Sister of Eagles star set to stun at Aussie fashion week

Her brother may have made history as one of the most beloved players in the West Coast Eagles but model Sophie Sheppard is about to outdo brother Brad.

Sheppard will cement herself alongside Australian model Robyn Lawley when she walks in the first-ever plus-size runway show during this week’s Afterpay Australian Fashion Week in Sydney.

For the first time ever in the event’s 26-year history, a show which includes women of all shapes will be part of the affair. The new runway show called The Curve Edit will feature designers who cater for sizes 12 to 26

The model told AAA that she felt nervous but excited to be part of the milestone show.

“I think it’s an amazing opportunity to really showcase Australian fashion on curvy bodies. We’re really representing the average woman, most women are above size eight. So I think it’s was really exciting that finally there’s gonna be some representation and being able to also showcase some of the designers that are really occupying the space and support women of all shapes and sizes and colours, races, etc,” she said.

“And it’s really exciting for us as models who don’t really ever get the opportunity to be a part of Fashion Week.”

The former Perth girl has been in the fashion industry for the past 15 years and she said she has seen a slow change, but a change nonetheless.

“I think definitely over the past couple of years the push for more diversity within fashion has become a real talking point. And I think now, there’s no real excuse for people anymore which means that if you’re not able to dress a size 16, which is the average size for Australian women and the average size in the UK and in the US, then you’re missing out on such a huge market,” she said.

“There’s still a long way to go but brands now are being more inclusive.”

Despite being in the industry for more than a decade, it will be the first time Sheppard walks in an Australian Fashion Week show.

“That’s why this is such a big thing and why it’s so important but hopefully it will pave the way.”

She didn’t give away if any of her famous family will be flying over to support her, but no doubt they will tune into the live stream and watch her make her-story.

Sheppard’s modelling agency, Bella Management, is presenting the runway show which includes labels 17 Sundays, Saint Somebody, Embody Women, Harlow and Zaliea, and Vagary the Label.

The runway show called The Curve Edit is taking place at the Carriageworks today at 12.30pm WA time.

The livestream is available here.