An Australian fashion week photo diary round-up wouldn't be complete without a bit of kiwi input, cue Zara Sykes. The model and all-around ray-of-sunshine may have only finished high school last year, but this gal's been busy. Traversing the globe in her role as a professionally good-looking person, she's been all over, including a recent stint in London. You might also remember she hung out with us in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) last year when our pals Dan and Apela intro'd us to seven cool new people. Now she's settling down in Sydney for a bit, we thought it was fitting to hang out with her this week while she made friends backstage and got dressed up in cute, cute clothes. Say hi above and below!
Name: Zara Sykes
Nickname: to my friends Zora, to my family Zaza
Star Sign: Aquarius
Give us your elevator pitch:
Heyy, I’m Zara from Aotearoa! Since graduating high school at the end of last year, I’ve been living all over the world modelling —London, Milan, Sydney and of course, good old Auckland. Meant to be on my “gap year” however if things keep going the way it is, it might be more of a permit gap year (sorry Dad xx).
Where do you live and where do you call home?
Right now I'm placed in Sydney which makes me soooo happy as I love it here and reminds me alot of home. Sydney really is just the bigger version of Auckland and always has something going on.
A tiktok/meme/mood to sum up how you felt going into fashion week:
@mrschnackk Can’t kill my vibe🤣 #model #modelling #casting #fashionweek ♬ original sound - NFL
Favourite show you took part in:
Walking for Lee Mathews at Australian Fashion Week was honestly such a cool experience. As a model, you could really sense the refined simplicity, graceful lines and organic feel of this year’s collection. To which made it feel so special to be a part of, especially as they celebrate their 25 years!
Best person you meet backstage?
OMG that’s so hard!!! One thing about shows is you meet so many amazing people like the hairstyles, make-up crew, creative teams and of course all the gorgeous models. I have to say my girl Eloise Tolstoff!! who I actually met in a lineup of a show. No matter how much I prepare I always get a little nervous before a show but she was so funny and laid-back, it honestly just felt like we were hanging out.
What do you do to fill time while waiting around backstage?
I don’t know what it is but I always find I’m one of the last models to be done with hair and makeup so normally it's straight to the line up but when I get a quick moment I love to raid the snacks (always find the best food)
Fashion week essentials in your bag:
MAKEUP WIPES!!! There is nothing more humbling than getting on public transport after a show with a crazy bright make-up look that makes no sense with your average everyday outfit. Definitely learnt this the hard way last year.
Favourite song/soundtrack you heard this week?
Lowkey been loving Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: brighter days ahead by Ariana Grande.
A tiktok/meme/mood to sum up how you feel at the end of the week:
@faveuropean_ the money DOES not come back #fyp ♬ The Sting Zone - kellyyelizz
Photos: Zara Sykes
Features Editor: Chloe Hill
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which Australian Fashion Week took place.
