A Sunshine Coast teenager who began modelling to help build her confidence is poised to strut the catwalk at one of the biggest fashion events in the world.
Pelican Waters’ Sophie Densley can’t wait to take part in New York Fashion Week, after being invited to model there.
The 14-year-old will feature on the runway, attend a photoshoot and go to a make-up event.
Sophie, who used to be quite anxious before modelling helped her blossom, said she was thrilled to be invited.
“It’s so exciting and amazing,” she said.
“I love modelling, especially on the catwalk. That’s my favourite part.
“But I also love fashion.
“I love wearing all the clothes and getting my hair and makeup done and doing the photoshoots.”
She said she wanted to pursue modelling as far as she could.
“I enjoy it so much and it’s what I want to do. I want to make a career out of it.”
Her upcoming appearances in Manhattan – in front of leading designers, modelling agencies and fashion and accessories companies – could open more doors for her in the industry.
Sophie will walk for international designers Mark Defang and Archie Brown Designs on September 9, take part in a Chanel-inspired photoshoot on September 10 and attend an MAC Cosmetics event on September 11.
She will be in New York for nine days.
“I’ve never been to America,” she said.
“We’ve been to Thailand and Vietnam, but America is very different.”
The Unity College Year 9 student started modelling when she was 10 years old.
It helped her with confidence, according to her mother Tracey.
“She was quite an anxious little girl, so I put her into Goodwin Performing Arts and started a modelling course with her,” she said.
“She blossomed and said, ‘mum, I want to do more … I’m going to model around the world one day.
“So, we started collaborations with photographers and did some modelling boot camps.”
Sophie took part in several workshops and development courses, with the likes of Huxnboss and Country Girl Management.
She networked with fashion industry experts and did several photoshoots, featuring in magazines including Wild Child, Dreamy, Teen Malvie, All Eyes, Katwalk Fashion, Marika and Epix Kids.
Sophie also took part in in several competitions.
She was crowned the winner of Miss Ultimate Beauty of Australia (Junior) last year and was among the top five in Miss Photogenic Australia this year.
Sophie was also one of the first casted contestants for Ultimate Model Search, a television show to be filmed in Brisbane next year.
But Tracey said the invitations to New York, by Mark Defang and Archie Brown Designs in March, represented a turning point.
She said it was a “massive step” for her daughter and it could inspire other local youngsters to pursue their ambitions.
“At 14, to be invited to New York Fashion Week is quite an achievement,” she said.
“It’s a reminder to other kids to follow their dreams and go for it because you never know where it’s going to take you.
“The world is your oyster.”
Sophie’s family is paying for the trip but it’s a chance not to be missed, according to Tracey.
“She gets to keep all of the designer clothes, including the shoes and handbags, and it’s such an amazing opportunity,” she said.
See Sophie’s web page here and check out her Instagram page here.
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