Let’s break down the from this early era: 1. Laura Csortan (1997) – The Blueprint No conversation about the "top" of the Dolly Supermodel list begins without Laura Csortan. When Laura won in 1997, she redefined the prize. She didn't just win a contract; she conquered the entertainment world. She went from the Dolly cover to hosting Great Outdoors to becoming a global pageant queen (Miss Universe Australia). Laura proved that the Dolly Supermodel "top" spot was a springboard to a multi-hyphenate career. 2. Nirrimi Firebrace (1999) At just 16, Nirrimi brought an ethereal, almost bohemian quality that hadn't been seen before. She represented a shift. The "top" look was moving away from permed hair and bright blue eyeshadow toward a more authentic, raw aesthetic. She later became a world-renowned photographer, proving that the competition spotted artists, not just mannequins. 3. Jodhi Meares (1992) The inaugural winner. The original. Jodhi didn't just win; she exploded. Discovered through Dolly, she went on to date (and marry) James Packer, become the face of Australian swimwear, and launch her own brand, The Upside . She set the bar for what "top" meant. 4. Alyssa Sutherland (2002) Technically on the cusp of the "new era," Alyssa is crucial to the "Part 1" mythology because she represents the end of the innocence. Tall, statuesque, and blonde, she wasn't just a teen model; she went straight into high fashion in New York and later starred in Vikings . She proved that Dolly could launch a serious actress. 5. Cheyenne Tozzi (2002 – Co-winner) Yes, 2002 had a tie. Cheyenne, with her platinum bob and husky voice, was born for the industry. Placed alongside Alyssa, Cheyenne became a permanent fixture in Australian pop culture—judging Australia’s Next Top Model , releasing music, and becoming a street style icon. She is the definition of longevity at the top. Why "Part 1" Matters: The Making of a Supermodel You might be asking: Why split this into 5 parts? Why start here?
Author’s Note: This article is part of a 5-part series celebrating Australian fashion history. All images referenced are property of Pacific Magazines (now Are Media) and the respective models. dolly supermodel part 1 of 5 top
The "Top" of the Dolly Supermodel list wasn't just about height (though they were all tall). It was about confidence. To send your photo into a magazine that millions of people would see took guts. To walk into a room of judges at 15 wearing a borrowed dress took nerve. Let’s break down the from this early era: 1
It wasn’t just a competition. It was a cultural phenomenon. It was a sleepover conversation, a glossy-page obsession, and for thousands of young women across the country, it was the first real taste of a dream that felt terrifyingly audacious: What if I could be a model? She didn't just win a contract; she conquered
But for now, raise a glass (or a bottle of Impulse body spray) to the girls who dared to dream. The Dolly Supermodel competition might be defunct (it ended its run in the late 2000s), but its legacy is written in the glossy pages of history.
If you were a teenage girl growing up in Australia during the 1990s or early 2000s, three words were more powerful than any spell from a Harry Potter book: .
Enter the .