Seventeen-year-old Natasha Mantle is still pinching herself after walking the runway at New York Fashion Week; a dream come true she never imagined would happen this early in life.
“When I found out, I was really excited,” she said.
“I couldn’t believe I was actually going. It felt surreal, something I thought would happen much later in life, not at 17.”
The Willetton local was one of three Perth-based teen models selected to show case designs for Melbourne label ‘House of Jaise’ and ‘Flying Dress Tasmania’, as well as represent ‘Mind Your Fashion’, a not-for-profit organisation raising awareness about mental health in the creative industries.
The teenager’s modelling journey began in Perth, after she took part in a photoshoot with photographer David Russell.
Through his connections with the two labels and ‘Mind Your Fashion’, she was offered the opportunity to model at Fashion Week; an offer she could not refuse.
“It all started when I did a shoot with House of Jaise,” she said.
“Then David asked if I’d be interested in going to New York to model their dresses and be part of the charity campaign. We really just worked to make it happen.”
She explained that representing ‘Mind Your Fashion’ meant a lot to her because it highlights the importance of wellbeing in a high -pressure industry.
“It’s about having people who care about your mental health and help you get to where you want to be,” Natasha said.
This was not her first time in New York, but returning as a model made the trip even more special.
“I never thought I’d be going again, especially for modelling,” she said
“It was insane. I was really excited about the opportunity.”
Natasha said she loves the energy that comes with fashion events.
“I love getting ready, that adrenaline before the runway,” she said.
“I also love meeting new people and learning rom their experiences. Afterwards, seeing the photos and how everything comes together is the best part.”
Behind the glamour, the model admits there are challenges.
“It doesn’t seem like a hard job, but it gets tiring,” she said. “You are standing or posing for hours to get just one right photo. Staying organised and on time is the hardest part for me.”
Balancing school, work and modelling also kept her busy.
“At one point, I was working two jobs, doing school and sports, and modelling,” Natasha said. “I don’t know how I managed it all, but my mum helped me stay organised and even ran my Instagram page. She definitely carried the team.”
Among her favourite projects was an underwater shoot with recycled fashion designer ‘The Showgirls Crown’, photographed by Jason Austin and Kate Illarietti, who makes clothing from materials like plastic and tablecloths.
Tasha’s inspirations are models like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. However, her biggest supporter is her mum.
“People ask who my manager is, and I tell them it’s my mum,” she said.
“She’s always there behind the scenes, fixing my hair or making sure everything’s perfect.”
Her mother, Megan Mantle, expressed how stunned she was when the opportunity came up.
“It was surreal,” Megan said.
“We were very excited and pretty much prepared to do everything we could to make it happen; sorting school and personal life to make sure it all worked.”
Watching her daughter’s growth over three years of modelling, she noted, has been a proud journey.
“I look back at her first photos and runways and see how much she’s improved,” she said.
“I find myself smiling behind the scenes, watching her doing what she loves and doing it so well.”
Megan said it has taken a lot of family support and commitment.
“I’ve spent a lot of time packing bags or driving her to events,” she said. “Her sister has helped too. There’s a lot of time and effort behind the scenes to make sure it all happens.”
She believes the experience in New York gave Natasha valuable exposure and a taste of the global stage.
“It’s a whole lot bigger than Perth,” she said. “She got to meet more experienced models and even spoke with an agency over there. The exposure and connections are invaluable.”
When asked about what advise she would give to other young people, she said, “Put yourself out there and have a go. You never know when an opportunity might come along, and if it does, take it, because you never know what might come from it.”
Natasha hopes to keep chasing her dreams.
She noted her “goal is to move to Sydney or Melbourne because they have a bigger fashion industry.
“Eventually, I’d love to work in Milan, Paris or New York. But if that doesn’t work out, I’d like to become a social worker or beautician and help others.”
