AWENG MALOU

How did you get into modelling?

I never actually wanted to model when I was younger. I didn’t know what is would really entail until people suggested I give it a try. Eventually I decided to give do some research on the industry and fell in love with Naomi Campbell and Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid. They were the reason I wanted to give modelling a go!

Which shows will we see you walking in at AAFW 2022?

I’m confirmed for AJE, but you’ll have to keep an eye out for me on the other runways!

Which designer on the AAFW 2022 schedule do you wish your wardrobe was filled with?

I can’t choose one but my top two would have to be Rumer or Mariam Seddiq!! Their styles are so unique.

Modelling can be a tough gig. How do you look after your mental health?

I always try to call my family back home since I’m super close with them. I feel like having someone to talk to about everything (good or bad) can help lift a lot of weight off your shoulders.

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you can share with us?

I don’t know if it’s just me that does this but I usually always carry my Mario Badescu rosewater spray. It’s good to have especially for jobs where there is really unique and interesting makeup – spritzing a little on your face can make a huge difference and makes the foundation look less ashy (read: dark skin girl struggles haha!).

What are your interests outside of modelling?

I’m really big on makeup. As a kid I’d always beg my mum to buy me products and find every chance to do other people’s makeup. Now I’ve sort of created my own self-taught MUA business – we’ll see where that passion takes me!

What’s one interesting thing you want the world to know about you? 

I’m the type of person who makes fun, compulsive decisions just because I feel like it! I mean you can literally suggest we should go skydiving as a joke and I’ll do everything in my power to make it to happen just because it sounds like a good idea to me in the moment regardless of the fact that I know I would probably pass out.

What do you plan on doing to celebrate after a show/what will your post show ritual be?

This will be my first season, so I’m eager to create a ritual and will likely do something similar to the other models who have walked many times.

Who is your fashion industry mentor?

Right now I would say my managers at IMG Models, especially Jason Even though this is a big change for me and at times I wasn’t at my best, Jason was always there supporting me and making sure I was having the best experience throughout my career. Love them all!

Outside of fashion, who do you look up to and why?

I really look up to my older cousin Sarah. I feel like she’s one of the reasons why I have such a strong mindset and always try to stay positive and kind. We’ve been through so much together and she always knows the right things to say.

EM STENBERG

How did you get into modelling?

“I was scouted at a bus stop in Darwin while I was on my way to school!”

Which shows will we see you walking in at AAFW 2022?

Indigenous Fashion Projects, FNFD, Jordan Dalah, hopefully Romance was Born and many more!

Which designer on the AAFW 2022 schedule do you wish your wardrobe was filled with?

I wish my wardrobe was filled with a million of Paul McCann’s gowns. They are so beautiful.

Modelling can be a tough gig. How do you look after your mental health?

I recently watched the John Gacy documentary. A police officer in it said that he has a coin he keeps with him when he is working, and as soon as he gets home he puts it in a bowl. That really moved me and got me thinking about how important it can be to separate your personal and professional life! I think I am going to give it a try.

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you can share with us?

Bringing my own water bottle, as well as snacks. There always seems to be nuts on set but I’m allergic so I tend to bring my own little things to munch on.

What are your interests outside of modelling?

Painting and listening to music – it makes me feel so calm and relaxed and helps get me in the zone for big days on set.

What’s one interesting thing you want the world to know about you? 

I’m obsessed with animals and like to believe I’m an animal whisperer.

What do you plan on doing to celebrate after a show/what will your post show ritual be?

I’m going to sleep A LOT.  I’ve been nervous and haven’t had a proper good night of rest, so I am very much looking forward to a deep slumber.

Who is your fashion industry mentor?

Jordan Daniels – she is a beautiful African American and Māori girl representing what I feel like was so shunned 10 years ago but now she is the epitome of beauty in my eyes.

Outside of fashion, who do you look up to and why?

My Grandmother, she is full Thai and moved here with my Grandad. They’ve been together their whole adult life and she is such a sweet, humble and caring soul. I hope to be like her one day.

CLAIRE STRATTON

How did you get into modelling?

When I was seven, my mum and I were waiting for my dad outside of his office building and saw a sign-up area for a children’s pageant. I decided to sign up for fun and really enjoyed it and progressively began to get more and more into modelling.

Which shows will we see you walking in at AAFW 2022?

Matteau, however fingers crossed for a few more confirmations in the coming days!

Which designer on the AAFW 2022 schedule do you wish your wardrobe was filled with?

It would have to be All Is A Gentle Spring, I am obsessed with their corsets!

Modelling can be a tough gig. How do you look after your mental health?

I often keep a journal with me everywhere I go. I write in it and it really helps to just jot down whatever’s on my mind. I also have a great support system at home that I can always turn to when I need to, which is so important!

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you can share with us?

This is more of a tip but always bring a big jacket or jumper because it is constantly cold!

What are your interests outside of modelling?

I am really into textiles and fashion design. I like to create new items out of pieces of clothing I would’ve otherwise donated. I also really enjoy reading, it has been a recent obsession of mine.

What’s one interesting thing you want the world to know about you?

I’m passionate about creativity and will do what I can to make the world a better place for us and for future generations.

