Emerging First Nations model and proud Walmajarri, Gooniyandi, Bunuba and Martu woman, Kahlia Rogers has ventured far beyond her hometown community of Wangkatjungka – located 130 km south-east of Fitzroy Crossing – in Western Australia to walk the runway at Paris Fashion Week's Flying Solo presentation.

Although the 24-year-old's modelling career has already provided her with a series of amazing opportunities, the young model hit the career jackpot this month after being offered the opportunity to walk at one of Europe's most prestigious fashion events.

Having only started her modelling career in 2019, Rogers has fast-tracked her way to international opportunity and exposure all thanks to her talent, dedication and flair as a young First Nations model.

Saying it was her first runway that initially inspired her to pursue a career in modelling, it comes as no surprise to find Rogers runway debut was on Australia's infamous Country to Couture catwalk in Darwin.

"I started modelling back in 2019. I walked my first runway in Darwin at the Country to Couture show as part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair," Rogers said.

"This is where my passion for modelling was discovered. As I walked alongside so many talented Aboriginal models."

After having won the Kimberly Girl Program – a leadership program that focuses on job readiness and encourages self-confidence, public speaking and broadening options for young Indigenous women – in 2021, it was actually the networking created through this program that led Rogers to this international opportunity.

Winning this title in 2021 also saw Rogers act as the program's yearly representative for instigating positive change in the personal and professional capacity of young indigenous women.

"I was recommended by Kira Fong, the coordinator of the Kimberley Girl program based in Broome," she said.

Fast forward to 2023 and Rogers is now heading to Paris, with Kimberly-based designer Letticia Shaw and other First Nations model, Letisha Davies. Joining forces with Shaw will see Rogers walk for Shaw's successful Indigenous fashion brand, Ticia Designs.

"This will be my first time working with Letticia, I'm so honoured and excited to model and showcase Ticia Designs to the world at Paris Fashion Week," she said.

Similar to fashion designer Shaw, this will also be Rogers' first international career debut. And similar to all runway debuts the excitement, nerves and opportunities that arise before, during and after the event are somewhat of a packaged deal – you can't really have one without the other.

"This will be my international debut. I'm feeling so proud to be able to represent an Aboriginal designer internationally," Rogers told Style Up.

"I know my families are really proud and excited for me, as I am doing this to represent my family, my community and all Aboriginal girls from Kimberly and Australia."

By participating in the runway, Rogers is not only hoping to inspire other young Indigenous women but also broaden her own workload, and further remind herself that she too is capable of continually pushing back on typical stereotypes and achieving more than what's expected.

"This is going to broaden my horizon and show other Aboriginal girls that you can do anything in life and take every opportunity…you never know how many doors it can open for you," she said.

With her sites already set on a series on local runways upon returning home Rogers is a woman on a mission. That mission being to continue doing what she loves, pushing boundaries and most importantly having fun, and pausing to enjoy all experiences.

"After Paris Fashion Week, I will be walking in Melbourne Fashion Week in October. This is going to be another exciting experience," she said.

With Rogers commitment, positive outlook and refreshingly humble attitude, the young WA-based model may soon be calling the catwalks of Paris a regular commitment.

"I'm looking forward to continuing my journey as an up-and-coming Aboriginal model and hope to become an inspiration to other Indigenous girls coming from remote communities and the whole of Australia," Rogers said.

Kahlia Rogers will be walking in Letticia Shaw's Ticia Designs presentation at Paris' Flying Solo runway presentation on 1 October. Indigenous model Letisha Davies will also be joining Rogers on the runway to show her support for designer Letticia Shaw.

Ms Rogers' trip would not have been possible without the generosity of sponsors Roy Hill, Ms Gina Rinehart AO, Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation and Leedal Pty Ltd.

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