When it comes to Indigenous modelling, Australia’s fashion scene has a patchy track record. According to the Fashion Minority Alliance’s 2024 Road to Inclusivity report, models of colour tend to leave the industry early because they still feel “a disconnect between policies and practice” when it comes to inclusivity.
Fortunately, things are changing: Today, campaigns and runways increasingly (and proudly) show greater representation of Australian Aboriginal models and designers.
Here are some of their stories. If they inspire you to build your own platform for inclusivity through modelling, check out the steps to becoming a male model or female model in Australia, plus the open casting calls that could lead to your first job.
1. Elaine George
Representation: Blak List
Born in 1976, Elaine George is often regarded as Australia’s first Indigenous supermodel.
With an Arakwal mother and a German father, she was discovered at 17 at an amusement park near her hometown of Brisbane, and she quickly made history by becoming the first Australian Aboriginal model to appear on the cover of Vogue Australia in 1993.
When she signed with Chadwick Models in 1993, founder Peter Chadwick noted that it was "huge" for the industry.
She still models today and continues to push the industry forward through showcasing First Nations designers and artists, and mentoring younger Aboriginal models, like the up-and-coming Cindy Rostron.
2. Samantha Harris
Representation: Chic Management
It took 17 years, but in 2010 Samantha Harris became the second Indigenous Australian model to grace the cover of Vogue Australia.
Born in 1990, Harris is a descendent of the Dunghutti tribe from Tweed Heads, New South Wales. She was discovered at the age of 13 and was soon appearing on the covers of major magazines like Marie Claire and Girlfriend, posing for David Jones, and becoming an Australian Fashion Week regular.
Harris makes waves by using her platform to advocate for important causes: As a WWF ambassador, she campaigns for the endangered species, and through World Vision, she speaks up for Indigenous empowerment.
3. Charlee Fraser
Representation: IMG
Hailing from Newcastle, New South Wales, Charlee Fraser is of Awabakal heritage, and is one of the most prominent Indigenous Australian models in the global fashion scene. In 2018, she was the most booked model of New York Fashion Week; in 2019 the Australian Fashion Laureate named her Model of the Year.
Fraser has walked for major fashion houses like Dior, Chanel, Prada, and Givenchy. She’s notably the first Aboriginal model to have made it into the international high-fashion circuit, giving Indigenous models even greater global visibility.
Beyond modelling, she’s an ambassador for First Nations Fashion and Design, where she mentors the next generation. She says, “I recognise those who come before me; they paved the way for me to be here. And I hope that with everything I’m doing, I can pave the way for others.”
4. Cindy Rostron
Representation: Chadwick Models
Bangardidjan Cindy Rostron is from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territories. Her star has risen rapidly, from gracing the catwalks of Australia Fashion Week to appearing on the cover of Australian Vogue.
She’s since appeared on the cover a second time and has been the face of fashion label Country Road.
She wears her heritage loud and proud, sharing her love of Indigenous culture, fashion, and art with her thousands of TikTok followers. She also balances modelling with being a land custodian, recently getting involved with Strong Women for Healthy Country.
What’s more, she’s already using her fame to lift up other Indigenous creatives, like championing the First Nations youth fashion and design project Young Daluk x Bábbarra.
5. Guyala Bayles
Representation: Chic Talent Management
Bayles is a model and actress – and comes from a long line of activists. Her grandmother was an avid supporter of Aboriginal rights, and her grandfather was a land rights activist.
She is of Birri Gubba and Wonnarua heritage, from the Murri Community in Queensland, and she has posed for Country Road, David Jones, and Maybelline.
On TikTok and Instagram, she posts about her personal life and modelling work, while raising awareness about the ongoing impact of colonisation in Australia.
6. Bijang
Representation: Vivien’s Models
Bijang grew up on the coast in New South Wales, speaking Bundjalung with his Aboriginal parents. Scouted by Vivien’s Models at age 19, he’s modelled for brands like Bonds, Billabong, and Target.
As a child, his older cousins would teach him traditional dances and chants. He feels extremely close to his culture and is proud to represent them in his career.
He also plays an active role in celebrating the National Indigenous community. At the most recent NAIDOC Week, he collaborated with Industrie Clothing to share stories of his heritage and culture, giving Indigenous people a greater voice in the fashion world.
