Blaklist Agency, a trailblazing First Nations-owned and operated creative agency, stole the spotlight at this year’s Australian Fashion Week with a strong contingent of First Nations models and creatives making a powerful statement on the runway. Known for its ongoing advocacy and representation of mob in the fashion and creative industries, the agency’s presence at the prestigious event was both significant and impactful.
Founded by Teagan Cowlishaw, Blaklist Agency represents a wide array of First Nations talent—including models, designers, performers, actors, graphic artists, storytellers, and more. For Australian Fashion Week 2025, the agency brought together a standout group of emerging and established First Nations models to represent their culture and community on one of Australia’s most influential fashion stages.
Among the creatives representing Blaklist were Elaine George, Hayley Mulardy, Calli Rose Woods, Tre Turner Stone, Tynga Williams, Javier Jones, Nelson Baker, Christopher Saunders, Tiah Rotumah, and Ieesha Caton. Their collective presence on the runway highlighted both individual talent and a broader movement toward cultural inclusivity and representation in fashion.
Veteran model and First Nations fashion icon Elaine George joined the group as both a mentor and runway participant. A key figure in Blaklist’s mentoring program for its Next Gen Models initiative, George walked confidently alongside emerging talent, reinforcing the agency’s mission of intergenerational empowerment and visibility.
Blaklist’s Next Gen models are handpicked for their potential to thrive both on and off the runway. This year’s Australian Fashion Week marked a milestone for many of these creatives, some of whom were walking the runway for the first time. Despite their limited experience, the group arrived in Sydney exuding confidence and presence, stepping into the fashion spotlight as if they were seasoned professionals.
One of the standout collaborations of the week was with celebrated designer Jordan Gogos. Known for his innovative and inclusive runway productions, Gogos worked closely with Blaklist for his fifth consecutive appearance at Australian Fashion Week. Several Blaklist models took part in his 2025 show, which wowed audiences with a vibrant, culturally rich, and creatively daring presentation.
The partnership between Blaklist and Gogos underscored that it is indeed possible to produce runway shows that are both artistically compelling and deeply inclusive. The models’ participation sent a clear message to the fashion community: Indigenous representation and creative excellence are not mutually exclusive—they are deeply intertwined.
After the show, models Tiah Rotumah and Ieesha Caton shared their experiences. Both expressed a mix of nerves and excitement, emphasizing how meaningful it was to represent mob and collaborate with a designer as visionary as Gogos.
“Walking in the Jordan Gogos show was quite nerve-racking and very fast-paced. We had multiple walks,” Rotumah said. “It was amazing, one of my favourite runways I have ever done. I felt incredible in Jordan’s clothing—he is such a creative soul and the designs he comes up with are just amazing.”
Caton echoed the sentiment, adding, “I feel that with Jordan’s clothing, every piece tells a story, and it was so amazing to be able to showcase that on the runway. I love to be able to step out of my comfort zone.”
Caton also reflected on the deeper meaning behind her participation. “It means a lot to me to represent culture, my mob, and Blaklist,” she said. “To be able to show that there is beauty in diversity—I feel really honoured. I want mob to know they can represent their culture and feel confident. I hope in future years there’s even more inclusivity.”
Blaklist’s growing influence within the Australian fashion industry is evident. With new creative talents joining the agency and a continued commitment to its core values, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for the brand. The agency is not just gaining traction—it is setting the pace.
From runway success to mentoring future leaders, Blaklist continues to challenge the industry status quo, proving that cultural identity and high fashion can walk hand-in-hand. With their bold presence at Australian Fashion Week, the agency has once again shown that representation matters—and that when it comes to fashion, mob belong on the runway just as much as anyone else.
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