First Nations model and proud Tiwi Islands woman Cassie Puruntatameri, known for her down to earth nature, commitment to community and passion for modelling, is at the pinnacle of success.

Born in a Tiwi Islands community of fewer than 450 people, Puruntatameri was first scouted by Perina Drummond of Jira Models (an all-Indigenous modelling agency) in Melbourne during Fashion Week in 2018.

The young model turned mentor is now represented by international modelling agency, Chadwick Models.

"I was a freelance model for a little bit, then Rhys Ripper took me under his wing and wanted to represent me… he was the one that made that connection with Chadwick Models," she told StyleUp.

Fast forward to 2023, and Puruntatameri has secured partnerships, collaborations and modelling opportunities both locally and overseas. With all opportunities presented to the young model being a direct reflection of her determination and dedication, it came as no surprise to hear that she would be returning to Melbourne Fashion Week for the fifth time.

"I made my runway debut with Melbourne Fashion Week back in 2018, so this is my fifth year doing Melbourne Fashion Week. I'm walking in eight runways this year and two-four designers in each show," she said.

Although eager to have support all First Nations designers, Puruntatameri was particularly excited to work with her cousin Clair Parker, who is a designer and the founder behind Indigenous fashion brand, Clair Helen.

"I'm very excited to be walking for my cousin's fashion label, Clair Helen, at the ganbu marra runway. We don't have many Tiwi fashion designers representing nationally so I feel very honoured to showcase her designs," she said.

Fashion designer and fellow relative, Parker also shared how much she enjoyed seeing Cassie on the runway and further advocating for Tiwi women.

"Cassie modelled one of my first collaborative pieces with lordanes Spyridon Gogos in 2022. I was so proud of her professionalism and how experienced she was. It's great that we are both representing the Tiwi Islands which is why I would love to get more talented artists and models from the Tiwi Islands involved in this space," Parker said.

With more than 10 Indigenous designers having featured in this year's renowned gambu marra Melbourne Fashion Week runway, Puruntatameri felt proud to have been a part of this large showcase of First Nations talent.

"I feel very proud to see a lot more new, talented First Nations designers showcasing in Melbourne Fashion Week. When I was doing the fittings for ganbu marra seeing all the beautiful creative designs by mob, just makes me proud," Puruntatameri told StyleUp.

"Not only designers but a whole team of First Nations talent and creatives leading in this show behind the scenes with creative direction, such as Ana Keshan and Kaydee Kyle-Taylor."

Now based in Melbourne, Puruntatameri said that after doing eight runway shows at Melbourne Fashion Week she will definitely be taking some time off.

"After doing eight shows I plan on having a week off to rest," she said.

Whilst the young creative's main focus is modelling, Puruntatameri did take on the position of runway styling and model selection managerial assistant, at Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair's Country to Couture Runway earlier this year.

"I'm normally just showing up for fittings and castings and that's it…behind the scenes, there is a lot involved," she said.

Exposed to a range of new responsibilities and experiences, this role at DAAF (Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair) was pivotal in influencing other young creatives to not pigeonhole themselves to just one talent or creative niche.

Recently delving into the realm of sports, Puruntatameri has once again broadened her own creative niche with an appearance at the AAMI Insurance AFL Grand Final.

"I recently did the AAMI Insurance AFL Grand final ad campaign. That was awesome to do as I follow AFL. My whole family back home on the Tiwi Islands love AFL. They were watching the game and were surprised and excited to see me on TV," she said.

"I was lucky enough to stay for the big game and it was one of the best Grand Final games I've witnessed."

When discussing what's next for the rising star, Puruntatameri mentions that whilst she enjoys walking the runways, she is looking forward to designating more of 2024 towards engaging with the community.

"I'm looking forward to what's in store for me next year and doing more with community", Puruntatameri told StyleUp.

Acting as a sounding board and inspiration to other young Indigenous women, Puruntatameri is paving the way to a more positive and progressive industry.

Proving to all First Nations creatives that there are opportunities beyond your niche, Cassie Puruntatameri is not only influencing a change within the industry but being an example of that change herself.

"Now is the time for me to step up."