NYLOW, 18

Where are you from?

I’m from South Sudan but grew up in Brisbane Australia and now am currently based Sydney.

How were you discovered?

My mother agency Rïn Models scouted me through Instagram. However, I had no interest in modelling at the time so I was trying to politely decline. I only reconsidered modelling because I loved that they are an agency who dedicates in representing diverse models. I signed a contract with them and shortly after with IMG – it means I have the coolest dream team!

How do you prepare for a show?

The night before a show, I gather up an outfit that I have been waiting to wear. I am always too excited to sleep and the adrenaline always keeps me awake, so I light an incense stick to help me feel calm while I do my skincare regime. I also say affirmations to myself that everything is going to be okay and it will be a fun experience.

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

A good mix of Christopher Esber and Aje!

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

Attend an AAFW party to celebrate then go back home to my family in Brisbane for a while.

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you’ve learnt while modelling?

A style hack I’ve learnt is to really just dress to impress yourself! For beauty, a face mask before make-up always helps the skin feel really well prepped and hydrated!

What do you do outside of modelling?

Outside of modelling I invest my time into hobbies I love, like knitting and sketching. I can confidently say I make some dope stuff!

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

I occasionally dream in different languages and for some reason, I seem to understand them! For example, I once had a dream in Russian (I have never taught myself to speak Russian) and understood every word and conversed in my dream. I woke up that morning so confused as to how that even happened! That wasn’t the last time though…

LISA MAY FATNOWNA, 20

Where are you from?

I was born on Gimuy-Walubarra Yidi Land (Cairns) and from February until l now, I’ve based on Gadigal land (Sydney).

How were you discovered?

I was touring Malaysia with the Australian Country Hockey Team in 2020 when Claire Dickens from IMG scouted me on Instagram.

How do you prepare for a show?

My show preparation includes lots of rehearsing my walk, stretching, watching videos of other models walking on YouTube, talking to my family and meditating.

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

First Nations Fashion Design!

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

I love Salmon, so would have it for dinner with my close friend Tamara on our very first AAFW

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you’ve learnt while modelling?

I’ve learnt to massage my face in the mornings to get rid of puffiness

What do you do outside of modelling?

Most likely working in Cairns at the Aspire program with the Indigenous kids. If I’m in Sydney, I’m playing hockey with Gordon North Sydney (GNS) Division 1 in Pennant Hills and Ryde or exploring Sydney with Tamara. I also am constantly visiting the IMG team at their office in the city.

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

My brother figured out that my birthday can be found in my full name. My birthday is May 15, 2000. My full name Lisa May Fatnowna has exactly 15 letters, my middle name is May which is the month I was born in and you can guess my birth month depending on the year.

LAUREN BROWN, 17

Where are you from?

For my entire life I have been lucky enough to live and grow up in Leichhardt which is part of the Inner West in Sydney.

How were you discovered?

I was discovered at a School Strike for Climate Change rally. I remember being in utter shock as I had never considered modelling as an option before – a very exciting moment!

How do you prepare for a show?

I make sure I get a good night sleep so that I’m ready for the day ahead. I also choose to take a moment out of every day to meditate and de-stress, which I have found to be especially helpful during Year 12.

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

That’s a bit of a difficult one, but I have recently fallen in love with WE ARE KINDRED and their dresses, they are absolutely gorgeous!

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

I most likely plan to go out for a celebratory dinner with new and existing friends that I meet during fashion week.

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you’ve learnt while modelling?

I learnt this little beauty trick a couple years ago, which is to spray your face with a facial mist before applying moisturiser – I swear my skin has felt so much better ever since I’ve built that into my routine.

What do you do outside of modelling?

I am very into photography, and love capturing the stunning landscapes of Sydney.

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

I have been playing soccer for over 11 years with the most lovely group of girls! It is such a nice way to take a break from school whilst also keeping physically active.

NITESH PILLAI, 19

Where are you from?

My background is Malaysian Indian. I was born and am currently based in Sydney.

How were you discovered?

I was discovered online through my now mother agent who saw one of my posts from halfway across the world in London. She connected me with her friends in Sydney at IMG Models and I got signed soon after that!

How do you prepare for a show?

