2017 was weird as hell, and while we were pretty cheery to see it go, we managed to end it on the best note possible. How? By hightailing it to Centennial park with a car boot full of delicious new threads and a slew of smart, talented, and very vibey new mates in tow.
Some of the crew were still in high school, some were on the cusp of graduating, and for some, school is but a distant memory. Surrounded by curious bystanders, we dressed this wonderful assortment of humans in our favourite local and international designs, then chatted to them about everything from what 2018 has in store for them to what issues they hold dear.
Get to know them better below, then join in on the fun in the above gallery and kawaii video from the one and only Henry Cousins. ‘Till next time, legends!
Sandali
What's your favourite thing about school? And your favourite subject, and why?
I enjoy being able to spend time with my friends on a daily basis. My favourite subject is history because I think that it is very important that we are aware of our past and the events and people that shape our world to the way it is today.
What are you most excited for in 2018?
Definitely having a fresh beginning and improving my relationships with my friends and family. I look forward to creating more meaningful memories, and meeting new people. As well as any opportunities that 2018 will cherish me with.
Nadia
What social or cultural issues are most important to you, and why?
Living in San Diego, which is so close to the Mexican border, means we have a large Mexican population, which I myself am. Since Trump has become president, he has promised to build a wall separating our two countries. Myself and many others do not agree with this, nor many of Trump’s other decisions, including the deportation of hard working Mexicans, which will inevitably destroy families.
Growing up, is there anything that used to bother you that now doesn't?
I remember being 12 and starting to notice things about my physical appearance I was insecure about. But since then I've learned to love myself more and look past things I once cried over, because I realised that everyone is beautiful, including myself.
Bela
Where would you take someone visiting Melbourne for the first time?
If someone was visiting Melbourne for the first time, I'd take them out to see Melbourne’s nightlife!
What's your party trick?
My party trick is pretty simple—out drinking somewhere with shots [laughs].
Gee Gee
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is made up from an eclectic mix of both vintage and high street style with a hint of luxury. I love wearing feminine pieces and injecting a little bit of masculinity into the look to give it that edge.
What’s your favourite thing about being a young person living in 2017?
Living life to the fullest through experiences, I say! For me that is gathering a bunch of my friends, booking tickets to a music festival where you get to camp out for a few days amongst nature… I also find being young is the best time for travel! It opens your mind. Whilst travelling, I realised that there is no one way to live life. Meeting new people from other places showed me that my world view isn’t the same as everyone else’s. I couldn’t imagine how different life was until I was in a different place and realised for myself. Everything from work to family to interests is not what I expected from my own experience. The different setting allowed me to discover and consider fresh new ideas I hadn’t thought of before. I always come home with different notions and possibilities. By exposing myself to new places, people and cultures, I have developed a wider world view.
Sanne
What was your first ever shoot? Can you tell us a bit about it?
My first shoot was nice and relaxed—it was at my wonderful agency Kult in Surry Hills. I was scouted at the markets and went in to do a test shoot a couple of weeks later. It was very scary and nerve-racking because I’d never really done anything like it before, but it was so fun and I loved it.
What's your fave thing about growing up in the northern beaches?
My favourite thing is definitely living so close and having access to all the amazing beaches. There is always something to do—you can never be bored.
Ellie
What does your average weekend look like?
I usually like to be outdoors, mostly going to the beach with my friends and eating lychees.
What social or cultural issues are most important to you at the moment, and why?
I am at art school and have recently been learning a lot about Aboriginal art, culture and history. It amazes and horrifies me that so many aboriginal communities are living in third world conditions in a first world country.
Mathilde
What social or cultural issues are most important to you at the moment, and why?
Acceptance of others whatever his origins or faiths. Because this is the main issue that creates war, violence and insecurities. Every human should feel secure in who they are and what they believe in.
Growing up, is there anything that used to bother you that now doesn't?
When my little sister wanted to wear my clothes all the time. She still does it, but now I love it! :)
Adam
Outside of modelling for this shoot, what do you like to do?
I like to draw and play ping pong with my cousin.
What social or cultural issues are most important to you at the moment, and why?
Recently I watched a documentary about stopping ivory poaching and the importance of elephants to our ecosystem. Animal welfare in general is extremely important!
Viva
What social or cultural issue is most important to you at the moment, and why?
Personally the issue that is most prevalent and important to me would be the need for equality in all aspects of life in the 21st century. Whether that be civil, political or social equality—we are all humans. We are all the same and deserve to be treated equally!
What are you most excited for in 2018?
I am excited to see what life after school has to offer. I am so excited to be able to gain independence and travel around the world; visiting new places, learning about different cultures and meeting new people.
Georgia F
What's your favourite thing about modelling, and why?
I love meeting so many new people! It has really helped develop my confidence, as meeting so many different characters has made me able to adapt to different social situations.
What social or cultural issue is most important to you at the moment, and why?
The recent survey on same-sex marriage in Australia was really important to me, as I believe everyone is entitled to be equal. I’m so happy that the government listened to the people of Australia and granted same-sex couples the right to get married!
Sameerah
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would like to continue to model and carve a successful career in the industry. I would also like go to University to study Astronomy one day!
What are you most excited for in 2018?
This is my last year at school, so I am looking forward to graduating, travelling as a model and getting to experience the world!
Reagan
How do you like to unwind on a weekend?
On the weekend I love to spend my time outside in the fresh air, whether at a park reading my book or listening to music on the beach. It’s the perfect way to unwind!
Where did you grow up, and what do you miss most about home?
I grew up in Southern California, in a town called Bakersfield. When I’m away I always miss my favourite restaurant Noriega’s. They serve French Basque family style and everyone in the restaurant sits at the same big table. I’ve been going since I was a kid so it will always be home to me.
Penny
What were you up to during the school holidays?
First, I went to Mudgee with my family for a week. My parents love the place. It’s not too far from Sydney and it is a lovely small country town with great local pools and restaurants. There is also an Observatory where you could go to see millions of stars! This time we also spotted and tracked many satellites in the sky, which was pretty cool.
What are you most excited for in 2018?
Taylor Swift concert! Learning to drive! And I have just completed the Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion course so I am now qualified to patrol Bondi Beach! I also hope to achieve the Silver level of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program this year.
Images: Meghan Hosie Film: Henry Cousins Words & Fashion: Maddy Woon Casting: Chloe Hill Assistant: Bridie Alman
Ellie, Sanne, Penny, Nadia, Mathilde & Gee Gee are represented by Kult
Reagan is represented by Vivien's
Sandali, Cal & Bela are represented by IMG
Viva, Sameerah & Georgia are represented by Chic
Shot on location at Centennial Parklands in Sydney
