When young Indigenous models stride down the catwalk, they are walking in the footsteps of Elaine George. At the age of 17, George was the first Aboriginal model to make the cover of Vogue Australia, in September 1993. It launched an international career, but one that lasted only 18 months, as the young model grappled with racism that was rife at the time.
More than 30 years later, George is shaping a different future for the next generation of aspiring Indigenous models by hosting a workshop at the Darwin Convention Centre. The Blaklist: Next Gen modelling workshop is the first to be run by Indigenous Fashion Projects at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, and it has attracted participants from Broome to Alice Springs, Darwin and Cairns. Looking around as the participants take their places, George sees incredible potential.
"You don't have to be that typical size eight, thin, tall, lanky, gorgeous face," she said. One hopeful, Tiana Russell, has already been approached by a modelling scout at the city's recent sold-out Country to Couture fashion shows - as she was on her way to the bathroom. The 19-year-old is juggling a small art and design business with casual work at Darwin seafood market Mr Barra as she tries to launch her modelling career.
It's Russell's third year on the Country to Couture runway, an experience that brings up a mix of emotions because her family is part of the Stolen Generations. "I don't know my skin, name, my language, I don't know any of that ..
. I real.