I think the most important factor for me when preparing for a show is to maintain a positive and confident mindset. Healthy eating and exercise also helps boost my overall mental energy throughout the day, helping me give my best performance for my walk. Plenty of water and importantly a good night’s sleep are also two things that shouldn’t be overlooked!

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

Christian Kimber and Akira Isogawa are two designers that I’d love in my wardrobe. I love Christian’s fusion of Australian style and functionality and Akira’s masterful mix of Western and Eastern design and technique.

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

The end of Australian Fashion Week leads into my birthday on June 6^th. I’m especially excited to be celebrating with friends and family and I might even attend some Fashion week after parties. The thing that I’m most looking forward to however is going to visit my favourite desert place, Max Brenner, to feast on some chocolate waffles, ice cream, crepes and a peanut fudge milkshake to finally fulfil my sweet tooth!

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you’ve learnt while modelling?

am yet to find backstage style hacks just yet, but I’m sure I will definitely pick up some tricks this season from the other IMG boys!

What do you do outside of modelling?

I’m usually quite a busy person. If I am not out playing sports or working out, I’m either spending time with my family or you’ll find me getting my creative juices flowing making TikTok videos on @Boytesh or on YouTube. Outside of that, I love listening to music, enjoy reading philosophy books, writing on international politics and getting involved with human rights issues across Australia or posting online to spread awareness.

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

I’ve arrived in the fashion industry, and I am here to stay! I come from a diverse childhood of eastern culture, traditions and lots of family love mixed with a Western upbringing, all of has its celebrations and challenges. It was led me to being a people’s person full of character and passion for life. I’ll have a good chat with almost anyone, so if you ever see me… don’t be shy!

NABILA LEUNIG, 17

Where are you from?

I am half Indonesian, half Australian and I am based in sunny Perth.

How were you discovered?

I was walking around the local Royal Show with my twin sister looking for our friends, when my lovely now-managers at IMG approached me and gave me a card. When I got home, I showed my mum and she was extremely concerned. My sister was the one who convinced my mum to call my managers back and the rest is history.

How do you prepare for a show?

I get lots of rest the night before and drink lots of water. I do some stretches in the morning to get my blood flowing.

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

Definitely Alice McCall. I love the feminine silhouettes and textures her clothes have. Obsessed.

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

Go to Chinatown and eat lots of great food!

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you’ve learnt while modelling?

Layering can really change an outfit a whole lot. It can make or break an outfit.

What do you do outside of modelling?

I love musical theatre and acting – stepping out of my comfort zone by performing is something I love to challenge myself on. I have also currently been obsessed with learning K-Pop dances. Their energy is so positive and inspiring to me and it’s a fun way to keep healthy and exercise, especially during lockdowns!

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

I am bilingual – fluent in Indonesian and English.

HARRY ELAND, 18

Where are you from?

I was born in Sydney and still live here.

How were you discovered?

I was walking out of the Chatswood train station right after school and was approached by an IMG scout.

How do you prepare for a show?

I’m currently working with a nutritionist who has created this plan for me – it includes lots of green juices, healthy foods, filtered water, vitamins and low sodium foods. Additionally, I play soccer most nights of the week and also try and make sure I get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.

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

I would love to have a bit of Bassike in my wardrobe

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

Eat something that is filled with sugar, then immediately go out to a night club in the city with my mates

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you’ve learnt while modelling?

Everyday leading up to the show I make my skin glow using a homemade body scrub made from olive oil and white sugar on my face and body, followed up by using rosehip oil on my face after I get out of the shower

What do you do outside of modelling?

I’m currently studying commerce and law at Macquarie university and I also play soccer for Manly United’s under 20s team

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

I’m of Indian descent!

JASMINE O’NEIL, 18

Where are you from?

I am from Brisbane and moved to Sydney at the beginning of 2021.

How were you discovered?

I was scouted at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane at 14.

How do you prepare for a show?

I prepare for a show by doing a long walk the night before, eating nice and clean foods during the day and also having a coffee, of course!

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

It would have to be Bondi Born. It has a bit of everything from outerwear to swimmers in a range of different colours, and it’s all so comfortable.

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

To celebrate the end of fashion week I will probably just relax, have a chill night and maybe get some dinner with a few friends to celebrate the week that was and all we have achieved.

