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Emerging Gurindji and Marranunggu model Jadene Croft goes from strength to strength

Phoebe Blogg Published August 8, 2024 at 7.00am (AWST)

First Nations model Jadene Croft (Image: Jess B Visuals)

With Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Country to Couture and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards kicking off in Darwin, this week National Indigenous Times caught up with emerging First Nations model, Jadene Croft.

Raised in the Kimberley's Fitzroy Crossing, Croft now calls Darwin home.

"I started modelling when I moved to Darwin a few years ago, I applied to be a model in the Country to Couture show a few years ago and that ignited a spark and made me realise how much potential I have as a model," she said.

Croft says that Darwin's Country to Couture catwalk is one of her yearly highlights.

"I was also chosen to walk in Australian Fashion Week in 2022 as part of the First Nations Fashion Design show. That show was so special as all the models were Indigenous as well as the backstage crew. A show like that had never been done before at Australian Fashion Week and I'm so proud I was able to be apart of that," she said.

"My biggest job so far was a few months ago, I was chosen to be the face of Australian comedian Celeste Barber's new makeup line Booie Beauty. I got flown to Sydney to shoot the campaign and I'm super proud of it as it's a truly diverse campaign with models of different ethnicities, ages and body types, also the products are amazing.

"A yearly highlight for me is modelling for Indigenous Fashion Projects in the Country to Couture show. It's a very safe space and a great opportunity to connect with other First Nations models, designers and photographers."

*Jadene modelling for Iltja Ntjarra on the Country to Couture runway 2024. (Image: Michael Jalaru Torres)*

*Jadene wearing Blak Sand by Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery on the Country to Couture runway 2024. (Image: Michael Jalaru Torres)*

With the opportunity to participate in DAAF having initially occurred when the talented model first moved to Darwin, it appears to be somewhat of a full circle moment that she is now returning to the runway this year.

"The opportunity to participate in the DAAF fashion shows happened when I moved to Darwin a few years ago. I saw the model call out on social media and applied to boost my confidence. Little did I know it would lead to me being a professional model," she said.

When it comes to what events she will be attending and participating in, Croft says that she is eagerly looking forward to being able to participate in both Country to Couture and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA)

"This year I will be modelling in the Country to Couture show, I'll be walking in both shows and it's always a fun experience. I will also be walking at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards in Darwin which is one of my favourite events to attend.

"I always attend the Darwin Art Fair too, I love to see what's on offer and also treat myself to some beautiful First Nations jewellery and artwork."

*Jadene on the 2023 Country to Couture runway. (Image: Jadene Croft)*

When discussing how the First Nations fashion community is developing and growing in terms of both greater representation and opportunities, Croft shares that Darwin is the capital of the Indigenous fashion industry; leading the way when it comes to changing the industry for the better.

"I truly feel like Darwin is the capital of the Indigenous fashion industry. DAAF is based here as is the Country to Couture show which has grown to be one of the biggest Indigenous fashion shows in the country," she said.

"There are so many great Indigenous run initiatives like First Nations Fashion Design, Blaklist Modelling agency and Indigenous Fashion Projects that help First Nations people enter the fashion industry. These organisations help nurture indigenous talent, provide mentorship and pathways to mainstream fashion success.

"Through these opportunities, we are getting more Indigenous people in the fashion space when once upon a time there were none of us there. This is a reminder that you don't have to be based down south to be successful in the fashion industry. You can be living in Darwin or even in a remote community out bush and still have the opportunity to showcase your talent as a model or designer."

*Jadene modelling as part of the Indigenous Fashion Projects runway at Darwin NAIDOC Ball. (Image: Instagram @leicolhnmckellar_photography)*

With new offers and opportunities being presented to her each and every day, Croft is bound to have a busy 2024, sharing that she is eager to achieve her goals and progress her modelling career further.

"I kicked off 2024 by writing down my goals and creating a vision board of all the things I wanted to achieve in my modelling career. I feel like manifestation is so important and it really does help me to achieve my goals," she said.

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