With her eyes set on the runways of London, Milan and Paris, young Canberra model Lily O’Brien is ready to take the next step as she heads to the finals of Top Model Australia. Lily is one of just five Canberra finalists heading to the national competition in Melbourne this weekend.

The competition goes across states and territories in the hunt for fresh faces in modelling who are not yet signed to an agency. A handful of finalists from each state and territory walk it out for the title and to win a trip that could launch their international career. The winner gets flown to London where she will walk the runway in London Fashion Week this September.

“That would be a crazy opportunity, it would really jump-start my career as a model…I’m sure there will be worldwide agencies there, it would be a big commitment to join one of those agencies but that is what I dream of,” says Lily.

Wowing judges with her walk and poses on the local runway, Lily secured her spot and has been preparing for the finals.

“We all had a routine; it was a runway performance. In our groups, we walked and posed and performed all together,” says Lily. “I’ve been prepping for a while. Getting ready is mainly about the walk, the confidence and the attitude.”

Gone are the days when models give off a ‘bitchy’ vibe, Lily says now the attitude is all about confidence, positivity, friendliness and being a pleasure to be around.

“Everyone is so supportive of each other because at the end of the day it’s not us against each other, it’s the judges against us.”

Now 16, Lily first got a taste of modelling eight years ago when she and her younger sister heard a radio ad seeking child models.

“I actually didn’t want to do it – it was big and scary. I was not that kind of person, but I went along with my sister and did it. I thought it was super cool,” she says.

Deciding that day this was the career path she wanted to follow, Lily has slowly been paving the way for herself. During a makeup course, the instructor asked Lily if she would like to be part of a shoot which was the start of her portfolio. She has also been reaching out to local agencies and photographers for collaboration, and although she loves the shoots, walking a high-fashion runway in luxury brands is where she wants to be.

“Runway is my dream; I like the photoshoots but the runway is it for me. I think the runway is more my style for my body,” says Lily.

When she is not competing in modelling competitions Lily is busy! She is in year 11, works at Kingsley’s Chicken, plays for two netball teams, frequents the gym, loves a good run and tries to keep an active social life.

“I love maintaining myself; I love my skincare, makeup, haircare. I love shopping for clothes and shopping in general,” says Lily. “I love doing hair, I’m practising it all the time, I wear makeup every day; I wake up hours early so I can do my makeup.”

Lily says her age can sometimes hold her back from finding opportunities. She hopes when she turns 17 and can drive, she will be able to travel which could open a world of opportunities.

“I want to focus on modelling. If an agency somewhere in Australia wanted me to join, I would have to move but I’d do that straight away,” she says.

All of Lily’s friends have supported her along the way, as have family, but her biggest supporter by far is her “mumager” Jemma, who will make the trip to Melbourne with Lily.

“My mum is super supportive. She started my career and signed me up for everything. She used to be a model, so she is really passionate about it.”

For some, the industry or rejection can seem intimidating and disheartening, Lily’s advice is to not take anything too personally. Before each casting call, she says they already have a look in mind and sometimes you just don’t fit it.

“Just go for it. The industry is really specific about what they’re looking for, it is not so much personal, so just go for it,” Lily smiles.

Keep up to date with Lily O’Brien’s modelling journey on Instagram.

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