Qhilst it's lovely to see a wealth of new talent hit the runway this year, there is something comforting about seeing a familiar face strut their stuff yet again – especially when that familiar face, is a local First Nations model.
For Sunshine Coast-based Ruby Hunter Brown, the infamous runway of Brisbane Fashion Festival (BFF) is no new territory.
"I have been doing BFF for longer than I can remember and have been working," Ruby Brown said.
Despite featuring in multiple Brisbane fashion Festivals over the years, Brown adores runway jobs and the familiarity of working with those you have previously collaborated with over the years.
"What designers you get to showcase and outfits you get to wear, definitely influence the mood of a show and what you most enjoy. Personally, runway jobs have always been my favourite, there is always a sense of energy and performance in walking the runway", said Brown.
"Plus you always get to see familiar faces backstage, whether it's the designers you've worked for before, the makeup crew and of course the other models".
Thrilled to return to this year's runway as one of the events First Nations models, Brown is a proud Aboriginal woman from Dharrowal Country.
"I am a proud Dharawal woman, but being Indigenous was never as embraced and included as it is now within the fashion industry… it is a welcome shift at a very important time in history", said Brown.
Despite now being represented by international modelling agency Chic Management, Brown's story to success started at the young age of just 14 years old.
"I was first 'discovered' at 14 when I got into the finals of a show called 'Search for a Supermodel' (the same year both Nicole Trunfio and Gemma Ward were in) and it escalated quickly from there", Brown told Style Up.
"I first went to Sydney and then overseas at 16/17 years old after I finished year 12 and had the privilege of working all around the world".
Whilst the talented model enjoys participating and being cast for runways, she also shares the positive impact of walking alongside other First Nations models and being embraced for all her natural features.
"It is always a pleasure to be cast but after being in the industry for so many years it's especially nice to see more and more young Indigenous Models being cast alongside myself," said Brown.
It's also really impactful to have my traditional features like my curly hair embraced and praised instead of homogenised to fit a certain beauty standard that was previously held."
Aside from being a successful model and pioneering young woman, Brown is also a mother to three children and therefore stands firm in her support and advocacy towards diversity and representation within the fashion industry.
"Representation is so important, I'm a mother of young girls and I'm so proud for them to see me working and see themselves represented," she said.
When passing down advice to younger generations – aside from her children – Brown highlights the importance of relationships, respect and reputation.
"I would recommend any young aspiring models to apply to reputable agencies and make sure you have a good relationship with your agent," said Brown.
"Also it is about work ethic, you have to work hard, be respectful to everyone…from the designer to the assistant crew members. Your look might get you booked once but your character gets you back again.
"It's also important to have a strong identity and support network, the fashion industry can have its challenges so it's important to know who you are first."
Like most creatives in her line of work, Brown is excited to welcome whatever new opportunity comes next – and in this industry, the range of new opportunities is only increasing.
"You never know in modelling what the next job will hold, hopefully working with other Indigenous models and designers or representing Mob with big brands and helping increase representation", she said.
*Ruby Hunter Brown is represented by Chic Management.
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