INTERVIEW with Christian Porreca || Island Haus Runway 2026 Runway Model

SD: Hi, Christian. For my readers who don’t know you yet, can you please introduce yourself?

CP: My name is Christian Porreca. I’m an Australian model/actor with Italian heritage, and I’ve grown up in Brisbane surrounded by sport, family and a lot of different creative interests.

Sport has always been a huge part of my life. I played rugby from a young age and was fortunate enough to represent Queensland Schoolboys, which taught me a lot about discipline, teamwork and putting in the work even when nobody is watching. I think a lot of those lessons have naturally carried across into modelling and acting.

I’ve always enjoyed being in front of the camera, whether that’s modelling, acting or working on set. I started exploring acting at a young age through NIDA training, and over time I found myself becoming more interested in the entire creative process — not just being in front of the camera, but understanding what happens behind it as well.

Physically, I have dark brown hair and bright blue eyes, which I definitely have to thank my mum for! But more than anything, I’d say I’m someone who enjoys meeting new people, learning from those around me and taking every opportunity seriously. I’m still early in my journey, so I’m really looking forward to seeing where it can take me.

SD: How would you describe your personal style?

CP: I’d describe my style as fairly simple, but with a focus on how everything comes together.

I used to be much more focused on big labels and statement pieces, and while I still love them, recently I’ve found myself enjoying more plain and versatile clothing. I like taking simple pieces and experimenting with different colours, layers, textures and accessories to create something that feels like me.

Shoes have also become a big part of how I put an outfit together. I’ve recently been getting more into boots and loafers and experimenting with how they work with different looks, including more relaxed pieces and even sandals.

I think the biggest thing for me is that I like clothing in general. I don’t necessarily think you need one particular style or one particular brand to look good. Sometimes it’s about taking something really simple and styling it in a way that gives it a completely different feel.

Ultimately, I like wearing things that I feel comfortable and confident in, while still being open to trying something completely different. That’s one of the things I enjoy most about modelling — being able to step into a look or character that I might not necessarily wear every day.

SD: When did you know you wanted to be a model?

CP: I think it was something that developed naturally rather than there being one specific moment where I decided, “This is what I want to do.”

I’ve always loved being in front of the camera, and my early experience with acting and NIDA gave me a taste of what it was like to work on set and perform. As I got older, modelling became another way for me to express myself creatively.

The more shoots I did, the more I realised how much goes into creating a good image. It’s not just standing in front of a camera. There’s the photographer, stylist, makeup, lighting, direction, location and the relationship between everyone on set. I really enjoy being part of that process.

I’ve also had the opportunity to work on some larger productions, which gave me an appreciation for how much work happens behind the scenes to create something that audiences might only see for a few seconds or minutes.

I’d love to continue developing in both modelling and acting. I’m not in a rush to put myself into one box. I want to keep learning, keep showing up and see where the opportunities lead.

SD: If you could talk to your ten-year-old self, what would you say?

CP: I’d probably tell him, “don’t be shy and say no to the opportunities which present themself.”

I think I put too much pressure on myself sometimes. I’d tell my ten-year-old self not to worry so much about whether everything was happening quickly enough, because everyone’s timeline is different.

I’d also tell him to keep showing up.

Every opportunity, every training session, every competition, every audition, every person you meet — you never really know what it could lead to. I think of life a little bit like a lottery ticket. Every day you have another chance to put yourself in the right place, meet someone new or take a step towards something you want.

The important thing is that you have to keep buying the ticket, so to speak. You can’t expect opportunities to come to you if you’re not putting yourself out there.

All the years of training, sport, modelling, acting and sticking to a schedule might not always feel like they’re leading somewhere immediately, but eventually you start to realise that they’re building something in the background.

So I’d tell him to enjoy the process, stop stressing about having everything figured out and just keep being himself.

SD: What has been your favourite photoshoot to date?

CP: One of my favourites would definitely have to be a wedding-style photoshoot I did on the Gold Coast.

We started around 5am, so everyone was tired, but there was something really special about being there that early. I was dressed as the groom and working alongside my model partner and the photographers, and we were able to watch the sunrise while shooting.

There was something really peaceful about the whole experience. Everyone was tired but still excited and completely focused on getting the best shots we could.

Afterwards, we went back to the beach house where the wedding setup was, and we ended up eating some of the food that had been prepared. I remember sitting around with one of the photographer’s sons, having Chia yogurt bowls and just chatting before he had to be dragged to school haha. 

Those little moments are actually what I remember most. Obviously the photos were great, but it was the atmosphere, the people and the experience that made it memorable.

I’ve had a lot of other shoots that I’ve really enjoyed, particularly through acting and working on larger productions. Being on set has taught me so much about how films and productions are actually made and how many different people contribute to one final piece.

Hopefully one day I’ll have the opportunity to take everything I’ve learned and step into a larger modelling or acting role. Until then, I’m happy to keep learning, meeting people and putting myself forward for opportunities.

SD: What are you most excited about for Island Haus Runway?

CP: I’m probably most excited about the clothing itself and getting to experience pieces that are influenced by island traditions and culture.

I’m really interested to see what I’ll be wearing, how the pieces are styled and how I can bring my own energy to the look while still respecting the story and inspiration behind the clothing.

For me, modelling isn’t just about putting clothes on and walking down a runway. I want to understand the piece, understand the vision and then figure out how I can help bring that vision to life.

I’m also really looking forward to learning from the team and the people who have been doing this for longer than I have. There’s always something to learn from a different designer, model, stylist, photographer or creative director.

And of course, I’m excited to meet the other models. I think one of the best parts of this industry is the people you meet along the way. Everyone is working towards their own goals, but there’s also a really strong sense of community when you surround yourself with people who are motivated and genuinely want to see each other do well.

That’s something I really value. I want to be around people who are ambitious, positive and willing to help each other grow. If someone around me succeeds, I want to be the person cheering them on — and hopefully they’ll do the same for me.

So for Island Haus Runway, I’m excited for the clothes, the experience, the people and the opportunity to keep developing as a model. I’m just grateful to be involved and looking forward to seeing what we can create together.

Tickets are selling out fast. See Christian on the runway and buy your tickets HERE

Island Haus Runway:
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Christian Porreca:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianpm18/