Elaine George, as she was then, became an in-demand model after a chance encounter led to her becoming the first Indigenous model to appear on the cover of Vogue Australia in 1993.
That cover proved to be a turning point in the way Indigenous Australians were represented at home and overseas.
Vogue copped some backlash for it, and Elaine credits the magazine for standing up to it.
Elaine grew up in a Brisbane housing commission, the daughter of an Arakwal mother and a German father.
She found herself on a meteoric rise in an industry not known for being inclusive or particularly representative of local communities.
She’s back in the Far North, working with Cairns Central on their latest campaign, called Hotel Central.
Cairns Central Marketing Manager, Louise Struber says it’s been an “incredible opportunity to have Elaine George feature in our Spring Summer campaign after being part of the Centre’s grand opening launch 25years ago.”
It kicks off the new season from Centre Court, offering a share in $25,000 worth of Cairns Central Gift Cards.
Also returning to Cairns for the campaign is Brisbane-based stylist Annabel Falco, who remembers spending many childhood vacations here.
Annabel is the Cairns Central summer resident stylist, reinvigorating the centre ahead of the warmer months.
Annabel said she’s inspired by the tropical weather, re-interpreting current trends to make them wearable, versatile, and suitable for everyday use.
Although wearability and comfort are key, there’s no denying that there are statements to be made utilising plenty of patterns, colours, and textures.
“This season customers will be inspired by key trends that are all about textured neutrals, bold brights, gingham, graphic prints, and bold accessories” says Cairns Central Marketing Manager, Louise Struber.
Annabel suggests making the most of all that’s on offer by focusing on items that take you from day to night, and to any occasion.
“No matter how dressy it is, I need to be able to style it with sneakers,” Annabel said.
Cairns Central’s ‘Hotel Central’ Spend to Win is on until 16 October.
If you spend $150 or more between 6-16 October on fashion, beauty, or homewares at Cairns Central, you’ll have the opportunity to win a gift card.
Find out more here.
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