For over two decades, Samantha Harris has graced catwalks and magazine covers, but behind the glamour lies a profession filled with unexpected hardships. The 35-year-old model, who began her career at just 13, opened up about the less glamorous aspects of modelling in a candid interview with Stellar Magazine.
The Demanding Reality of Fashion Shoots
Samantha Harris, now a mother of one after welcoming daughter Bella Angélique Hunt with husband Luke Hunt last November, describes modelling as a "beautiful job" but emphasizes that there's "a little bit more behind the scenes than people might know." The fashion veteran detailed the challenging aspects that come with the coveted role.
"Early morning call times. Lots of travelling," Samantha explained, highlighting the logistical demands that disrupt conventional work-life balance. She particularly noted the physical discomfort of seasonal shoots, where models must adapt to opposing weather conditions for upcoming collections.
"Shooting swimwear in winter because you're waiting for it to come out the next season, or shooting winter in summer and you're bloody hot," she revealed, painting a vivid picture of the industry's practical realities that contrast sharply with its glamorous public image.
Career Milestones and Mentorship
Samantha's career reached a significant milestone when she became the second Indigenous model to appear on the cover of Vogue by age 18. Despite this groundbreaking achievement, she has spoken openly about the lack of mentors and opportunities during her upbringing in Tweed Heads.
"When I was growing up, support and education for Aboriginal kids was limited, and for my mother before me it was even more so," Samantha told The Daily Telegraph. This experience has shaped her commitment to supporting future generations, as she now frequently works with support groups to guide young Aboriginal children interested in modelling and other careers.
"This is why I have made it my goal to commit as much time and effort to changing this for future generations," she affirmed, demonstrating how her personal journey informs her advocacy work.
Industry Inspirations and Personal Style
During her Stellar interview, Samantha recalled a memorable encounter with Australian supermodel Megan Gale, who served as an early inspiration. "When I was younger, and I was a youth ambassador for David Jones, I remember seeing Megan Gale," she shared. "And because she had the dark features and the dark hair, I just remember looking at her thinking, 'wow.' And she's such a beautiful person inside as well, which makes her even more special."
For her own Stellar photoshoot, Samantha showcased her signature style in an oversized longline white shirt paired with grey trousers and striking emerald green shoes. She completed the look with gold earrings, allowing her long dark hair to cascade over her shoulders naturally.
The model's personal life has also been in the spotlight recently, as she announced her pregnancy in May 2023 with an ultrasound photo captioned "Life Lately," tagging her husband of eleven years. The couple welcomed their daughter later that year, adding motherhood to Samantha's multifaceted life.
Through her honest reflections, Samantha Harris provides valuable insight into an industry often perceived as purely glamorous, while simultaneously using her platform to advocate for greater representation and support for Indigenous communities in fashion and beyond.
