Aproduct of The Rock’s fascinating model wave, Burberry Prorsum Fall/Winter 2016 debutante Naki Depass — scouted from the Edwin Allen Champs factory — entered the fast lane of the fashion game from the word Go. She consistently racks up turns on the runways of the industry’s most revered houses — think: Prada, CÃ&Copy;line and Givenchy. the Saint International beauty — chic in a latticework cocktail dress by Burberry, and Ferragamo pumps — reflects on the whirlwind romance with her unexpected line of work, and looks to the future.

What’s your favourite beverage on the go?

Orange juice.

What charity or cause would you use your international visibility to endorse?

Fund-raising events for the development of educational programmes for children.

What remains a career highlight?

There have been quite a few. I have really felt honoured to work with some of the world’s best. Certainly, my exclusive debut for Burberry Prorsum in February 2016 was special. It was my very first job. Then walking for Prada, Givenchy and CÃ&Copy;line are also high points. Subsequent special moments include walking for Calvin Klein, Vetements and Balenciaga.These have all been important to my developing career.

Your dream casting would look like…

The cover of American and Paris

Vogue, being an international campaign face, a spokesmodel for a make-up brand like Maybelline or Lancôme, and surely becoming a Victoria Secrets Angel.

Was playing dress-up a pastime in your childhood?

No, I had no interest in fashion, whatsoever. I considered myself a regular country girl more interested in books than fashion.

New York, London, Milan and Paris: name one must-do activity from each fashion capital.

New York: Shopping in Manhattan; London: I don’t spend much time there but I admire the history and architecture; Paris: Sightseeing. The Champs-Ã lysÃ&Copy;es and the Eiffel Tower are my favourite landmarks; and Milan: Like London, I usually just pass through, but on my first trip there, my agent Deiwght Peters took me to Il Duomo — that was really cool.

Diversity remains an issue on the international runways. give us the backstage insider take.

I get to work with some of the best casting directors in the world and I do see some very good efforts at making the model cast more inclusive. I thank them for believing in me and giving me support, but it’s always good to see more models of colour on the runway.

Is longevity as a model a personal interest of yours?

Yes, it is. I am getting the chance to do my university degree while I am still developing my modelling career. I see that models such as Kate Moss, Gisele Bündchen, and Naomi Campbell have been in this for more than 20 years. I realise that it’s a lot of hard work and you must keep focussed and things will happen. I am very excited about what the future holds.

What was the exact moment that you finally got the fashion industry?

I think Peters did a good job of prepping me for the business on the international level. But it all clicked to me by my second season, when I started to learn the political nature of the business… which brands have more power, which casting directors are great to have as support, which stylist has influence beyond the runway and can help your career, who are the models on top of their game and why they have success. It was then that I started to understand the various connections of how it all works together.

When do you feel beautiful?

All the time. I am very confident in who I am.

How do you conjure a sense of home?

I keep saved images and memories of my moments at home and use them as reminders.