Whilst most 17 year old's were attending school, Uni or college this week, Canberra-based model, student and member of the Nini Nahri-Gali Dance Troupe, Jahna Lugnan was walking the runways of New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

As a brand Ambassador for Australian fashion label Buluuy Mirri, this week Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr Nations Lugnan, followed Buluuy Mirri founder – and proud Gomeroi woman – Colleen Tighe-Johnson to the Flying Solo Runway in New York City.

Walking in the Flying Solo runway was not only Lugnan's first time doing so, but also the young model's first time in New York City.

Despite participating in a variety of runways within Australia, New York City is a realm Lugnan had not yet explored, until now.

Currently enrolled as a student at Erindale College, apart of the Qantum Leap (QL2 Production) Dance Company and a member of the Nini Nahri-Gali Dance Troupe in Lismore, Lugnan's passions extend far beyond modelling.

Lungan has aways been deeply passionate about her culture and community, making her transition into modelling a gradual yet seemingly natural shift.

The young model's rich connection to culture, craft and her community further emphasised the traditional storytelling behind Johnson's new Buluuy Mirri collection – which Lugnan modelled on NYFW Flying Solo runway.

"I was a little nervous, but I was so excited," said model Jahna Lugnan.

Aside from the runway and studying, Lugnan is also heavily involved in her mother's fashion business, Guyamgan Bahna Fashion.

Designed as a program that delivers youth workshops in mental health, suicide awareness, leadership and mentoring, Guyamgan Bahna Fashion is a venture both Lugnan and her mother are equally passionate about.

Whilst Lugnan's participation in the Flying Solo Runway aimed to inspire other Indigenous youth to step onto the catwalk, it also benefited Lugnan's self-esteem.

Taking further pride in her culture, mob and identity, saw the down-to-earth model step onto the Flying Solo Runway with eagerness and ease.

Both the young model and her mother hope that their participation on an international platform has inspired other young First Nations models to pursue opportunities regardless of their age, gender, or cultural background.

While this was Lugnan's first time, it certainly won't be her last.

*Jahna and Buluuy Mirri's participation on the Flying Solo runway would not be possible without the generosity of Roy Hill, Mrs Gina Rineheart AO, Paspaley and National Indigenous Times.

New York Fashion Week 2023 runs from the 7th of September to the 13th of September.

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