Vogue This month, meet Indigenous (Saulteaux-Cree) model Heather Diamond Strongarm. Fishing Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada, Strongarm is fast becoming one of fashion’s most in-demand runway models. She’s already walked for a number of luxury houses—including Versace, Gucci, and Dior—and starred in recent campaigns for and Swarovski (no big deal).
Below, Strongarm discusses her discovery story, her favorite job to date, and what she typically wears for a casting go-see. Hint: It’s all about the jewels. I was discovered at 16 in 2021, at a modeling workshop happening on my reserve, Fishing Lake First Nation, in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Following the workshop, my images and video were sent to my now mother agency, ANM in Toronto, and I was then signed to them immediately after. My favorite job to date was being a part of the Swarovski spring 2023 Metamorphosis campaign, shot by Steven Meisel. It really meant a lot to me that I got to embody the turtle, because my Nookom’s (grandmother’s) name is Makinnak, meaning turtle in the language Nakawē.
I think it will always be my favorite job. It was an honor working with Giovanna Engelbert and the entire team. I guess my personal style is a mystery.
Some days I wear baggy jeans with big hoodies and oversized coats. Sometimes I wear dresses and tight clothes. It depends on the day and how I’m feeling.
My perfect casting look is low-rise jeans that aren’t too baggy at the bottom, with either a tight ribbed tan.