Fashion: Samantha Harris models Aussie designs
She burst onto the fashion scene 15 years ago, now model Samantha Harris has added ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund and World Vision to her resume. Here, Sam shares her favourite Indigenous and Australian designers.
“My designs are the leaves of the tree, they’re the fruit of my values – the roots, my culture – the trunk and the branches are my story.”
– Gunnai, Waradjuri, Gunditjmarra and Yorta Yorta woman, Lyn-Al Young
“We are constantly working to ensure we are using the most sustainable options available to us, while also supporting our planet, community and local industry.”
– Mary Lou Ryan, Co-Founder and Director of Sustainability and Supply Chain, bassike.
Samantha Harris was in her early teens when she took to the catwalk. A proud Dunghutti woman from Northern NSW, Sam’s fondest memories of growing up are immersing herself in her mother Myrna’s storytelling. “Mum shared stories of the land, playing in the bush and enjoying wildlife around her,” she recalls. This instilled in Sam a love for animals and our beautiful country. It’s also led Sam to embrace her role as the first Indigenous Goodwill ambassador for World Vision Australia, and also for WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Australia.
Sam was discovered as a bright-eyed 13-year-old after entering the popular Girlfriend magazine model search in 2004. However, after nearly two decades on runways and in front of the camera, Sam recently took a front row seat at Australian Fashion Week’s First Nations Fashion + Design Show. “It was so much more than just a runway show; it was history making, a very moving showcase of amazing indigenous talent in all different fields,” Sam says. “And to share the moment with Jess [Mauboy] and model Nathan [McGuire] made it all the more special.”
In recent years, Sam has become a role model to many, and lent her voice to important women’s, political, global and indigenous issues. And despite her public persona, she takes it all in her stride. “It’s important to speak up for what you believe in,” she says. “I’m lucky I have a platform to do so. There are so many issues, especially during the pandemic.”
With a career that has now diversified well beyond fashion, Sam is thankful for defining moments she has had along the way, such as being shot by famed photographer Patrick Demarchelier in New York City and landing her first Vogue cover at just 19 years old, to name a few.
Sam enjoys watching the industry shape and shift, as it enters a new era. “So many Australian brands are now locally made and have built impressive ethical and sustainable practices,” she says. “This is an issue that’s important to me so we protect our environment for years to come.” We look forward to seeing Sam’s evolution as a true Australian icon. AWW