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Black belt netballer takes on fashion world

A former State netball player with a black belt in taekwondo, 18-year-old model Claudia Todman has the fashion world at her feet.

Only two years since signing with Chadwick’s Perth, the striking teenager has already become a darling of the Australian fashion industry, accruing extensive photographic and runway experience, including a successful stint at Sydney’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in April.

“It was intense,” Todman toldAAA of the whirlwind fashion festival, which saw her walk in 14 shows over four days for designers including Toni Maticevski, Manning Cartell, Bec & Bridge, Romance Was Born and Ginger & Smart.

“Last year when I went over I only booked four shows and they were all for Perth designers. Coming in this year and being one of the most in-demand Chadwick girls was quite intense for me.”

Not just a catwalk star, the Landsdale local recently returned from New Zealand where she shot for fashion bibles including Black, Oyster and Remix.

She also appears in the May issue of Harper’s Bazaar Australia, wearing high-fashion looks from brands including Prada and Burberry in an editorial by Georges Antoni, who has previously photographed Sam Worthington, Rihanna and Naomi Campbell.

“Even being booked to cast for it was a ‘wow’ moment for me, especially because I’ve never done anything like that before. It’s my biggest shoot ever; having that kind of exposure is amazing.”

After a manic start to the year the brunette beauty is showing no signs of slowing down, with plans to head overseas in the coming months to tackle the European market.

“Chadwick’s is hoping to send me overseas at some point later this year to do fashion weeks in Europe,” she said. “Travelling is always something I’ve wanted to do and I’m only 18 so I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity while I can. I want to do the couture shows in Paris, that would be amazing. Walking for somebody like Dior would be a dream come true.”