Top 10 Up-and-Comers to watch in the Modelling Industry

Brendan Mayanja

Agency: Alice.D Agency
Pronoun/s: They/them
Instagram Handle: @brendonmayanja
“The number one thing that I would have wanted to hear when I was growing up, is take your time. There’s no ‘time stamp’ on self-acceptance.” Brendan is an androgynous model based in Melbourne. They are making waves in front of and behind the camera.

Rowena Xi Kang

Agency: Chadwick Models
Pronoun/s: She/Her
Instagram Handle: @rowenaxikang
Rowena has been featured in Vogue on multiple occasions and was named as one of Vogue Australia’s future faces.

Ayla Peterson

Agency: Kult Australia
Pronoun/s: She/Her
Instagram Handle: @_aylah_
Aylah began modelling at the age of 15 but decided to call it quits after highschool. Fast Forward a couple of years later when a backyard haircut propels her into model stardom! Peterson has since been signed by Kult Models and was named as one of Vogue Australia’s future faces.

Abeny Nhial

Agency: Priscillas
Pronoun/s: She/her
Instagram Handle: @abenynhial
Abeny is an incredible Australian model, and with only a couple of years under her belt she is fast becoming a household name. When asked if she had any advice for new models she responded “To be honest I haven’t been modelling for long, but my advice would be just to be yourself, be kind to everyone (and yourself) & build a strong mindset.”

Jëssica Vandër Lëahy

Agency: Chic Management
Pronoun/s: She/her
Instagram Handle: @jessicavanderleahy
Jessica is crazy talented, not only is she a model she’s also a writer, body positive activist, and founder of Project Womankind, an initiative dedicated to celebrating women from all walks of life.

Awar Malek

Agency: Rïŋ Models
Pronoun/s: She/her
Instagram Handle: @____rawaaa
Awar is a Sydney based model who was hesitant to get into the modeling industry, but when approached by Rïŋ Models she was convinced to attend a casting call and the rest is history. In a recent interview with Cool Pretty Cool she spoke about diversity in the industry, “Uncomfortable conversations are being pushed to the forefront and I love it. We’re demanding more representation and seeing more inclusivity day by day.”

Mykeesha Nelson

Agency: Kult Australia
Pronoun/s: She/her
Instagram Handle: @myfrittatanelson
Mykeesha is a Sydney based model with an amazing sense of style and attitude! Make sure to follow her on Instagram for a little inspiration!

Bree McCann

Agency: IMG Models
Pronoun/s: She/her
Instagram Handle: @breekmccann
Not only was Bree the first curve model to feature on the cover of Women’s Health Australia as well as the first to walk the MBFWA Runway in 2018 she also launched her own swimwear label Code B In 2019 which is all about bringing diversity, inclusivity and body confidence to the beach.

Lisa Fatnowna

Agency: IMG Models
Pronoun/s: She/her
Instagram Handle: @lisa.fatnowna
The 21-year-old Cairns-born Indigenous model was a stand out at Fashion Week this year and is now working with the likes of Mecca, Sportsgirl, and InPrint Magazine.

Francisco Henriques

Agency: Kult Australia
Pronoun/s: He/him
Instagram Handle: @kikohenriiques
Francisco is a Portugues model hailing from Lisbon originally. He has become known for his gorgeous curly hair. He has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar and GQ and has made a splash walking the catwalk for the likes of Giorgio Armani.