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you’ve learnt while modelling?

Less is always more.

What do you do outside of modelling?

Outside of modelling I am usually running to the airport to catch a last minute flight to Brisbane to see my family and friends.

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

I have Heterochromia, which is two different coloured eyes. In my case, I have one brown eye and one green eye.

JAI BOWER, 20

Where are you from?

I’m from Queensland, Australia and currently based on the Gold Coast.

How were you discovered?

I was walking through a local market when my current mother agency ran out of a restaurant to set up a meeting.

How do you prepare for a show?

In preparation for a show I find it essential to drink plenty of water in the days prior. In addition to that, I always do a cardio session the morning of the show to make myself feel fresh and looking tight.

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

If I could have a wardrobe full of COMMAS pieces by Richard Jarman, that would be amazing. I love the European holiday look and loved seeing COMMAS in Melbourne earlier this year.

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

I would love to attend an AAFW party and get to know some more people in the industry. I’ve never been to an event like that before so I think it would be heaps of fun!

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you’ve learnt while modelling?

It’s not really a hack but I’ve definitely learnt that the faster your changes are, the smoother the show runs.

What do you do outside of modelling?

I love sports! I play touch football competitively and tennis when I can with friends.

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

A hobby of mine is designing buildings! I am heading into my third and final year of my Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Design.

YASMINE SMITH, 21

Where are you from?

I’m from Queensland and am currently based in Sydney.

How were you discovered?

I was scouted by my mother agent Nikki at Everibody agency. She saw me on a photographer’s page that shot with my friends. It was a fun, beautiful and creative shoot with my closest girlfriends – I never thought it would lead to me signing with an agency!

How do you prepare for a show?

I love to work out – it’s the best way for me to clear my head, especially for work. I drink heaps of water to maintain my clear skin and also make sure I get a minimum of eight hours of sleep, as it helps me get through the full and busy day of work!

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

I wish my wardrobe was filled with Zimmerman pieces because I’m obsessed with the quality of their material and styling of their different ranges of clothing and swim.

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

I would celebrate by going back to QLD to be with my family and tell them all about fashion week! Most important to me is knowing that I’m contributing to the movement to increase representation of all skin types, bodies and ethnicities.

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you’ve learnt while modelling?

I never used to have a skin care routine, it’s only through modelling that I know what correct products to use especially on sensitive skin. I’ve learnt less is more!

What do you do outside of modelling?

I used to be a university student before I started modelling. I graduated from my bachelor of health science this year but have become very intrigued by the dental health industry. While I’m modelling full-time for now, I’ll be figuring out my next move in my dental career.

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

I love poetry. Seeing and reading the way people creatively express themselves on paper is an amazing way to understand yourself, a topic, issue or an event that has happened or even an object. It’s the way people interpret the world through their eyes that fascinates me. Poetry is the best way for me to reflect on myself and process the little things in life.

PIERCE JONES, 23

Where are you from?

I’m from Brisbane but my Indigenous country is Tweed Heads and I’m currently based between Brisbane and Sydney.

How were you discovered?

IMG Models first scouted me when I was 16 and I met with their scouts annually between the ages of 16 -20. It was at a party that I was a plus one that I met someone from Que, my mother agency, and then was signed to IMG shortly after.

How do you prepare for a show?

If I’m honest, just a good night of sleep, a good breakfast the day of and I also like to visualise the day ahead so that I’m mentally prepared for it.

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

I would love to have a wardrobe filled with clothes from Bassike and First Nations Fashion Design (FNFD).

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

I’ll be celebrating at an AAFW after party at the end of the week and am looking forward to networking with other models and designers.

What’s a backstage beauty or style hack you’ve learnt while modelling?

A backstage beauty hack I’ve learnt is getting my hair under control and keeping it neat – if I’m able to do that everything else seems to fall in line.

What do you do outside of modelling?Outside of modelling I participate in sports like basketball and I also love to skate. I’ve also been getting into a bit of photography as well, predominately film photography. I really enjoy it!

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

One interesting fact about me the world should know is that I made the Australian Touch Rugby League under 21 men’s team when I was 17. I also had the opportunity to travel the whole South Island of New Zealand as part of a Queensland athletics team – I was their high jumper.