AGI THIONG

GRAZIA: How did you get discovered?
AGI THIONG: I was found on social media.

GRAZIA: How do you prep my body and mind for the runway?
AT: My preparation methods include a clean diet in the weeks leading up to the shows and lots of self-reflection. I always try and take a moment out of my day to think, reflect and walk through my internal affirmations. I also make time to watch a few of my favorite videos – it gives me that extra bounce in my step!

GRAZIA: Favourite Australian fashion designers?
AT: I love BNKR – they always have a really good range of trendy clothing. I also love AJE, they have the best accessories and bags, it was such an honor to have worked with them on a campaign.

GRAZIA: What’s been the biggest surprise about the modelling industry for you?
AT: To be honest, I feel like I knew what I was getting into ahead of time – I have family members who have modelled and really prepared me for the industry.

GRAZIA: How big does Instagram play in your pursuit for work?
AT: Instagram has become so valuable in the industry. I see it as a platform where I can express and market myself. Clients tend to look at it during the casting process, so I use it like my own personal lookbook.

GRAZIA: As your star rises, how will you negate negative online comments?
AT: Negativity can definitely be hard to ignore, and that’s something I’m definitely still working on. Self-love is important and I think you just have to keep in mind that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, even if it’s not factually correct, or the same as your own.

GRAZIA: What is one of your favourite memories about your hometown? 
AT: I love taking my nieces out to get food and walking with them on the beach. The look of curiosity in their eyes as they experience something new brings me great joy.

Best part of your job?
The best part about modelling for me is being able to see how others react to the visions brought to life by the talented creative directors, stylists, designers, makeup artist and  photographers. It’s still very shocking being able to see myself on buses and online advertisements. I feel blessed to be able to partake and make some ripples in this industry.

LEILA MATHIESON

 

GRAZIA: How were you discovered?
LEILA MATHIESON: While shopping in the Bourke street mall, I was only 14 at the time.

GRAZIA: How do you prep your body and your mind for the runway?
LM:Clean eating and exercising as often as I can. I prep my mind with yoga and meditation, which I also find helpful for Year 12 too!

GRAZIA: Favourite Australian fashion designers?
LM: Alice McCall, Rollas and Faithful the brand – their clothes are amazing and I’ve also seen firsthand how hard all of these designers work. I’ll be wearing Alice McCall to my formal!

GRAZIA: What’s been the biggest surprise about the modelling industry for you?
LM:How nice everyone in the industry is!

GRAZIA: How big of a role does Instagram play in your pursuit for work?
LM: Instagram plays a huge role – I believe it can impact the types of jobs I get. With that in mind, I try to keep mine professional and showcase what I’m doing as a model.

GRAZIA: As your star rises, how will you negate negative online comments?
LM: Regardless of what stage of your career you’re in, there will always be negative comments but there will also be positive ones so you just have to focus on those.

GRAZIA: What is one your favourite memories about your hometown?
LM: Spending time with all my family and close friends I’ve grown up with.

GRAZIA: Best part of your job?
LM: The beautiful places I get to go to and the inspiring people I meet. For my last job I did a shoot in Point Piper at the most amazing house I’ve ever seen. Modeling brings so many great opportunities and I’m very grateful for them all.

REBECCA HUME

GRAZIA: How were you discovered?
REBECCA HUME: Walking around Adelaide Fashion Festival in 2014 while shopping for a dress with my best friend.

GRAZIA: How do you prep your body and your mind for the runway?
RH: Strength/weight training helps both my body and mind for the runway. Time to yourself down backstage is always good, but sometimes it can be hard to find that moment!

GRAZIA: Favourite Australian fashion designer?
RH: Toni Matičevski is by far one of the most talented people I’ve ever met and is an angel at heart.

GRAZIA: What’s been the biggest surprise about the modelling industry for you?
RH: I always thought that the other models would be very competitive about jobs but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Everyone is lovely and encouraging at castings.

GRAZIA: How big of a role does Instagram play in your pursuit for work?
RH: Instagram plays a massive role in the industry. Posting things that attract the right clients is really important.

GRAZIA: As your star rises, how will you negate negative online comments?
RH: Same as in real life. If I know them, I’ll ask them why they’re commenting that and if I don’t, I don’t let it affect me.

GRAZIA: What is one your favourite memories about your hometown?
RH: Adelaide brings so many favourite memories but going through high school with a beautiful group of friends is definitely a highlight.

GRAZIA: Best part of your job?
RH: Meeting some of the most cherished and loved people in my life!

ALICE YANG

GRAZIA: How were you discovered?
ALICE YANG: I was scouted while working at my part time job at Harris Farms.

