Having been on the modelling scene since the age of 14, Brisbane-born and raised First Nations model Loli Watson is certainly no stranger to the runways of her local city.

Having worked internationally in areas such as Barcelona and Miami, this month Watson has returned back to her local hometown to participate in the 2023 Brisbane Fashion Festival.

Set to feature in all designer runways, Watson spoke with StyleUp during a very busy week and jam-packed schedule.

Identifying as a Quandamooka woman – with her family being from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) – Watson's cultural Aboriginal Australian background is something she is significantly proud of.

"My background is Aboriginal Australian and I was born and raised in the Redlands/Brisbane. My family are proud Quandamooka Noonuccal people, hailing from Minjerribah," she said.

Striving to support fellow First Nations creatives, Watson is always thrilled to walk for Indigenous designers, located within both Australia and overseas.

"I am always honoured to be around Indigenous models and see Indigenous fashion represented on such a big scale."

Despite now being a significantly successful model, Watson admits that a career in front of the camera was not something she initially saw herself pursuing.

"Modelling wasn't something I thought of doing when I was younger. I have always had a big interest in fashion growing up but that had never progressed to thinking I could model," she told StyleUp.

"I got very lucky to be scouted through Instagram when I was around 14, though I didn't model full-time until I was about 17-18. It has kind of just progressed fairly steadily from there".

Since securing her spot as one of Australia's leading First Nations models, Watson has worked for a series of renowned fashion brands, in addition to being featured on the pages of Australia's leading print publications – including RUSSH, Vogue Australia, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan.

It was not long before Watson was noticed by international agencies, brands and bookers.

Despite the young model now finding herself often flying between cities, she is quick to confirm she adores modelling in Australia and firmly believes that the state of our fashion industry is – slowly yet surely – improving, in more ways than one.

"I have found modelling in Australia quite good, especially when I compare it to other countries I have modelled in," she said.

"I would like to think just from observing Australian fashion in recent years that the industry is becoming a lot more genuinely accepting of people of all backgrounds, sizes etc… diversity is so important."

When speaking with Watson about her participation in this year's 2023 Brisbane Fashion Festival, she is ecstatic to be supporting her local area.

"Honestly it is so much fun to represent the fashion industry of your own city," she said.

"I have participated in BFF the last two years and it's always nice to be back in Brisbane with an amazing group of models and the beautiful BFF (Brisbane Fashion Festival) team.

"Walking the runway at Brisbane Fashion Festival is always so much fun as well."

When fronted with the question of what advice she would give to other aspiring Indigenous models (both male and female) wishing to achieve her level of success, Watson's response is one grounded in accountability and awareness.

"I think it would be silly to give any advice to aspiring Indigenous models without acknowledging that I have a level of privilege, in that I am a pale white woman and in that, I will never fully understand the challenges other Indigenous models face," she told StyleUp.

"However, I can say overall that modelling is all about putting yourself out there and taking opportunities that you are interested in…find an agency that is excited to have you, always be kind, trust your gut and work hard. Don't take yourself too seriously or get hung up on the 'NOs'… just have some fun."

With her international success, admirable work ethic and connection to country, Loli Watson is one to watch.

The down-to-earth Queensland model is at peak success, and with what's set to come next…it appears she may just remain there for quite some time.

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