Fresh off the Australian Fashion Week catwalk, Style Up sat down with emerging First Nations model Tiah Rotumah to hear about how the young creative landed herself a spot at one of the industries most high-profile events.
The Bunjalung and Dungutti woman from northern NSW stepped out of her comfort zone last week, travelling to Sydney to participate in Australian Fashion Week for the first time.
"I grew up on Arakwal and Minjungbal land otherwise known as Byron Bay and the Tweed Shire," Rotumah told Style Up.
Despite her age, Rotumah, 20, has continually put herself forward and engaged in opportunities which have come her way.
"I started off 2025 by shooting for some Airbnbs in Byron Bay. I have just recently also been selected for the Next Gen program with Blaklist the agency," she said.
"I have done some collabs with Maara Collective, Clothing the Gaps, Sarrita King the artist and Edition Label."
Now represented by Blaklist agency, this year Rotumah was put forward and selected to participate in Australian Fashion Week.
Rotumah said it was an exciting and rewarding experience for both her and the team at Blaklist agency.
Created by Teagan Cowlishaw, Blaklist is a First Nations owned and operated agency which represents creatives including models, designers, dancers, performers, actors, hosts, graphic artists and storytellers.
"From three participants in 2024, to now 15 total of Next Gen at Australian Fashion Week in 2025 - look out 2026," Cowlishaw said.
Alongside several other Blaklist models, Rotumah was thrilled to have walked and been a part of designer Jordan Gogos' Iordanes Spyridon Gogos runway.
"Walking in the Jordan Gogos show was quite nerve-racking and it was very fast paced, we had multiple walks," Rotumah said.
"It was amazing, it was one of my favourite runways I have ever done.
I felt amazing in Jordan's clothing, he is such a creative soul and the designs he comes up with are just amazing."
Despite being freshly onboarded to the Blaklist team, Rotumah's positive attitude and eagerness has seen the young model successfully navigate a range of media, press and influential figures both at and away from Australian Fashion Week.
When asked what advice she would give aspiring models, Rotumah said self-confidence is key.
"Just be confident and take the leap, there are so many opportunities out there, little and big ones," she said.
"I think it is good to do it all and really put yourself out there," she said.
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