For Walmatjarri/Yamatiji model Billie-Jean Hamlet, shooting a big swimwear campaign in Western Australia’s Kimberley region was always going to be special – after all, it’s where she spent her childhood roaming barefoot and free. The green-eyed beauty grew up in the remote community of Ngurturwarta, a four-hour drive from Broome. Her family lived in a tin shed next to a water tank, fishing and hunting daily. Nowadays, Hamlet says Elders often call her “the fresh water mermaid”.
It’s not the first time Seafolly has shot a campaign in the region. Hamlet recalls a 2007 shoot in Broome starring Miranda Kerr. “It made my childhood dreams of modelling feel a lot more attainable and inspired me to think that perhaps I could one day achieve the same level of success,” she says.
As the face of the spring/summer 2024 campaign, it’s a full-circle moment for Hamlet, who is passionate about inspiring other First Nations girls to chase their modelling dreams. “I’ve really noticed the rise of Indigenous models in campaigns across Australia, which makes me incredibly proud,” she says of the new wave that includes Charlee Fraser, Samantha Harris and Magnolia Maymuru, to name a few. “Next, I’m hoping to see more Indigenous talents take over the international scene as well.”
No dream is too big, work hard and, most importantly, never give up.
Billie-Jean Hamlet
While Hamlet is now based in New York, she can vividly remember her early days in Broome. “I have the ultimate beach day down pat,” she says, laughing. “I’d start by grabbing some mangoes straight from the backyard. My beach bag would be packed with all the essentials: a towel, coconut water, SPF sunscreen, a hat, film camera, sunnies and a great book. I’d head to Cable Beach, most likely barefoot, in a bright Seafolly bikini, find a quiet spot under a palm tree, and spend hours dipping in and out of the water. One of the best parts is watching tourists’ faces light up as they experience the beauty of the Kimberley for the first time. Just thinking about it makes me smile and a little homesick.”
These days, you’re more likely to find Hamlet in a Seafolly one-piece. “I always feel like a ’90s supermodel whenever I wear a one-piece; they’re so flattering and feminine,” she says. And she’s right about the fit – Seafolly creates swimsuits that mould with the body like no other. “Often, the most fashionable designs seem to cater mostly towards smaller sizes, and as a woman with a bust, I totally understand the frustration of limited options,” she says.
As for being a global ambassador for an iconic Australian brand, “it really is a dream come true. I’m so proud to represent such a classic Aussie brand and showcase our iconic beach culture to the rest of the world,” she says. Plus, it’s a brand that reflects her own personal style. “I’m drawn to earthy tones and sustainable fashion,” she says. “I love wearing comfortable, breathable clothes to fit that Aussie lifestyle. Growing up in the Kimberley heat, it was all about staying cool. When I’m home, I love blending elements of high fashion and Aussie beach culture together.”
Her advice to future First Nations models? “No dream is too big, work hard and, most importantly, never give up.”
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