your favourite moment?
I think it would be my first magazine shoot; it was memorable because I became really close with the photographers and I was in the magazine twice. That was really cool.
Did you always want to work in fashion?
Yes, when I was little I use to sneak into my aunt’s bathroom and grab all the Vogues off the shelves and flick through them. I became obsessed. I really loved fashion and playing dress ups
Where would we find you when you’re not working?
I like to draw, I love painting and experimenting with art.
Tell us a little about your art.
I only recently even started painting with water colours. I just really like pattern drawing and using fine liners and making lots of images with details. I also love writing lists – random lists like, when you’re on the bus. Lists like: all the times I’ve cried this year, all the songs I love from this year, new friends I’ve made. Oh, and foods that give me diarrhea!
It’s good to have a unique hobby! What are you looking forward to?
Probably travelling, I’m really excited to go overseas and meet everyone and see what’s out there. I’m going to Paris in February, so that’s exciting!
Name?
Kawani Prenter
Age?
17
Where are you from?
Northern beaches, Sydney, Australia.
Were you “discovered”?
I was scouted at a friend’s BBQ when I was 14.
Very Australian. What’s been the best moment since that BBQ?
Probably doing Chanel in Paris.
When did you first think about modeling?
When my mum opened a boutique store. I was always interested and would get free clothes and try on everything.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I like to watch movies, sing, dance, go to the beach – my family surfs but I don’t.
What are you looking forward to?
Going overseas, hoping to go back to Paris. It’s my favourite place ever!
Name?
Matilda Dods
Age?
18
Where are you from?
Byron Bay, Australia.
Did you always want to model?
I never really wanted to model or thought about it until was happening. But now that I work in the industry I have a much greater appreciation for fashion and really love it.
It’s a pretty cool gig. Are your family and friends excited for you?
My family is really supportive. They’re fantastic! My mum was a model for ages when she was growing up, so she is a good base for me to keep my head screwed on and feet on the ground. Friends can be bit funny about it. I think the combination of modeling and school can alienate some people, but it definitely showed me better friends and lead me to more meaningful relationships.
If you weren’t here, where would you be?
I would probably be at uni, I want to study law and development studies, I want to work in legal aid.
That’s awesome. What about outside of work?
I love cooking; I’m trying to get more into baking. I attempted a few cakes and they tuned out pretty well. I make a mean lasagna. I think it’s pretty impressive for a vegan to be able to say that. I’m also a musician, I sing and play the guitar. I want to start a band, that’s my new years resolution.
Very cool. Beyond your future band, what are you looking forward to?
Really looking forward to travelling by myself for the first time. I’m going to Paris next week for a few months, which will be amazing. Also now I’ve graduated I’m excited to be modeling full time and to get back into music and find people to write with.
Name?
Franny Cowap
Age?
17
Where did you grow up?
Sydney, Australia.
Were you scouted?
Yes, at the Australia’s Next Top Model auditions. But only went into the agency and signed with them at the end of 2015.
Wow really, were you a big fan of the show?
I watched America’s next Top Model for as long as I remember, (laughs) that’s probably a totally lame answer but it’s the truth.
I think everyone watches that show. Considering you were a fan, what did your friends think when it started happening?
They think its cool-they are so encouraging and excited.
What else do you like to do?
I like baking, I usually try to make healthier versions of cakes and desserts. I also play netball, play piano and sing.
Are you in a band?
No, but I always did it in school
You and Matilda should start one. What are you excited about?
Hopefully going travelling!
Credits
Photography Michelle Huynh
Stylist Ricky James @ DLM
Stylist assistant Samnang Sou
Hair and Make Up Beck Carroll @ Debut Management using Cloud Nine Hair