Model and multidisciplinary creative Daisy Clementine may be known to some as the sister of Lucky Blue Smith and sister-in-law to Nara Smith, but she is quietly carving out her own distinct space—both in front of and behind the lens.
Now based in New Zealand, Daisy’s latest body of work—a self-directed Instax series captured entirely on film—offers a strikingly intimate portrait of her evolving artistic perspective. Shot in collaboration with Showroom22 and styled in Camilla and Marc’s sculptural winter silhouettes, the series is equal parts nostalgic and modern, echoing the pared-back elegance of ’90s fashion photography with a tactile, analog edge.
FNZ caught up with Daisy to talk about the instincts that have guided her modelling career from childhood dream to international runways, the quiet intentionality of Aotearoa’s fashion scene, and how picking up a camera has redefined her creative purpose. And yes, there’s a bit about her newfound obsession with Poppa Jacks. Consider this your first look into a new era of Daisy Clementine.
What was the defining moment or inspiration that led you to pursue a career in modelling, and how has your perspective on it evolved since you first started?
I’ve wanted to be a model since I was four years old. My mum was a model, my grandma was a model—I used to look through their portfolios and think, “This is the coolest job ever. It’s basically playing dress-up around the world.”
It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing, and honestly, I lucked out being tall enough—it really was just chance. I was scouted by my first agency in L.A. when I was 14 and started working straight away. I feel so grateful; not many people can say they’re living their childhood dream.
Over time, my relationship with modelling and creativity has definitely evolved. It’s been amazing to experience the industry here in New Zealand. Every country and city has its own unique vibe and way of collaborating creatively. It’s so cool that I get to do what I love while discovering a whole new side of the industry here.
Having recently relocated to New Zealand, how would you say the local fashion scene differs from what you experienced in the U.S.? What do you think makes New Zealand’s fashion industry unique?
The number one difference is the scale—New Zealand’s fashion market is definitely smaller than what I experienced in L.A. or New York. But what stands out to me here is how intentional everything feels. The brands feel intentional, the consumers feel intentional. There may be fewer options or events, but the quality of what is happening feels really high.
I also love the Kiwi humility. I never thought of myself as a cocky American, but after living and working here… maybe I am a little! That groundedness really comes through in the fashion scene—the way people shop, the demand for high-quality products, shoots, and brands. Everything feels more considered.
What’s also unique is the work ethic. People here are incredibly hard-working and humble, but at the same time, there’s this amazing work-life balance I haven’t experienced anywhere else. It makes the industry feel both ambitious and sustainable in a really cool way.
Your Instax series with Showroom22 is amazing. Can you share the concept behind it and what it means to you creatively?
I’d been aware of the Instax series through Instagram for a while—I’d seen a few other creators take part and always thought it was so cool. I didn’t really know how to get involved until Showroom22 posted a story looking for new creators, and I was like, “Omg, me, me, me!” We chatted about the brands in their showroom, and when it was my turn, it felt right to focus on Camilla and Marc—especially their coats and winter pieces.
I’m obsessed with Camilla and Marc. I hadn’t heard of them before moving to New Zealand, but now their cuts, lines, and tailoring live rent-free in my brain.
The Instax series is usually selfie-style, but since we needed a wider frame to capture the full length of the coats, I recruited my husband to help take some of the shots. Because the clothes are so beautifully made, I wanted them to be the focus. I kept my styling, hair, and makeup super simple and shot everything on a plain white background to let the pieces shine.
This shoot let me fully embody the attitude of the clothes—sophisticated and chic, but with a perfect balance of masculine and feminine shapes. Since Polaroids don’t always capture fine detail, it really pushed me to be creative—thinking about framing, what to zoom in on, and how to get the perfect shot. I loved stepping into the roles of model, stylist, and creative director all at once.
You’ve recently delved into photography—how does your experience as a model inform your perspective behind the camera, and what are you most excited to explore in this new creative venture?
My grandpa—my favorite person—was a photographer, and he used to take hundreds of photos of me and my family. Between that and coming from a long line of models, I basically grew up around cameras. I’ve always felt like photography is such an important medium, and after spending so many years in front of the lens, I’ve developed a strong sense of what works—lighting, poses, styling, makeup. My brain just naturally started thinking in images.
I’ve had this Fujifilm camera for years—it feels super nostalgic, and I love the colors it captures. After picking it up and putting it down so many times, I decided that 2025 would be the year I really commit to it. I’m starting small, with personal projects—just exploring, learning, and practicing the craft.
Perfectionism used to hold me back; if something wasn’t flawless, I wouldn’t finish it. But picking up photography has been a creative learning curve that I’m so glad I pushed through. Now, I get to share not only what I’m creating, but also everything I’ve absorbed from years of modelling and being in front of the camera.
In your opinion, why is collaborative creativity so essential in the fashion industry today, and how do you actively seek to collaborate with others in your own work?
New Zealand is amazing, but I do think we need to be pushing for more creative collaboration within the industry. I’d love to see more idea-sharing, more cross-pollination—there’s so much value in teaming up with like-minded people on passion projects. Especially right now, with the cost of living and economic pressures, a lot of creatives are understandably chasing immediate “post-for-pay” opportunities. And while that’s totally valid, I think it’s important to also carve out space for projects that may not have instant results, but can lead to new ideas, new connections, and new growth within the community.
I’ve always believed that if something matters to you, you’ll make time for it. So for me, collaboration isn’t just important—it’s essential. Right now, I feel like we’re seeing a bit of a drought in that area here in NZ, but there’s so much incredible talent. It would honestly be a dream to see more of us coming together to create.
You’ve been sharing your journey of trying New Zealand snacks on TikTok—what has been your most surprising or favourite discovery so far, and why?
OK, there are these random chips called Poppa Jacks—they are so good! Totally underrated. And obviously, Whittaker’s chocolate… life-changing. Honestly, all the food in New Zealand is kind of out the gate—the dairy, the produce, the meat. Everything is just next level.
Looking ahead, what are some of your long-term aspirations in the modelling world, and how do you envision your career evolving in the next few years?
I’ve been modeling since I was 14, and now at 29, I just feel incredibly lucky to have worked with some of my dream brands—brands I never imagined would even know who I was, let alone want to work with me.
Looking ahead, I still absolutely love being in front of the camera and collaborating—there’s something magical about being in a room with a photographer, stylist, creative director, makeup artist, all working together to bring a vision to life. But I can also see myself exploring the other side of the camera and pushing myself creatively in a new way.
I’ve become really interested in creative direction and videography. I love the idea of being the one to piece everything together—from concept to execution. That kind of career evolution feels natural to me, and I’m excited to explore where it could lead.
Outfit details:
Outfit One: Camilla and Marc Calyx Denim Trench Coat, Bay Denim Shirt & Noa Denim Jean
Outfit Two: Camilla and Marc Moriallas Trench Coat
Outfit Three: Camilla and Marc Neroli Short Trench & the Pascal Cashmere Blend Turtleneck