Fashion Mentor: Samantha Harris

Samantha Harris is a name synonymous with the Australian fashion industry. As a member of the Dunghutti people, she has not only broken barriers in the modelling world but also become a powerful advocate for Indigenous rights and culture. In fact, Samantha firmly believes that the inclusion of Indigenous culture by mainstream fashion is the biggest change of her 20-year international career.

Samantha fell in love with modelling when she was just four years old, after her first appearance on a junior catwalk in a shopping centre in Tweed Heads, in northern New South Wales. Growing up in a busy household with limited financial resources, the modelling industry offered Harris an avenue to fulfil her dreams and provide for her family.

At 13, Samantha entered a national competition in Girlfriend magazine, which led to her signing with Chic Management. This marked the beginning of her career as one of the most successful Indigenous models in the world. She has graced the covers of magazines including Vogue Australia and has walked the runway for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Romance was Born, Dion Lee, Ellery, just to name a few..

Not defined by her modelling career, she is also a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and culture. In 2019, she travelled to the Kimberleys with her mother to campaign with World Vision for improved living conditions in remote communities. She is determined to use her influence to raise awareness about the issues faced by people living in those communities and to support them where possible.

Samantha has seen a significant shift in the fashion industry during her career. When she first started

out, there were very few Indigenous models in the industry. As the years went on, she and other Indigenous models were able to showcase their talent. Today, there are Indigenous runway shows, Indigenous singers and artists, and Indigenous designers.

Samantha welcomes mainstream fashion’s gradual but now firm embrace of Indigenous culture.

SHE HAS EXPERIENCED THE THRILL OF WALKING ALONGSIDE OTHER INDIGENOUS MODELS, WEARING BEAUTIFUL INDIGENOUS DESIGNS AT AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK: "IT WAS JUST, THIS IS ME – THIS IS WHO I AM. I WAS REPRESENTING MY CULTURE IN BEAUTIFUL INDIGENOUS DESIGNS. IT FELT QUITE AMAZING AND LIBERATING TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT."

A role model for younger women and girls of all colour, Samantha uses her platform to speak out about the issues she cares about, and to empower others. She has become a favourite subject for high school projects and young fans seek her out for photo opportunities and selfies.

She is not the only Indigenous model making waves in the industry. Whadjuk Noongar man and model Nathan McGuire is another rising star who uses his influence to mentor young Indigenous kids keen to enter the industry.

SAMANTHA SEES OPPORTUNITIES TO USE HER INFLUENCE BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE FASHION INDUSTRY. IF FASHION CAN CONTINUE TO BECOME MORE INCLUSIVE AND REPRESENTATIVE, THEN THERE IS EVEN MORE POTENTIAL FOR POSITIVE CHANGE.

A testament to the power of perseverance and determination, she is proud of her Indigenous heritage and uses her voice to raise awareness about the issues faced by Indigenous communities.

The fashion industry has come a long way in terms of representation, but there is still much more to be done. With inspiring figures like Samantha and Nathan leading the way, the future of Indigenous representation in fashion looks bright.

This is an amended version of the cover story that ran in Façon Magazine: Dreaming Edition, originally published in 2022.

Written by KYLIE MORRIS