Tentside chat: Model Samantha Harris

Picture / Richard Bailey

Samantha Harris, the 16-year-old Aboriginal model currently stirring up a storm at New Zealand Fashion Week, is being touted as the next big thing.

Her exotic looks stem from her mother's Aboriginal heritage and her father is Australian of German descent.

She has modelled at Australian Fashion Week, been featured in Marie Claire and Nylon and was last year photographed by Patrick Demarchelier in New York for a Glamour piece on the world's most iconic beauties.

Not bad for a girl not yet out of school.

* * *

How many shows are you booked for while you're here?

Um, 12? [looks at her minder who nods] …12 shows.

So you're pretty rushed off your feet… how different is it here compared to modelling at Australian Fashion Week? It's probably much busier in Australia!

It's a lot different, 'cause like you said it's busier… but I don't know, I like New Zealand too… it's calmer.

Out of all the shows, is there a particular designer whose clothes stand out to you?

No, I like all the clothes I'm wearing!

So there's nothing you've seen that you'd like to nab and take home with you?

Ummm, nope.

[Minder suggests Samantha might be more of a t-shirt and jeans kind-of-girl]

Oh is that right? So you've got more of a relaxed style then... Well, can you tell us what you've been doing in your downtime in between your shows?

I've been ten-pin bowling.

Oh really? Was that with the other models?

With one of the other models.

And have you done any shopping while you've been here?

Yeah, I did a bit. I went to Dressmart and Sylvia Park.

So you're still at school aren't you? How do you manage your schoolwork?

I bring my work with me and just catch up when I get back.

Who are your favourite Australian designers?

I like Camilla & Marc and Alex Perry.

What kind of music do you like listening to?

I like hip-hop and R & B.

Any particular artists?

Um, no not really. I like all of it.

Do you think you'll stay modelling for a while or do you have any other career aspirations?

I think I'll just keep modelling.

Do you have anything on your shopping list for summer?

Maybe shorts… some board shorts.

How much longer are you here for? When do you fly back?

I fly back on Sunday…

And then back to school on Monday?

Yep.