We recently dropped by Carrie Bradshaw’s stomping ground to check out all the fab-u-lous shows included on this year’s NYFW bill. It was spectacular. TOME’s presentation stirred a lot of feelings in us, Dion Lee made us proud to be Aussie, Zimmermann inspired us to throw a garden party, Beaufille was simply beautiful, and PH5 sent our imaginations on a holiday to the Hampton’s.
As always, we also had a wandering eye for all the pavement activity going on outside, and the unbridled pleasure of getting to know a boatload of cute new model faces. Five of those were Australian/Kiwi expats Bridget Hollitt, Georgie Perkins, Brooke Durrant, Faye Nielsen and Franny Cowap, who’ve recently made the enviable sojourn to the energetic epicentre of creativity, cultural diversity and style. Below they tell us about life in NYC, the best places to eat, shop and drink, and the craziest shit that’s happened to them since they’ve been in town. Get acquainted!
Name: Bridget Hollitt
Nickname: Bhole (unfortunately)
Age: 21
Star sign: Libra
Where are you originally from, and how long have you been in NYC for?
Originally from Melbourne, and I've been in NYC for 2 months now.
Can you list your three top favourite places in NYC to eat, shop and drink, and why are they your favourite?
Eat: Bareburger, By Chloe, Ruby's. I love the sweet potato patty at Bareburger, By Chloe has fun vegan burgers that I pretend are healthy, and Ruby's has a great vibe and also awesome burgers. Did I mention burgers?
Shop: Theory, COS, Topshop. I'm usually a hoodie and mum jeans kind of girl, so Topshop is great for that. I love Theory and COS because I could pretty much pick up anything and like it; it's all very classically cool and therefore simpler to work with.
Drink: I turned 21 two weeks ago so haven't experienced much drinking! But I love the Brooklyn Barge and Mr Purple for the views. Also, anywhere that serves margaritas has my tick of approval.
NYC is such a bustling, busy city. How do you unwind?
Unwinding has definitely been a challenge for me. When I came to sign with agencies last year, one of the first things I did was buy the cheapest guitar I could find. Since I moved here, music has been my main outlet for stress and it's been a real game changer. Singing other people's songs is very cathartic and so I can only imagine what writing my own music could feel like! I also love walking anywhere that's less built up with skyscrapers, like the High Line, the Williamsburg Bridge or the Hudson River.
What’s been the most challenging thing about modelling in NYC? And, about life there in general?
Modeling in NYC is challenging because a lot of the people you connect with also lead very unpredictable, transient lives. This city is in a constant state of flux: people are always moving, they are in and out of town, or don't know their schedules until the last minute. There is a lot of change, so it is very hard to find stability here.
In New York you are your own person; there is complete independence here, which at times can be overwhelming. It sometimes feels like everything rides on you. Everything is moving around you so quickly it feels like the pressure is on you to create/build/be everything you need for your happiness. It's scary. I don't know if I'm capable of needing nothing but myself.
And the best thing?
Buskers.
What do you miss most about home?
I miss the quiet of home, and not really in the sonic sense of the word. My thoughts, my mind, my body feels quieter when I'm at home. Here it is a constant rush of thought and emotion and manic energy. But hey, that's what I'm here for.
What’s the craziest thing to happen to you since you’ve been there?
The craziest things to happen to me here are always related to the kindness of others. One day I was stuck in an anxious fog and couldn't string a thought together. I was at Wholefoods, standing in front of the trail mix trying to make sense of all the different types (there's a lot, lol), and I bumped into this guy and apologised. As I walked out, he came up to me, said nothing, just smiled and handed me a single sunflower before frolicking off. I don't know how he knew but he knew. Another day, I was in the park crying on the phone to my boyfriend and 3 different homeless people came up to me to tell me that I would be okay. They all seemed to think I was crying over a guy (I wasn't) but it didn't matter what I was upset about; I knew they understood. They were able to look me in the eye and give me something so valuable, something that has nothing to do with money or material objects, and is worth so much more. I'll never forget that.
There have been so many times where I have felt truly connected to another human being who takes one look at me and knows exactly what I'm going through, but then actually does something about it. I've never experienced that as strongly anywhere else. It's incredible, we're all fighting the same fight here in New York. I hope I can be that person for someone one day.
Name: Georgie Perkins
Nickname(s): Gee, George, Georgie.
Age: 23
Starsign: Taurus
Where are you originally from, and how long have you been in NYC for?
I’m originally from country Queensland, and I’ve been in NYC for 4 months!
Can you list your three top favourite places in NYC to eat, shop and drink, and why are they your favourite?
The Peter Pan Donut Shop has the yummiest, most glutinous donuts for a dollar! I like to drink at The Lot Radio, and listen to live recordings. To shop, I like Beacon's Closet for vintage.
