Introducing Seven Up & Coming Aotearoa Models You Should Know

Tāmaki Makaurau

— October 29, 2024 —

Kia ora from Aotearoa! Where our pals, Photographer Apela Bell and Stylist Dan Ahwa, are introducing us to a sweet lineup of new faces you should know. The biggest bonus? The dreamy shoot comes with some of the most spectacular fashion you'll set your eyes on all year. 

While we know Dan knows a thing or two about cute fashion (even more proof here), we wanted to ask the girls what is sending them. From styling tips — according to Naledi, "shoes are key", Zara S goes for "the basic sandwich method," while Meiya swears that you should "wear black because it goes with everything." Plus, the all-important question — if money were no object, what would their dream purchase be — notable mentions go to Chanel Couture and Miu Miu Handbags ~swoon~.

With all this fashion to inspire, you'll be ready to run out and raid your local second-hand store. But before you enter your vintage girl era, scroll down to say hi to Erin, Sky, Zara S, Meiya, Naledi, Ariana and Zara.


Silk taffeta dress from Painted Bird Vintage, Swarovski necklace and ring

Name: Erin Costello
Star Sign: Cancer

What colour makes you feel happiest?
Sky blue or baby pink.

Do you have a go-to styling trick when you're getting dressed?
Wear what makes you comfortable and confident in yourself.

Most memorable item in your wardrobe?
My strawberry cardigan.

Favourite fashion memory growing up?
Growing up I had always loved styling my hair, whether it be different styles or head scarfs and headbands.

If money were no object, what would your dream fashion purchase be?
Reiss × Mclaren Leather Varsity Jacket and Tiffany & Co.

Best fashion account you follow?
My favourite is Madeline White.

Song you have on repeat:
'My Boo' - Usher and Alicia Keys.

What are you most looking forward to for 2025?
Growing as a person. I'll be entering year 11, so it will be a whole new life. I'm also looking forward to whatever opportunities that the year brings. 
 


Twenty-Seven Names jacket, Caitlin Snell choker, Swarovski earrings

 Name: Sky Fagan
Nickname: Sky
Star sign: Aquarius

What colour makes you feel happiest:
Green.

Do you have a go-to styling trick when you're getting dressed:
Not really, I kind of just wear whatever I think matches well!

Most memorable item in your wardrobe:
My Boston Birkenstocks. I wear them all the time, and they've been through quite a lot.

Favourite fashion memory growing up?
Probably back to school shopping when I got to discover my own style.

If money were no object, what would your dream fashion purchase be?
Corteiz 95s.

Best fashion account you follow?
Jaida Bunni.

Song you have on repeat:
'N side' - Steve Lacy.

What are you most looking forward to for 2025?
Basketball season!


 

Acne top and Comme des Garcons skirt from Scotties, Vintage fruit pin from Painted Bird Vintage

 

Name: Zara Sykes 
Nickname: ZaZa 
Star Sign: Aquarius

What colour makes you feel happiest?
A vibrant orange.

Do you have a go-to styling trick when you're getting dressed?
Have to go with the basic sandwich method.

Most memorable item in your wardrobe?
My leather coat.

Favourite fashion memory growing up?
All the Katy Perry music videos, I remember always wanting all her fun and colourful outfits.

If money were no object, what would your dream fashion purchase be?
Have to be that Aventure nappa leather bag from Miu Miu.

Best fashion account you follow? 
LOVE Julie Macaluso, but have to say Wisdom.

Favourite TiktTok you've watched recently:
Boomchikaboom.

Song you have on repeat:
'Dumb & Poetic' by Sabrina Carpenter.

What are you most looking forward to for 2025?
Hopefully going to Paris!!🤞🏻🤞🏻

 

Cos sweater, Caitlin Snell skirt, Colombine tights, Pearl necklace from Partridge Jewellers, vintage handbag from Painted Bird Vintage

 

Name: Meiya Lemafa
Nickname: Meiya lol
Star Sign: Scorpio

What colour makes you feel happiest?
Blue/green.

Do you have a go-to styling trick when you're getting dressed?
Wear black because it goes with everything.

Most memorable item in your wardrobe?
Pearl necklace from my mum.

Favourite fashion memory growing up?
Having all the colourways of Converse (Chucks) and getting away with wearing them to school 🤣🤣.

If money were no object, what would your dream fashion purchase be?
A closet full of dresses from Peppermayo.

Best fashion account you follow? 
@Youknow_clothing 

Favourite TiktTok you've watched recently:
Hauls of D1 college students' gear.

Song you have on repeat:
'Tide is high' - Atomic kitten.

What are you most looking forward to for 2025?
Playing school basketball and joining everything as it is my last year of high school.

