As the spotlight shifts south for the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival, a fresh wave of modelling talent is ready to take the runway.
From seasoned names who’ve graced international catwalks to rising stars making their debut at NZFW’s Ōtautahi edition, these are the faces set to define the moment.
Here are the models to watch this year – each bringing their own story, style, and spark to the stage.
With thanks to the teams at Unique Models, ICAN Models, and Portfolio Models for their support and dedication to developing homegrown talent – these are the faces to watch on the runway this season.
MILLA NEWBURY – Portfolio Models
Balancing careers in fashion, real estate, and digital creation, I’ve been signed with Portfolio since I was young. Sixteen years of figure skating taught me precision, poise, and presence — skills I bring to every photoshoot and runway.
After my debut at NZ Fashion Week earlier this year, I’m thrilled to return to the catwalk in my hometown.
Shows: Bonnie x Caitlin Crisp
Instagram: @millanewbury
SOPHIA ALEXANDER – Portfolio Models
Within just 18 months of signing with Portfolio, I’ve landed the cover of EYE Magazine (China), walked for Fashion for a Cure and Breast Cancer Cure, and fronted a campaign for a leading Christchurch fashion label. I recently worked alongside top hairstylist Karina Grace — an incredible creative experience. As a newer face in the industry, I’ve been developing my skills and taking every opportunity to grow.
When I’m not modelling, you’ll find me surfing, hiking, or planning my next adventure — like my upcoming summer working at a camp in the U.S.
Shows: The Iconic, Bonnie x Caitlin Crisp, Spring Edit
Instagram: @sophia_the1rst
CARRIE BERKEY – Unique Models
A true icon, Carrie’s international career began in the 1990s — walking for Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, and Oscar de la Renta in New York, Milan, and Paris. Now based in Wānaka and a mother of five, she continues to model and inspire, appearing in major New Zealand fashion shows and editorials.
Shows: The Iconic, Bonnie x Caitlin Crisp, Spring Edit
Instagram: @carrieberkey
GIOVANNA O’DONNELL – Unique Models
From the dairy farms of Invercargill to campaigns for Adidas, Stirling Sports, North Face Korea, and Kathmandu — my modelling journey has been fast-paced and full of adventure. I bring the same determination I had as a rep athlete to the runway, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
Shows: The Iconic x New Guard, Spring Edit
Instagram: @giotu._
ALANNAH KWANT – Unique Models
First scouted for a Stolen Girlfriends Club show in Dunedin, I’ve since walked at both NZ and Australian Fashion Weeks and worked with labels like NOM*d and Company of Strangers.
A recent highlight was shooting with Derek Henderson for Central Otago Couture: The Eden Hore Collection — a project that celebrated the artistry of Aotearoa fashion.
Shows: Lela Jacobs x Natural Hand
Instagram: @whatikwant
LINA FRASER – ICAN Models
Raised in Dunedin and now based in Christchurch, I come from a background in gymnastics and dance — so the runway feels like home. Since debuting at iD Dunedin Fashion Week, I’ve been hooked on the artistry of modelling.
Between university, work, and digital marketing, I’m excited to continue growing, connecting, and showcasing incredible local design.
Shows: The Iconic, Caitlin Crisp, Spring Edit
Instagram: @linalingmodel
SOPHIE BLOOM – Unique Models
I was scouted by Cris Roberts of Pearl Clothing on a trip to Auckland, and things took off from there — walking for top designers like Karen Walker and Newlands Studio, and being requested by international scouts.
The South Island fashion scene will always be home, though — and I’m excited to take that energy to the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival runway.
Shows: The Iconic, Spring Edit
Instagram: @_sophie_bloom
LUCY WYMA – Portfolio Models
Scouted at just 13, I’ve been represented by Portfolio for 15 years — a journey that’s taken me from the South Island to the runways of Sydney Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Alongside modelling, I’ve worked as an actor, appearing in short films, TV dramas, and on Shortland Street as Petra Freeth.
Now based by the ocean in Christchurch, I balance my work as a graphic designer with my passion for surfing — and, of course, the runway.
Shows: The Iconic, Bonnie x Caitlin Crisp, Spring Edit
Instagram: @lucywyma
OLIVIA DOUGHTY – Portfolio Models
Modelling has been the best way to express myself — it’s given me confidence, creativity, and community. Over the past year with Portfolio, I’ve worked with brands like Etoile EQ, Little Taonga Jewellery, and Kanchana Packer, as well as Breast Cancer NZ.
Next year, I’m heading to Europe to take my modelling journey even further — exploring new opportunities and chasing my dreams.
Shows: Lela Jacobs, The Iconic, Bonnie x Caitlin Crisp, Spring Edit
Instagram: @liv_doughtynz
ANNALISA MCCONACHIE – ICAN Models
I grew up on a Southland farm and never imagined myself in fashion — until I stepped onto the iD runway and fell in love with the energy of it all. Modelling has taught me confidence and creativity, and I’ve recently shot with Company of Strangers, which deepened that passion even more.
Shows: The Iconic x New Guard, Bonnie x Caitlin Crisp, Spring Edit
Instagram: @leese263
ELISABETH LEVKOVICH – Portfolio Models
After having a baby at 19, modelling became a powerful way for me to reconnect with myself and rediscover my creativity. With a background in ballet, I love the artistry and grace that modelling brings.
Over the past four years, I’ve worked with brands like Drama the Label, Seeking Lola, and Alchemy Equipment, appeared on the cover of Metropol’s Race Week Edition, and walked at both Dunedin iD and NZ Fashion Week.
Shows: The Iconic, Bonnie x Caitlin Crisp, Spring Edit
Instagram: @e.levkovich
BELLA TAWERA – Portfolio Models
Born and raised in Christchurch, I was first scouted at 14 during a Portfolio Modelling and Confidence Workshop — and it completely changed my life. Since then, I’ve worked with brands like Adidas, Trelise Cooper, and Swanndri, and walked countless runways across Aotearoa.
Now, I love teaching at those same workshops, helping young women build confidence and find their own light.
Shows: The Iconic, Bonnie x Caitlin Crisp, Spring Edit
Instagram: @bellatawera
EMILY UNDERWOOD – Portfolio Models
Half English, half Swedish, and born in Denmark, I was scouted at 14 and signed in London during university — walking shows across the UK, France, and Canada. After working at Google, I’ve made Christchurch my home, balancing my role in innovation management with my passion for fashion.
With my bleached-blonde mullet, East London edge, and Scandi height, I’m excited to be part of the South Island’s growing fashion scene.
Shows: The Iconic, Bonnie x Caitlin Crisp, Spring Edit
Instagram: @emily.claire.underwood
JANINE DIMAANO – ICAN Models
Alongside my modelling work, I’m an Assistant Property Manager at a private resort — balancing creativity with professionalism. I’m passionate about sustainable fashion and love transforming old garments into something new through sewing and upcycling.
Shows: The Iconic x New Guard, Spring Edit
Instagram: @wandering_jandi
BRODIE WALKER – ICAN Models
By day, I’m a kickboxing coach at Zhao Martial Arts Gym — and by night (or runway), I’m exploring the creative side of fashion. I’ve spent three years modelling in South Korea, even placing third in a national competition.
Raised on a Canterbury farm, I carry that same discipline and work ethic into everything I do — with my dog Umbreon always by my side.
Shows: The Iconic x New Guard, Spring Edit
Instagram: @brodiewalker