What’s been the most challenging thing about modelling in NYC? And, about life there in general?
Modelling in NYC is super competitive and super busy, which is challenging.
And the best thing?
Life in New York is constantly moving and constantly changing, and people are doing insanely creative and entrepreneurial things.
What do you miss most about home?
I know when winter hits I'll miss the Aussie weather.
What’s the craziest thing to happen to you since you’ve been there?
Craziest thing to happen? [Laughs] Crazy things happen everyday, and that's the magic of New York.
Name: Brooke Durrant
Nickname: The downside of a one syllable name is that I don’t get one [laughs]
Age: 23
Starsign: Gemini
Where are you originally from, and how long have you been in NYC for?
I’m an Aussie from Sydney! I’ve been in New York for 3 weeks now :).
Can you list your three top favourite places in NYC to eat, shop and drink, and why are they your favourite?
New York has some amazing thrift shops! I tend to wander through them whenever I have free time! Food is a toss up between Joe’s Pizza and Shake Shack (but don’t tell my agency!) My favourite spot to grab a drink is my friend’s couch with our crew watching Cheetah Girls :D!
NYC is such a bustling, busy city. How do you unwind?
I like to paint or go for walks along the water!
What’s been the most challenging thing about modelling in NYC? And, about life there in general?
The most challenging part about modelling/life in general in NYC is definitely trying to find a good coffee and dealing with the severe vegemite withdrawals!
And the best thing?
The best thing would have to be being surrounded by so many amazing creatives and the congregation of cultural diversity!
What do you miss most about home?
Ippudo ramen, my boyfriend, his puppy, my friends and family!
What’s the craziest thing to happen to you since you’ve been there?
Being here on the 9/11 Memorial Day and joining the community to show support for one another.
It’s amazing how many people band together in times of need, and consistently show how strong we all are.
Name: Faye Nielsen
Nickname: Fayefaye (I guess my name can’t really be shortened so someone decided to double it!)
Age: 19
Starsign: Scorpio
Where are you originally from, and how long have you been in NYC for?
I’m from Wellington, New Zealand and have only been in NYC for a couple of weeks!
Can you list your three top favourite places in NYC to eat, shop and drink, and why are they your favourite?
I haven’t explored far and wide yet, but since I’ve been here Wholefoods has been a go to - especially because it’s just down the road from my apartment. Half price salads from Chop’d (courtesy of the Model Lounge) have saved me on busy days! And, in terms of shopping, I’m in love with the funky thrift stores dotted around Williamsburg.
NYC is such a bustling, busy city. How do you unwind?
I like to visit art galleries in my spare time, or relax with a good book and a matcha latte either in the park or just at a cozy cafe!
What’s been the most challenging thing about modelling in NYC? And, about life there in general?
It has been absolutely hectic ever since fashion week castings started. It can be very physically and mentally draining, with constant ups and downs - like a roller coaster ride you can’t get off! Also living in an apartment with 20 girls is pretty crazy - privacy is non-existent, but great friendships are inevitable.
And the best thing?
The city itself! The people, the lifestyle, the vibe, the presence of opportunity and the feeling that anything is possible here. I also love living on the water in Williamsburg and being able to watch the sun set over the city of Manhattan. There is something so beautiful and magical about it.
What do you miss most about home?
My bed! As well as my family and friends of course.
What’s the craziest thing to happen to you since you’ve been there?
Seeing Rihanna at her Fenty Beauty party! It was so surreal, she was literally glowing in person.
Name: Franny Cowap
Nickname: Fran
Age: 19
Starsign: Aries
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in NYC for?
I’m originally from Sydney, Australia. I first arrived in NYC 2 months ago.
Can you list your three top places in NYC to eat, shop and drink, and why are they your favourite?
My favourite place to eat is Beyond Sushi, it’s an all-Vegan sushi place with super fresh, healthy and delicious food. L Train vintage is my favourite place to shop. You can find the cutest vintage jeans, jumpers, jackets and tees, and it’s super cheap! Like, some T-shirts are $5!
NYC is such a bustling, busy city. How do you unwind?
I love taking long walks through Central park, it really feels like a little slice of nature in the city with the giant lake and all the trees, and you get the best views of the skyline.
What has been the most challenging thing about modeling in NYC? And about life there in general?
I think for me it’s definitely been not having a place to call home, and instead living out of a suitcase in model apartments and airbnbs.
And the best thing?
All the people that live and work here. Everybody is super hardworking, creative and diverse, and I love getting to know all of these interesting people.
What do you miss most about home?
I miss my sister sooo much! She’s the best person ever!
What’s the craziest thing to happen to you since being there?
I actually don’t have any super crazy stories yet. It’s still crazy to me just being here!
Words: Maddy Woon Images: Chloe Hill
Shot on location around New York
