Emerging First Nations model Aavaisha Simone Cockatoo-Collins is proving that a chance encounter and a great deal of hard work can go a long way in breaking into the fast-paced fashion industry.

After originally being scouted in a cafe at the age of 21, the young model has since bounced from one project to the next.

"On a morning after a night out at town I was at a cafe with a couple of friends when I got approached by model scout Kellie (@scout_nt on instagram). I've always been big into fashion so this opportunity was very much a dream come true," she said.

"My mob is Wurramunga on my mother's side and Yupungyathi, Gangalidda and Kuku Yalanji on my father's side. Before moving to Melbourne I lived with my Mum, my step-dad, two little sisters and our two dogs Tess and Beau."

"The first brand I ever modelled for was House of Darwin, founded by Shaun Edwards. I've done many amazing shoots for House of Darwin and a short while after being scouted I got signed to People Agency in Melbourne," she said.

"Project-wise, the campaigns I've done with House Of Darwin have been some of my favourites. I remember my first ever shoot I was asked to climb a tree and stand on top of a car after catching a ferry out to Mandora. The WAH-WAH x House of Darwin shoot was lots of fun too; sitting in the back of a Ute while we drove up and down the road to get some film was exciting.

"And the Havianas x House of Darwin campaign was a lot of fun as well. I enjoyed getting to do some acting for the ad that was filmed. For the campaigns I've done with House of Darwin we've drove out to country and out bush which always makes the shoots exciting."

Collins shares that she has also walked numerous runways in 2024, all of which she coins as moments that she can stand proud in both her passion and identity as a young Indiegenous woman.

"In 2024 I was in Melbourne Fashion Festival where I was very proud and honoured to model for my aunty Delvene Cockatoo-Collins in the Emerging Mob In Fashion x Fujitsu runway. It was an amazing time that left me feeling giddy with good vibes from the night," she said.

"A couple of my favourite runways to model for were in Melbourne Fashion Week 2023 such as the Student Runway, where I had my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes covered in plaster while getting to wear these unique and beautiful outfits made by the fashion design students. I love extreme looks so being transformed by the white plaster was a very fun experience for me.

"This year I have also been preparing myself to move to Melbourne to be closer to my agency and pursue my modelling career."

When speaking on the state of the First Nations fashion industry, Collins says there has been a positive shift in the level of opportunities available to First Nations models and creatives.

From designers showcasing overseas to the backstage crew at Fashion Weeks, the growing presence and participation of First Nations creatives can not be ignored.

"I think it's absolutely amazing to see how far First Nations fashion has been reaching across Australia and the world," Collins told Style Up.

"The clothing and designs are more than just pretty colours on a dress, they tell a story about Mob, ancestry and country; so seeing First Nations designers going halfway across the world to places like America for example, to showcase their designs, get recognition for their talent and creativity, and tell their stories to people who probably don't know the first thing about Mob has been a very beautiful thing to witness, especially when I hear about mob from smaller communities being able to gain recognition and opportunity for their passion, talent and culture through fashion.

"Earlier this year when I was in the Emerging Mob in Fashion runway for Melbourne Fashion Festival, I remember telling my mum on the phone how fun, lively, proud and positive backstage was. Same with when I did Country To Couture and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards back in Darwin this year."

This growth in Indigenous advocacy and opportunity has also transpired to Collins finding greater appreciation in being able to step forward as a Firs Nations model and represent both her community and culture.

"Hearing the designers speak about their clothing and materialise their stories of country into physical form for people to experience and feel, and seeing how deeply it moved the designers themselves and audience alike was very inspiring to see. Being able to showcase this as a model is something I'm very proud and grateful to do," she said.

While the young model does enjoy her time in front of the camera, when she is not walking the runways or featuring in editorials Collins is enjoying time out engaging in one of her many hobbies.

"In my free time I read, write, paint and sketch; all hobbies that are extremely important to me. I enjoy reading old classic literature and poetry (Fyodor Dostoevsky, Franz Kafka, Sylvia Plath, Dante Alighieri, Oscar Wilde, Plato, Homer, Osamu Dazai, etc). I hope to have a huge library in my own home one day, and definitely plan on writing my own novels once I get past daydreaming about them and pick up my keyboard again. I already haveone novel published online- though under a pen-name," she said.

"At the same time I'm also a massive geek so I'm big into animation and enjoy adding to my hefty collection of comic books (300+). If I'm not reading I'm in my own little world drawing or painting, an activity that is very grounding to me."

"I used to work in aged care for three years full-time where I specialised in dementia and worked in the memory support ward. I loved being able to build a close connection with my residents- an aspect of the job I deeply loved and valued. I have since resigned as I'm moving to Melbourne this weekend but it was definitely a job I loved.

Collins says her move to Melbourne will assist in the growth of her career, sharing that she is ready to take on whatever opportunities come her way.

"I'm currently on my next venture in life and moving to Melbourne this weekend to spread my wings, pursue my modelling career and take on whatever other opportunities life has coming my way," she said.

"My favourite kinds of fashion are haute-couture, high fashion like 90s Mugler and Dior, as well as anything Y2K/ early 2000s inspired. I would love to walk for designers pertaining to these aesthetics and eras."

With an ever growing career and an ambitious attitude, Collins is set to appear far beyond the confines of Australian runways.

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