Jahna Lugnan is becoming an increasingly familiar name in the First Nations fashion community.

After her participation in New York Fashion Week's Flying Solo runway last year, the Canberra-based model, student and member of the Nini Nahri-Gali Dance Troupe's career has grown significantly.

following Buluuy Mirri founder and proud Gomeroi woman Colleen Tighe-Johnson to the Flying Solo Runway in New York City,

Upon returning from New York after acting as a brand Ambassador for Australian fashion label Buluuy Mirri, the proud Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr Nations woman has had numerous opportunities thrown her way.

"Ive always considered modelling to be a side gig for me, but through these recent months, it feels to be developing into more of a career path," she said.

"And I think that's because of the exposure I'd been receiving. I'm so thankful for all of the work I've been given and for the connections made.

"Furthermore I will soon be joining Soward Management, who will be not only manage my modelling, but also my performing arts opportunities."

When speaking on her recent participation on the Country to Couture catwalk, Lugnan said it was nothing short of an amazing opportunity.

"Country to Couture was a blast. I especially loved meeting mob from around the country," she said.

"The Garments from each designer were incredible, and I love seeing my people create such high-fashion clothing.

"Not only from wearing the clothing but visually seeing it, you could see a story and develop a connection, which I believe is such a special thing.

"I always found it interesting when I had my own individual view on a garment, and then heard the true meaning and concept behind it."

The young model said it was an earlier encounter with Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) that created the opportunity for her to participate in the event.

"I made the connection with IFP (Indigenous Fashion Projects) in Melbourne, when I did a small fashion show for the 2024 AIME Tourism convention," she said.

"At this event I met a bunch of the IFP team and met some of the models that also participated in Country to Couture.

"Through this event Michelle Maynard recommended me to QIC, which country to couture have a partnership with.

"QIC sponsored me to travel to Darwin to participate in this year's DAAF to experience and learn, by doing some backstage work and behind the scenes, for the events that were held throughout the week."

Due to a spur-of-the-moment opportunity, Lugnan also had the opportunity to model at the 2024 National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) held in Darwin.

"Modelling for NIFA (National Indigenous Fashion Awards) was actually a last minute decision, due to a model pulling out," she said.

"That day I was supposed to be helping backstage, but I got asked around 2 hours beforehand to do it. I'm so glad I got the opportunity, as I found the event to be really fun.

"I was especially proud to be wearing award winners Miimi and Jiinda x unreal fur, they won the 'community collaboration' award.

"Miimi and Jiinda are Gumbaynggirr artist, and I'm also a Gumbaynggirr women, so being able to wear their clothing at this event felt incredibly rewarding.

"I appreciate that a portion of the sales from this collection goes towards the Gumbaynggirr Giinngana Freedom School (GGFS), which some of my family goes to, and my younger siblings attended, before moving to Darwin this year. GGFS is the first Bilingual Aboriginal Language School in NSW."

Although participating in Country to Couture was an opportunity which stemmed from her talent as a model, Lugnan said the event has left her with an increased interest in pursuing and exploring the design realm further.

"This past week has also inspired me to give designing a go. I did textiles in school but never felt a much of a desire to pursue it more, but now that I've been exposed to these fashion shows, I'm willing to give it a proper go, and possibly find a way to infuse Dance," Lugnan told Style Up.

"I truely feel as though I now have a deeper understanding of how Fashion shows are facilitated and the challenges that can be faced behind the scenes.

"And I'm grateful to all of those who had guided me through that process."

Despite modelling being a large part of Lugnan's life and success as a young Indigenous creative, her passion for dance continues.

Currently enrolled as a student at Erindale College, a part of the Qantum Leap (QL2 Production) Dance Company and a member of the Nini Nahri-Gali Dance Troupe in Lismore, Lugnan's dance career has also progressed to from performer to dance teacher.

"Dance for me is still very important," Lugnan said.

"I've done a few performances here and there, including; cellodance with Ella Havelka in Sydney, QL2's playhouse season, 'Subject to Change', where I did a collaboration with seven other dancers and Ruth Osbourne to create a 20-minute work on 26 dancers, Dance North secondment week, Backup Dancing for YT Dingo and QL2 x BDA Thailand collaboration Performance, to represent Australia on behalf of the Australian Embassy Thailand, in celebration for His Majesty the King's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary (this was a dance exchange between myself, another young Blak girl from Canberra, Julia Villaflor, and BDA (Bangkok Dance Academy).

"This year I've taken up being a dance teacher. I currently teach at three studios, teaching a variety of styles. This includes contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, musical theatre, lyrical and ballet.

"Ever since I've started teaching I've gained more confidence, leadership skills and a stronger creative mindset.

"Teaching has also taught me a lot about being organised, when you teach 13 classes a week, you have to always be planning classes and on top of your schedule.

"Additionally one of the best things about teaching, is that it's allows me to work with various age ranges, my youngest class starts at the age of 2 years old and continues through to adults."

Whilst balancing her two passions has become somewhat of a juggling act for Lugnan, she has found routine in slotting the two careers into her calender.

"Balancing the life of dance and modelling can be tricky, and often requires a lot of thought and scheduling in advance," she said.

"However my life is more so revolved around dance, so whenever I'm given a modelling opportunity that I can fit within my calendar, it honestly feels like a reward, due to it feeling like a break from my daily routine."

As a young First Nations creative, Lugnan is passionate about giving advice to young girls considering a career or role within either the fashion or creative industry.

"Don't be ashamed to take an opportunity. Build connections, inquire, learn and embrace your interest, individuality and identity," she said.

With the number of projects and proposals Lugnan is offered only increasing, a busy few months lie ahead.

"Im forever hoping to develop my dance skills, and I do this through my own Improv practices, which I plan on continuing," she said.

"I've also been invited to Choreograph in a show (not allowed to give details away yet).

With a blooming career both on the catwalk and in the dance studio, Lugnan is headed towards continual recognition in both fields.

For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.