GRAZIA: How do you prep your body and your mind for the runway?
AY: Leading up to the shows I’ve been trying to fit in a bit of cardio and strength training every day to ensure I’m prepared both mentally and physically for the week. On top of that, I’ve been keeping a pretty balanced diet and drinking lots of water to keep my skin healthy and fresh.

GRAZIA: Favourite Australian fashion designers?
AY: I’m loving Sir the Label, as their pieces are so fun and flowy, as well as Dion Lee which has a very elegant and chic look. One of my favourite bloggers Yan Yan Chan has been posting photos wearing those two designers and now I’m obsessed!

GRAZIA: What’s been the biggest surprise about the modelling industry for you?
AY: Probably the amount of time that’s spent travelling or coordinating everything to bring a shoot to life!

GRAZIA: How big of a role does Instagram play in your pursuit for work?

AY: I think Instagram definitely plays a key part in this job. I definitely think twice about what I’m posting, as I know that potential clients might be looking. Before I go to a job I like to search up the team on Instagram to have a look at their work, so I assume it’s the same other way around.

GRAZIA: As your star rises, how will you negate negative online comments?
AY: I think that the best way to ignore negativity online is to just focus on yourself. Having support from your friends and family is also something I think is crucial to help staying focused. It’s hard to block it out at first, but I think it does get easier over time.

GRAZIA: What is one your favourite memories about your hometown?
AY: I’ve grown up in Australia almost all my life, but both of my parents are Chinese, so we go back and visit China quite often. My favourite memories would be getting to spend time and eat delicious home cooked meals with my family over there!

OLIVIA PARSONS

GRAZIA: How were you discovered?
OLIVIA PARSONS: In a food court

GRAZIA: Which runways are you walking in MBFWA and what are you most looking forward to?
OP: We usually get told the night before but I’m so excited for whatever they might be!=

GRAZIA: How do you prep your body and your mind for the runway?
OP: Pilates Pilates Pilates.

GRAZIA: Favourite Australian fashion designers?
OP: Bianca Spender. She trusted me to open her show during my first ever fashion week!

GRAZIA: What’s been the biggest surprise about the modelling industry for you?
OP: Forming relationships with the diverse range of talented people behind the scenes

GRAZIA: How big of a role does Instagram play in your pursuit for work?
OP: I can’t say I know how my own Instagram has influenced others perceptions of me but I can say that it has influenced my perceptions of the people I get to work with – finding out you’re about to shoot with someone whose content you love and respect is so exciting! 

GRAZIA: As your star rises, how will you negate negative online comments?
OP: I think the hardest thing about negative comments is not understanding the factors that may motivate someone to say such things. You really just have to focus on the positive.

GRAZIA: What is one your favourite memories about your hometown?
OP: Scenic walks around the harbour and sunrise swims at Bondi

GRAZIA: Best part of your job?
OP: The people.

SIMON DENG

GRAZIA: How did you get discovered?
SIMON DENG: I was discovered at a casting call by IMG and Rin Models. The casting call was held in Sydney at Sun Studios in March.

GRAZIA: How do you prep your body and mind for runway?
SD: I play football so that helps keep me in shape. How I prepare my mind for a runway, I watch a lot of runway videos and I ask my agent as many questions as possible. That way I can feel confident with what I am about to experience.

GRAZIA: Favourite Australian fashion designers?
SD: Ellery because I like the elegance to their designs and the way it looks on the person. I know it’s a woman’s brand, but you’ve got to give credit where credit is due. Haha!

GRAZIA: What’s been the biggest surprise about the modelling industry for you?
SD: I would have to say everything! I’ve only just started, so I don’t know that must just yet. I’m keen to learn the ins and outs of the industry so check back with me in a few years!

GRAZIA: How big does Instagram play in your pursuit for work?
SD: I think it’s really important – from my understanding brands like to book someone who has a decent following so people can trace back to their brand and purchase their designs. I think showing your work on Instagram shows potential clients that you’re active and putting yourself out there.

GRAZIA: As your star rises, how will you negate negative online comments?
SD: Just focusing on my own career trajectory and remembering that at the end of the day everyone has their own opinion but I don’t plan to spend a lot of time on social media anyways.

GRAZIA: What is one of your favourite memories about your hometown?
SD: Playing soccer with my mates and spending time with my family at home. I look back on the time I spent with my family and cherish it more now as I have just recently moved to Australia and don’t have a lot of family here.

GRAZIA: Best part of your job?
SD: Working with different brands because each brand has their own vision and seeing this inspires me as I am a creative person. It makes me view things differently.