As Australian Fashion Week comes to an end, we've rounded up the top ten new faces we're loving right now. We spoke to the top ten faces at IMG Models about their goals in the industry and what's important to them. Much more than just pretty faces. Meet the new ones to watch below:

HUGO LEUCHARS

What did you learn from growing up in New York?

Growing up in New York changes how I developed as a person for the better. Being surrounded by such a diverse and fast moving environment forces you to be more aware of your surroundings and different cultures, and provides the freedom to be who you want to be. The way you meet and form relationships with people is different too - you have friends in Sydney, you have friends in Sydney. You have friends in New York, you have friends everywhere. So much of what I know and believe is from the people I love there. 

You’re a big politics fan - when did you begin to develop a passion for this? Imagine you are a world leader what is the first thing you do?!

I had a great social studies teacher in middle school - might have to call Mr. Fox one of these days. Redistribute!

What’s on your playlist?

Good question - right now it’s a quite a mixed bag. The new Overmono record was great, Drain Gang is having quite a moment and the Malibu Jose Gonzalez cover plays in my head all day. Elysia Crampton and A.G. Cook edits have been a staple and I’ve got crazy love for those little Soundcloud uploads from Evilgiane, and as always, SOPHIE.

ANE FA’AUI

We’ve read you love teaching people about your culture. Tell us one thing that you think we should know.

One thing about my Aboriginal and Tongan culture is that dancing is a big part of both - they tell stories not only by the form of dance but by the type of song that is used. In my Tongan culture it is called a Tau’olunga, whenever I perform one I always feel peaceful and graceful. I don’t really know how to explain the feeling but it’s like I’m in awe of what the simplest things can mean. I don’t know as much about my Aboriginal culture and heritage but whenever I do or watch a dance I feel the same way. 

Which fashion capital would you love to walk in? 

Paris! One of my goals is to walk a show in Paris.

What’s your model mantra?

Every time I have a shoot or casting, I say a prayer that I’ll have the confidence and energy to be able to enjoy myself and the experience overall.

ZANE HAWKINS

You’re studying Chiropractic science, what's something you have learnt through this you want to share? 

I think I underestimated the power of Chiropractic. Being a first year, I'm beginning to grasp just how much of a change I'm going to be able to make to people's overall health in future. One eye opening fact is that 1 in 3 Australian’s are affected by musculoskeletal issues. Chiropractic, while considered an alternative health approach, has huge potential to positively assist in overall wellness. 

We have read you love an engine, dream car?

Wouldn’t be able to cut it down to any less than two. Pagani is pushing the envelope beyond just car manufacturing and I see them more as a work of art. Close behind is the Porsche 911 turbo - in my eyes the epitome of style, class and performance.

Which other fashion capitals would you love to walk in?

I've always loved high fashion, so I have my sights set on Milan. Really can't go past Italian quality and finesse when it comes to clothing – the Italian are pioneers in the fashion industry.

GEORGIE PARKER

You already love the fashion industry - who inspires you in this world? 

A lot of people inspire me in this world. My family inspires me in who they are and the incredible values they have. My Auntie and Uncle Peter Eastgate and Carina Hicks inspire me a lot. They both have self-built careers in the film and fashion industry, being a creative director and director of photography. Their relationship, love of the industry, fast-paced work ethic, strong industry relationships and love of their work is so inspiring. Their example pushes me to work hard and achieve my goals in the fashion industry. I’m lucky to have them in my family and their guidance throughout life.

What change would you like to see in the fashion industry?

There is already a lot of amazing change happening in the industry, whether it’s sustainable fashion or greater inclusion of different people from all walks of life. I would love to see those changes further develop especially in regards to sustainable fashion. I’ve learnt about carbon emissions and textile waste in my arts class in school as inspiration for a topic, and fashion waste is a massive contribution to these areas of pollution to our environment. I hope there is an increase in recycling of fashion products – whether it’s through donation, buying quality over quantity or the re-use of fabrics.

Another change linking back to modelling which is close to my heart is the inclusion of all diverse types of models. Acceptance has grown over the past few years however seeing more and more models of different backgrounds, sizes and ages is very important. Ensuring that people feel included, accepted and empowered to wear whatever they want is very important.

Which show are you you most looking forward to at AAFW? 

I’ve never been before so I’m looking forward to all the shows and am very excited. It’s going to be so surreal to be a part of and see the shows happening as it’s easy to forget how much effort and time goes into designing and producing a collection as well as building a brand overall. 

One of the top shows I’m looking forward to seeing is Bassike. As much as I love all things vibrant and out there, I love the unique stripped back, natural and raw editorial look that Bassike creates. I’m keen to see what they put on the runway!

SAMUEL O’CONNOR

We’ve read you love being outside and in nature. Where is the ultimate place you’d love to do a shoot?

I love an outdoor shoot but would have to say anywhere unique in the world, perhaps Thailand or Tasmania, would be an absolute dream.

How does Australian style influence you?

I feel like Australian style is very casual and laid back – that’s the kind of style I love and think suits me the most.