What do you plan on doing to celebrate after a show/what will your post show ritual be?

I will definitely be going out to dinner with my family to celebrate having done my first fashion week and to recount the highlights of everything.

Who is your fashion industry mentor?

It would be my mum. She has been mentoring me since I was seven years old and is also currently doing a degree in fashion design so her creativity, determination and knowledge has been extremely inspiring for me.

Outside of fashion, who do you look up to and why?

I definitely look up to my older sister. She has been a role model for me since I was young and has really helped me grow into the person I am today.

SAMUEL O’CONNOR

How did you get into modelling?

I got into modelling by being scouted at McDonalds. I was on my lunch break and a modelling agent asked me if I was interested in doing modelling, so I thought about it for a while and decided to give it a go.

Which designer on the AAFW 2022 schedule do you wish your wardrobe was filled with?

I like tailored, structured clothing so honestly anything that makes me look nice when I go out would be amazing!

Modelling can be a tough gig. How do you look after your mental health?

I think it’s important to just go home and unwind after a shoot. I often spend time with my friends after a big day of work or will just chill out by myself for a few hours.

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you can share with us?

I always bring a bag full of essential stuff just in case I need something at the last minute that I might have forgotten. The bag has a hairbrush, deodorant, face wash, soap, concealer, cotton buds and cologne. A good backstage hack that I have is to use is garment bags so your clothes stay clean and unwrinkled.

What are your interests outside of modelling?

I like hanging out with friends, going to the gym, sports, doing my apprenticeship, watching movies, fishing and just chilling out.

What’s one interesting thing you want the world to know about you?  

I’m a pretty laid-back guy, I get along well with people and just like to have a good time.

What do you plan on doing to celebrate after a show/what will your post show ritual be?

After a show I like to go home and spend some time with my family, we always put on a movie and hang out.

Who is your fashion industry mentor? 

My fashion industry mentor would have to be Dior because I think they have a nice style of clothes and great cologne.

Outside of fashion, who do you look up to and why?

Probably my family and my dad, they’re great role models and I think it’s important to have a strong relationship with your family.

JOSHUA MORRIS

How did you get into modelling?

I’ve had a lot of encouragement and push from my family to pursue a modelling career, especially entering an industry now giving more and more recognition to us First Nations people.

Which designer on the AAFW 2022 schedule do you wish your wardrobe was filled with?

There are so many to choose from!

“Maara have some amazing colourways on some of their unisex clothing that you’ll see me rocking on the runway!”

Modelling can be a tough gig. How do you look after your mental health?

It’s so important to take care of yourself and live a balanced life. They say your mental health is directly linked to your physical health, so it’s a good idea to start there, make sure to eat good, nutritious foods. I eat a mostly plant-based diet but really enjoy fresh fish! It’s also important to keep yourself active and moving – stretching in the mornings and night as well as exercising often, simply making these lifestyle choices drastically improves the way I’m feeling – mentally and physically!

What are your interests outside of modelling?

I love getting involved in and around the music scene, I’ve got a lot of very close people to me jumping up on stage playing in bands, rapping or even just being the MC. I also love fishing and getting out on country whenever I can to connect deeper with myself.

What’s one interesting thing you want the world to know about you? 

I try to see everyone and everything on equal grounds, no matter race, religion, ethnicity, or class. We’re all just humans trying to make do and I believe that each and every one of us deserves so much in this life.

What do you plan on doing to celebrate after a show/what will your post show ritual be?

I’ll definitely be kicking it with a few of the other models here at Australian Fashion Week but after that I plan on celebrating with some well-deserved rest, chatting with family over the phone about the whole experience!

Who is your fashion industry mentor?

I’d have to say both Nathan McGuire and my Father Agent Rhys Ripper. I think these two have worked so hard to bring all our mob up to where we’re at now and there’s still so much work to do! They just keep pushing on – it’s inspiring!

Outside of fashion, who do you look up to and why?

I’ll look up to various members of my family for different reasons. I’m blessed enough to have very supportive family around me in and around the NT!

HUGO LEUCHARS

How did you get into modelling?

It was actually quite straightforward; I was scouted in a mall a while back, sat on it for a couple years, then reached out during quarantine. One meeting with IMG Models later, here I am!

Which designer on the AAFW 2022 schedule do you wish your wardrobe was filled with?

All is a gentle spring, I really appreciate their silhouettes and wearability. Those corsets are killer.

Modelling can be a tough gig. How do you look after your mental health?

Sudoku, naps, and calls with friends.

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you can share with us?

Wear a hat! Those UV rays are serious business.

What are your interests outside of modelling?

I’m a full time student but am more than happy to make time for my books, music and a good film here and there.

What’s one interesting thing you want the world to know about you? 

I struggle with questionnaires.

What do you plan on doing to celebrate after a show/what will your post show ritual be?

Hopefully a couple told-you-so texts.

Who is your fashion industry mentor?

Would have to be either of my wonderful agents at IMG Models or Rosie Daly from Models Dot who scouted me in the first place!

Outside of fashion, who do you look up to and why?

SOPHIE. Being an icon never goes out of style.