There are plenty of reasons to love Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia—the street style, the picturesque locations, an abundance of Ellery—but the most compelling among them may be the very charming, very shirtless male models who best deliver that particular Aussie brand of charm around the world. The runways this week aren’t brimming with menswear, but that’s perfectly fine, because Instagram is brimming with attractive, athletic hunks who are always ready to share a beachfront selfie! Just as Hollywood looks Down Under when it’s in search of rugged leading men (ahem, Hemsworths), the modeling industry has found in Australia an endless source of talent with sun-bleached hair, six-pack abs, and a sense of adventure. Get to know the race car enthusiasts, athletes, and adrenaline junkies who make up Australia’s male model brigade.
Jordan Barrett
Sure, there is the undeniable young Leonardo DiCaprio resemblance, but Jordan Barrett is more than a look-alike. With one of the most entertaining and candid social feeds in the business, Barrett rules Instagram and Snapchat, in addition to his high-profile work with fashion legends like Mario Testino and Craig McDean.
Jarrod Scott
When he isn’t strutting down a runway or posing provocatively in Vogue Hommes, model Jarrod Scott is building cars from scratch and racing them in international endurance competitions. As though being a model turned race car driver weren’t enough excitement, Scott is something of a fitness expert, and is always up for the latest extreme sport.
Zac, Jordan, and Louis Stenmark
Cinema may have the Hemsworths as its reigning Aussie bro dynasty, but the modeling world has the Stenmarks. Twins Zac and Jordan have been modeling since 2011, often flanking stars like Irina Shayk and Kylie Minogue, and their little brother, Louis, is every bit as popular. All athletes, Jordan and Zac were headed to the AFL before being scouted as models, and Louis competes in both basketball and track and field. Though it isn’t quite the same as a gold medal, the trio recently shared an important accomplishment: the cover of Australian Vogue alongside Lara Stone.
David Genat
Who doesn’t love a man on a motorcycle? David Genat balances his work with Mario Testino with his love of vintage bikes. Tinkering on several of his own at home in his garage and sharing snapshots from his frequent road trips, Genat is easy-riding eye candy with a panache for luxury.
Mattia Harnacke
Model equestrians are experiencing a moment, and Mattia Harnacke fits the bill: Training since childhood, Harnacke was scouted at a show-jumping event and promptly whisked off to the Fall 2016 runways. Pouty, with arresting features and an adorable feed that mixes runway images and shots from his equestrian events, Harnacke isn’t just cute—he’s one to watch for the future.