What are you most looking forward to at fashion week?

Working with a lot of brands, doing all kinds of fun shoots and meeting new people!

EM STENBERG

You’re hoping to study art and literature at university. Which book do you think everyone should read? 

I think everyone should read The Handmaid’s Tale, it’s a story set in a dystopian future where fertility is rare and only the handmaids can bear children. We as the reader see such a raw depiction of abuse against women, as well as the authors use of colour and symbolism throughout. Since it’s in the future the story really feels like someday it could happen, especially as the cause of the infertility is a virus. 

Who is your favourite painter? Why?  

Vincent Van Gogh – his combination of realism and impressionism is what got me into art when I was younger. His art is how he saw the world and as someone who suffers from mental illness it’s nice to see the world depicted as it feels. He captures what he saw with light, expression, brush strokes and doesn’t need those bright colours to show his strong feelings. He cut off his ear in an episode and I think that’s iconic!

What are you looking forward to at fashion week?

I am looking forward to conquering my fear.  I think the glamorous concept of Fashion Week really overwhelms me but I’m ready to push myself outside of my comfort zone this year. I’m also really looking forward to the after parties the other models have been telling me about!

GABRIEL WUNDIT

You were discovered through Tik Tok – what do you love about the platform?

The creative freedom of TikTok is something I’ve always loved - limitless songs, limitless trends and limitless challenges, make way for limitless ideas.

You’re passionate about social justice. What changes would you like to influence in the world? 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are more likely than other Australians to experience various forms of disadvantage, including higher unemployment rates, poverty, trauma, discrimination, exposure to violence and alcohol/substance abuse. By no means is this all that our Indigenous people face, however I would like to see these disadvantages remedied and for the fashion industry to rally around First Nations peoples.

What’s on your fashion week playlist? 

There will be plenty of NBA Youngboy, a taste of G-herbo, and a pinch of Future.

JAYA LEV

You're a musician! Which instruments do you play? Do you write songs?

I mainly sing however that’s only something I started to do more seriously a few years ago. Before that, I was very interested in piano and used to sing just to go along with my piano playing. I do write songs! I love it - I find writing songs is a way that I can express myself or others in a way that nothing else can. I’ve been writing songs since I learnt how to write! Two years ago my good friend and I started our band called AZURE and now we are coming out with our very first EP titled ‘shadows’. 

Who are your musical influences?

In all honestly, I get influenced from nearly everything I listen too! The style of the music I make is inspired from artists such as VBND, Pip Millett, Biig Piig, Jill Scott and many more. The artists that first sparked my interest in music include Amy Winehouse, Lana del Rey, Adele, Portishead and Erykah Badu. 

What influence would you like to have on the modelling/fashion industry?

I want to spread the message of body positivity. If through my modelling I could inspire a younger girl who wants to model, but is to scared to do so because of her skin or body, it would be my ultimate success. I also hope I inspire people to wear whatever they want and feel comfortable doing so. I find that when people are comfortable in what they are wearing they tend to be more relaxed and confident as they move through their day. My mum is a designer so I grew up surrounded by fashion and I think that has really helped me build my own personal style.

JOSHUA MORRIS

We’ve read you love exploring and connecting with the land. How do you connect with country and nature?

I connect to my country by spending time just sitting with and listening to it, to be perched up on the beach under a tamarind tree simply watching the tides pull in and out, showcasing all kinds of beautiful marine life to me from dolphins to stingrays and dugong. We often venture through mangroves in search for periwinkle, long bums and mud mussels to throw on the fire alongside dinner. Connecting with country to me is to break away all the walls and barriers the western life puts up between you and the land, letting my mind rest as my body resurfaces the song lines lost and I become just another cog in the land’s natural cycles around me.

What do you hope to bring to the modelling industry?

I see now that Indigenous models and talent of all kinds are beginning to get the recognition they deserve. I’m hoping to really step it up and achieve big things for myself. I’ve got a lot of family hoping to make an entrance into this industry so if I can be a prime mover and motivator for them to also make moves - that would be awesome. 

What are you most looking forward to at AAFW?

I’m super excited to meet and get to know the other models in the industry and hope to both share my stories and learn from them. AAFW will be an awesome opportunity to network and get my name out there! I’ve never done a show of this magnitude so it will be great to show everyone what I’ve got!

CLAIRE STRATTON

You grew up performing on TV - tell us what you learnt from this experience? 

I used to be really introverted when I was younger so being on tv shows and performing in front of all those people was really an exercise in confidence! I was honestly kind of thrown in the deep end but I’m grateful for the experiences as it has taught me so much, not to mention the embarrassing footage of me performing as a child will live on forever on the internet.

You love textiles and design - is there a designer you admire?

I really love Thierry Mugler's designs, his black staple pieces are just so timeless and classic. I also enjoy his more colourful designs on the runway - he just has such a unique flair!

Which show are you most looking forward to this week?

I'm really looking forward to seeing both All is a gentle spring and Jordan Dalah! I love their styles and am looking forward to seeing all their new designs this fashion week!

imgmodels.com