Known for its pristine beaches, tropical Arcadia and home to five of Australia's eleven World Natural Heritage areas, Queensland is a little slice of paradise in its own right.
Much like its long list of dream-like locations, Queensland is also home to four fresh faces that are just as angelic. In typical Cool Pretty Cool fashion, we got to know the quick-witted quartet whilst simultaneously debuting our very first Goldie photoshoot.
Shot by the wildly talented Ruby Holland, a New Zealand jewel who is now a QLD local herself. IMG’s Dakota, Thrishali, Maegan and Summer frolicked barefoot amongst the waves on a slightly breezy autumn afternoon, wearing some of our favourite fashion must-haves, proving that beachwear is by no means limited to bathers and Birkenstocks.
Name: Dakota Katu
Nickname(s): Koda
Star sign: Libra
Where do you call home?
I’m lucky enough to call the beautiful Gold Coast home.
Best spot to spend a Saturday in your town?
The best spot is, without a doubt, Burleigh Heads. Watching the surfers shred the waves with a coffee in hand, walking down the esplanade as the sun rises or even better, having a picnic on the hill with family and friends, the options are endless.
What’s your favourite childhood memory of the beach?
Building sandcastles with moats at Tally Creek with my sisters and burying my Dad head-deep in the sand.
What does your ideal summer day look like?
Definitely a morning walk around Burleigh Headland whilst sipping on juice from the local fruit shop. Then a dip in the ocean and straight to Tommy’s for a late lunch.
Top three places to eat, drink and shop in QLD?
Tommy’s Italian, Currumbin is a main contender; I dream about the Burleigh fruit shop juices and, of course, Pacific Fair as it has a shop for everyone.
Can you tell us about the best podcasts/books/films you’ve consumed recently?
Flawed and Fabulous is a healthy dose of down-to-earth reality. She shares the magical and messy moments of healing journeys and creates a safe and loving space for guests to openly talk about g.t.l, mindset and spirituality.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
My twin sister. she knows me better than anyone else.
What are you most excited about for next year?
The freedom of no longer being in school and exploring the range of different opportunities that come my way.
Name: Summer Parry
Nickname(s): Moosie, Moo moo, Summie
Star sign: Gemini
Where do you call home?
Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast.
Best spot to spend a Saturday in your town?
Rainbow Beach.
What’s your favourite childhood memory of the beach?
Building sandcastles and mermaids and having fun in the sun with my big brothers.
What does your ideal summer day look like?
Wake up early, and go for a hot girl walk along Mooloolaba Beachfront with my puppy (April). Brekkie and a quick game of UNO at a beachfront cafe with my Mamma, followed by a surf. Lazy day on the beach, then home for a hot shower followed by dinner with the girls.
Top three places to eat, drink and shop in QLD?
Eumundi markets, Augello’s Mooloolaba for their prawn and scallop risotto, and Hyde Paradiso in Surfers Paradise for cocktails and tapas.
Can you tell us about the best podcasts/books/films you’ve consumed recently?
I’m currently listening to Aware and Aggravated - it’s a self-development podcast. I love that it encourages you to be the very best version of yourself that you can be and that it focuses on positive self-talk.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Jennifer Lawrence - after watching her on The Graham Norton Show describing her tomboyish nature.
What are you most excited about for next year?
Hopefully, having another opportunity to represent Australia in Indoor Volleyball.
Name: Thrishali
Nickname(s): Trisha
Star sign: Gemini
Where do you call home?
Brisbane.
Best spot to spend a Saturday in your town?
The best spot to spend a Saturday in Brisbane for me is definitely in the suburb of West End, as I love its thrift stores and food stalls.
What’s your favourite childhood memory of the beach?
My favourite childhood memory of the beach is learning how to surf in Port Macquarie.
What does your ideal summer day look like?
My ideal summer day would definitely start with me sleeping in and then spending a few hours in the pool or reading a book by the pool, followed by a nice dinner out with friends.
Top three places to eat, drink and shop in QLD?
Eat would be Nandos. Drink would be The Emporium Rooftop Bar. Shop would be between Queen Street Mall, located in Brisbane CBD, and the West End thrift stores.
Can you tell us about the best podcasts/books/films you’ve consumed recently?
I recently just finished reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley for the second time, which I absolutely adore due to its elegant literary style. As for films, I recently watched a Bollywood movie called Malang which I enjoyed due to its catchy songs and engaging and purposeful storyline.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Zendaya would play me in a film about my life, mostly because I look up to her quite a bit, and she's an extremely inspiring role model.
What are you most excited about for next year?
I am most excited about the new opportunities and prospects that next year holds for my modelling career. I am keen to work with other talented models, photographers and designers.
Name: Maegan
Nickname(s): Megis, Meg
Star sign: Aquarius
Where do you call home?
Both my parents are from Colombia, and I've lived half my life in Norway and the other half here in Australia. So probably somewhere between all three countries. I can't really choose one.
Best spot to spend a Saturday in your town?
Anywhere near the bay. I usually like to go on a walk by the sea and then have fish n chips at Manly Boathouse.
What’s your favourite childhood memory of the beach?
Back in Norway, there was this beach near my house where I used to bike there every weekend with my family and have some waffles with jam on the beach.
What does your ideal summer day look like?
My ideal summer day would be waking up by the beach and walking the Noosa streets with my dogs and family. And maybe get a smoothie or an acai. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach.
Top three places to eat, drink and shop in QLD?
When it comes to shopping, I really like the Pacific Fair shopping centre on the gold coast; it has everything. For me, the pizza at Gemelli at James St in Brisbane is the best, and to drink my favourite is the boba from Heeretea in Sunnybank.
Can you tell us about the best podcasts/books/films you’ve consumed recently?
Recently I read the book 'Atomic Habits'; my brother recommended it to me, and it was really fascinating. I would definitely recommend it.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Honestly, I can't really think of anybody specifically. But I used to watch Zendaya all the time when I was little. From Shake it Up to the new Spiderman movie, she's very versatile and plays any character perfectly. So I'd be honoured if she played me.
What are you most excited about for next year?
I'm excited to finally graduate high school and see where modelling takes me.
Features Editor: Orion Scott Photos: Ruby Holland Fashion: Chloe Hill
Dakota, Summer, Thrishali and Maegan are represented by IMG
We acknowledge the Kombumerri People of the Kombumerri Country as the traditional owners of the land on which this shoot took place.
