Winnipeg model makes runway debut during Milan Fashion week

Winnipeg model Sam Parker shares how he went from high school graduate to walking for Prada and other top designers at Milan Fashion Week.

A Winnipeg model is making waves in the European fashion scene.

Sam Parker, 18, walked three runways, including Prada, during last month’s Milan Fashion Week—an experience he described as crazy and surreal.

“I couldn’t believe that I was standing among people that are fashion legends, like Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons,” he said in an interview with Your Morning Winnipeg on Monday.

“Just like the hairstylist and everybody were the top of the top of the business, so it was pretty surreal being in that kind of environment.”

Parker, who graduated high school last year, got into modelling with the encouragement of one of his friends. During his year in the industry, Parker has travelled the world and signed with multiple modelling agencies, including local agency Panache Management.

He said he feels like he’s living his dream.

“I definitely always wanted to move out of Winnipeg. I knew I wanted to experience the world and I thought there’s definitely some more experiences that I could see abroad… So, being able to have the opportunity to come here [to Europe] and work and live here is pretty special.”

• With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé