Emerging First Nations Talent Jahna Lugnan

Applications are now open to apply for the 2025 Emerging First Nations Talent Program, find out more HERE. We caught up with model Jahna Lugnan, to hear about her experience attending Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) in 2024. 

Model Jahna Lugnan is a proud Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr Nations woman, who’s modelling career is skyrocketing. After her participation in New York Fashion Week's Flying Solo runway in 2023, the Canberra-based model, was selected in 2024 to attend Darwin to experience DAAF & NIFA 2024 including gracing the catwalks at Country of Couture 2024. 

Tell us a bit about your career, and how you started modelling?

I began modelling in 2020, when I got picked up by a photographer, Marley Morgan, when I was doing a family photoshoot. It started with photoshoots for First Nation brands and then I did my first Runway was in 2021, with the GCFP (Gold Coast Fashion project). Since then I've had many amazing opportunities, including NYFW, Country to Couture & NIFA, Fashique Runway, AIME 2024, photoshoots with Spell, Buluuy Mirrii, Edition the label x Sarrita King, Blaklabel dreaming (Canberra based designer), Marley Morgan & many more labels, photographers and events. 

What did attending DAAF & NIFA 2024 mean to you?

DAAF and NIFA was such an eye-opening experience. I got to meet so many wonderful people, from different mobs, organisations and individuals. It was also really inspiring to be behind the scenes and learn about all the different elements that go into such large events. These experiences have deepened my love for the fashion industry and makes me excited for my new adventures. 

Overall everything was inspiring, but something special for me was meeting with the other models, that had come from all over and hearing their stories and experiences in life. And I also loved learning the importance of each designer's collection and understanding the process and how it connects to them culturally. 

Why would you recommend people apply for the Emerging First Nations Talent Program?

I recommend applying for the First Nations Talent Program as it really does allow you to deepen your knowledge in many areas and especially in culture, through new and exciting experiences and meeting people. 

If you are, or know, a talented First Nations individual located in Canberra, with a passion for fashion, design, art, modelling, photography, hair and makeup, or event production? Canberra Centre is now in our third year of supporting emerging First Nations talent, and we are pleased to invite expressions of interest for an exclusive opportunity to attend the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), Country to Couture, and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA). Applications close 20th May, find out more HERE.