INTERVIEW with Hazel Vandenberg || Island Haus Runway 2026 Runway Model
SD: Hi, Hazel. For my readers who don’t know you yet, can you please introduce yourself?
HV: Bula Nkwa! My name is Hazel Vandenberg, I’m 22 years old, and I’m a Brisbane-based model and actor. I’m half Fijian, with Dutch and Papua New Guinean heritage, so I’d say I’m somewhat of a fruit salad!
I was born in the beautiful island of Fiji, and grow up in the village of Namosi , and moved to Australia in 2013.
SD: Describe your personal style of clothing?
HV: I would say my personal style is quite diverse. It changes depending on my mood and the occasion. I love simple, chic, elegant and feminine outfits, but I also enjoy streetwear and experimenting with different styles.
SD: When did you know you wanted to be a model?
HV: My journey into modelling actually started from being shy. I’ve always been quite an introverted person and struggled to come out of the little bubble I had created for myself. I was petrified by the thought that one day I would have to talk to lots of people and speak in front of others when I entered the workforce.
I couldn’t even introduce myself in front of my class without feeling extremely shy and scared to speak.
Then I came across modelling, and at the time, I thought all you had to do was stand in front of a camera and take photos without having to communicate too much with people. I soon realised it was much more than that, but modelling slowly gave me the grace and comfort to come out of my shell and become more confident in my own skin.
Ironically, through modelling, I also found myself stepping into acting and even stunt work, which has pushed me even further outside of my comfort zone. It’s been such a beautiful journey of learning to be brave, express myself and believe in myself.
SD: If you could talk to your ten-year-old self, what would you say?
HV: I would tell my ten-year-old self to keep doing what she’s doing and to be proud of herself. Everything you hope for will come in God’s timing.
Life will get hard, and sometimes it will get even harder, but everything both the positive and the negative happens for a reason. Take it all in and enjoy every bit of the journey, because those experiences are what will shape you into the person you become today.
SD: What has been your most favourite photoshoot to date?
HV: I honestly don’t have a favourite photoshoot because I’ve enjoyed every single shoot I’ve had the opportunity to work and participate in. I’m grateful for every experience and for all the different expressions, concepts and people I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Every shoot has taught me something different, and I appreciate each one for what it has brought into my journey.
SD: What are you most excited about for Island Haus Runway?
HV: I’m excited to see the incredible work of the designers and experience the creativity, culture and talent that will all come together on the runway.
Tickets are selling out fast. See Hazel on the runway and buy your tickets HERE
Island Haus Runway:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandhausrunway/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586227610162
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@islandhausrunway
Hazel Vandenberg:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitorina2/
Photo Credits:
First + Second Photo: Taken by Wilhelmina Martens
