Photo Diary: Model Malaan Ajang takes us backstage at Melbourne Fashion Week

As told to Lara Daly

Behind the scenes with our favourite muse.

Late nights, back-to-back runways, rushed makeup changes – it’s no surprise we’ve been told Fashion Weeks are like the Olympics of modelling. As a muse, even when you’re done walking the shows, you bet every street style photographer will flock to you to snap your ‘model-off-duty’ look.

And when you’re as booked and busy as Malaan Ajang, Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) requires the patience and training of an athlete. Luckily, she’s no stranger to the event. “My first Melbourne Fashion Week was way back in 2012. I think this could possibly be my tenth year walking at M/FW,” she tells us.

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“Between the glitz and the glam there’s so much preparation that goes into these 30 seconds on the runways. Fortunately, M/FW has diversified over the years, having models from all walks of life represented on the runway. This year’s theme is about individuality, community and expression which really speaks to me… I love to show up as my full authentic self, really lean into my identity and embrace my culture as an Australian South Sudanese model.”

As an audience member, watching Malaan on the runway is always a highlight. Her confident, playful strut demands your attention and makes you sit a bit straighter, and naturally, whip out your phone to capture her beauty – we still can’t stop thinking about that lilac look from this year’s Student Designer Award winner, Nam Tran. Between her busy schedule, the model, creator and activist was kind enough to share a few snapshots of her life behind the scenes.

Monday’s glam for the M/FW Media Preview.

This season I’m walking three runways. The Media Preview which is a sneak peek into what’s to come during the week. My first look is this gorgeous fluorescent green dress by a modest fashion brand, Asiyam. Never felt more beautiful covered in jewels.

Backstage with Penny wearing Asiyam.

Backstage with veteran girl, Clare, we’ve walked at least seven shows together.

With models Ameer and Nyasunday.

I love catching up and walking with my sister. It’s always surprising and refreshing walking shows together. Fashion Week is the only time we [models] meet as colleagues in the industry. So, the majority of the time I’m chatting away, catching up with friends from previous seasons and welcoming new faces to the runway. I become big sis.

Media Preview runway wearing Rebecca Vallance.

My looks for the Student Collection Runway at The Lume on Tuesday night. My absolute favourite show each season, the student collections are the most imaginative, creative and exceptional shows of the week. This year was extremely special as we had a super star guest on the runway, Amera from Make-A-Wish Foundation who wore her own beautiful design on the runway with us.

Final touch ups before stepping out.

I wore an extraordinary purple gown by Nam Tran (Box Hill Institute) who was this year’s Student Designer Award winner. The collection was called “Behind the Bamboo” inspired by the daily lives and traditional craftsmanship of Vietnamese women.

Wednesday’s glam: Hot pink for the Volvo Electric Runway.

I mentioned to my friends backstage that I don’t listen to music and everyone froze! [They were] shocked at how one can go on without music. I really enjoy sitting in silence. Is that weird?

My third show was the Volvo Electric Runway wearing Willow, Par Moi [pictured] and Romy.

This season I was dressed in the most incredible pieces and I loved every look I wore on the runway, particularly this metallic Willow dress at the Volvo Electric Runway show, styled by Karinda Mutabazi.