MODELLING and computer science are two professions rarely mentioned in the same sentence, but this year’s International Model of the Year winner at the Western Australian Fashion Awards has made the combination a reality.
Bunbury-raised model Caitlin Lomax has capped off a stellar few years with her win and now splits her time between photo shoots and catwalks in Europe, New York and Tokyo and computer programming studies – a career path perhaps as far removed from the glamour of the fashion industry as possible.
“Everyone is a little shocked when I tell them what I study. I tried to study fashion design because everyone said I would have great contacts in the industry,” she said.
“Then someone reminded me how much I love computing stuff and I was like, ‘why didn't I do that to begin with?
“One day I want to be a software developer professionally. I understand this career won't last for ever and it's nice to know I have something when it does come to an end.”
Lomax was working in Tokyo when award was announced, but was thrilled to be recognised for the work she has done since leaving Bunbury at age 17.
“I am super happy with the win. The other models I were up against do really amazingly so I'm flattered to have been chosen for the award,” Miss Lomax said.
Now based in Sydney, the 20-year old has done shoots for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Mui Mui and appeared in the Australian, United States, Japanese and Turkish editions of Vogue.
She has also recently lived and worked in New York which she said was an amazing experience.
“New York was incredible. It is hard to work there as a model but my agency there is lovely and supportive so it has never been too scary,” she said.