 

Faux-fur coat from Painted Bird Vintage, Calvin Klein skivvy, Swarovski brooch, Earrings from Walker & Hall Vintage

 

Name: Naledi Mitev
Nickname: Ledi
Star Sign: Pisces

What colour makes you feel happiest?
Navy blue makes me feel the happiest. I find the colour to be irreplaceable and calm. It's simple yet deep, and I believe it describes how I move through life. Navy blue brings confidence it's not loud or attention-seeking but it's solid and it feels like a space where I can fully be myself, both creatively and personally.

Do you have a go-to styling trick when you're getting dressed?
My go-to is to throw on a baggy hoodie. I'm a big fan of wearing almost everything baggy, really. It's all about comfort to me, but I also love the laid-back, effortless vibe it gives. To complete the look, shoes are key for me. I feel like they can totally define the vibe of the outfit. Whether it's a clean pair of sneakers or something chunkier, the right shoes pull everything together and give the outfit that final touch.

Most memorable item in your wardrobe?
Definitely my flower girl dress from my parent's wedding. It's such a nostalgic piece because it connects me to that special day. Even though I obviously don't wear it now, I've kept it all these years as a reminder of family, love, and that moment in time. It's like a little piece of history that I'll always hold onto.

Favourite fashion memory growing up?
One of my favourite fashion memories was from Beyoncè's 2005 BET Awards where she wore a stunning purple Versace dress. I am still captivated by how effortlessly she owned the stage in that dress; it was such a powerful moment. The bold colour the design and her confidence made a huge impact on me. It wasn't just about the fashion itself but how she used it to turn up her presence and express her personality. That performance inspired me to appreciate fashion as a way of self-expression and has been a lasting influence on how I view style.

If money were no object, what would your dream fashion purchase be?
A custom-designed gown by famous designer like Versace or Chanel. I'd love to have something that is unique and tailored to my style with detailing and a perfect fit. I imagine it would be a blend of classic elegance and something really eye-catching, basically a dress that makes a big impact and feels special to wear. It's about the luxury by having a piece that reflects my personal style and stands out as a true statement.

Best fashion account you follow?
One of the best fashion accounts I follow on Instagram is Giovanna Ramos. She has an amazing sense of style, and her posts always give me ideas on how to step up my style. 

Favourite TiktTok you've watched recently (include a link):
My favourite TikTok is Beyonce's Cozy from the Renaissance era. It's such an energetic clip that captures the essence of her performance and the vibe of the song. 

Song you have on repeat:
Right now, I can't get enough of 'Partition' by Beyoncé. The incredible energy and confidence from this song always put me in the right mood.

What are you most looking forward to for 2025?
For 2025 I look forward to see where life takes me, I'm excited about the possibilities for personal growth. I'm looking forward to exploring different aspects of my work and interests. I am also wanting to see how trends and style evolve and how they might influence my own work. Overall, it's about embracing new opportunities and seeing where they take me.

Claudia Li blouse, jacket and skirt, Miu Miu headband, Columbine socks, Sebago loafers

 

Name: Ariana Johnston
Nickname: Ari
Star Sign: Scorpio  

What colour makes you feel happiest?
Indigo Purple.

Most memorable item in your wardrobe?
A long turquoise green slim-fit dress.

Favourite fashion memory growing up?
My parents dressing me in cute clothing.

If money were no object, what would your dream fashion purchase be?  
A Cartier diamond and white gold Juste un Clou bracelet.

Best fashion account you follow?
Prada.

Song you have on repeat:
'Boyfriend' - Ariana Grande, ft. Social House.

What are you most looking forward to for 2025?
My trip to Taiwan.


 

James Bush bomber jacket

 

Name: Zara Ismail 
Nickname: Z
Star Sign: Taurus 

What colour makes you feel happiest?
Pink! 

Do you have a go-to styling trick when you're getting dressed?
Less is ALWAYS more.

Most memorable item in your wardrobe?
Kitten Slingback heels.

Favourite fashion memory growing up?
Watching fashion shows and runways on the TV, which is how my passion for modelling developed.

If money were no object, what would your dream fashion purchase be?
Givenchy Leather knee-high boots.

Best fashion account you follow?
@6kenza

Favourite TiktTok you've watched recently: 
This.

Song you have on repeat: 
'Make it to the morning' - Partynextdoor!!

What are you most looking forward to for 2025? 
All the new opportunities I will be able to have.

 

 

Photos: Apela Bell       Fashion: Dan Ahwa       
Hair: Yama from ASC Salon       Makeup: Liz Hyun       Features Editor: Chloe Hill

Sky & Naledi are represented by Super
Meiya is represented by Unique Models
Zara, Erin and Ariana are represented by N Management
Zara S is represented by 62 Models 

 

Shot on location at Auckland Old Folks Association in Tāmaki Makaurau

                    

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