It takes special skills to catwalk with a straight face while a tower of balloons attached to your head starts erupting, or to make wearing shoes two sizes too small look fabulous.
But softly spoken local teenager Sahara Webb, 14, has been quietly honing those skills and more as she forges a promising career in modelling.
Sahara is the youngest model to be cast for Gold Coast Fashion Week and will catwalk for Australian fashion designers in Runway 1 on 13 May at Broadbeach Cultural Centre.
She only took up modelling about 18 months ago and already stands out not just for her striking looks, but for the maturity and professionalism she brings to her craft.
You won’t find a diva-like bone in her body, and she understands the job is less about her and more about showcasing the designs of the clients she models for.
Sahara, who has always loved performing, delved into the modelling world as another form of creative expression.
The Beaudesert High student acted in the school production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and does singing and dancing classes at GTM Music Studios and Loyalty Dance Co.
To boost her confidence, she puts on music as she prepares to model, and collaborates with photographers on monthly photoshoots to get more comfortable in front of the camera.
A standout experience was when, despite being terrified of balloons, she agreed to catwalk with a tower of balloons on her head at the Huxnboss Gala.
“She had to really slow her normal walk down, it was really challenging, and the balloons kept popping but it was the designer’s vision and Sahara has really taken on that mentality that she’s working for the designer, she’s there to showcase the clothing and it’s not about her,” said her mum, Renee.
“There have been outfits I don’t like before, but I still wear them because I’m just grateful to get the opportunity to walk in a show, no matter what I’m wearing it’s still good experience to get on stage, be in front of those people and do what the designer wants,” Saraha said.
Sahara said she could not wait for her biggest opportunity yet, Gold Coast Fashion Week. “I’m looking forward to getting to model some incredible clothes with some amazing models. I’m really loving this industry and I’m excited for what’s to come,” she said.