? Family, Roots & Early Life

Montana was born into a sports-loving family — her father, Darryl Cox, played professional Australian rules football. One of the younger siblings in a supportive household, she was raised in a Melbourne suburb and attended a Catholic school.

Though sport played a big part in her youth, she always had a creative side — a spark for fashion that would eventually become her future.

? A Chance That Changed Everything

Montana’s life took a dramatic turn in 2011 when she entered and won Season 7 of Australia’s Next Top Model. The victory launched her modeling career almost overnight.

Mentored by the likes of Charlotte Dawson and Alex Perry, she soon signed with IMG Models and secured her first cover with Harper’s Bazaar — a major debut for a rising star.

? From Runways to Recognition

Montana didn’t just win a show — she earned a place on global catwalks.

She’s walked for:

• Chanel
• Dior
• Lanvin
• Kenzo
• Emanuel Ungaro
• Zac Posen

Her editorial appearances include Vogue Australia, Harper’s Bazaar, and Grazia. She’s also fronted national campaigns for David Jones, one of Australia’s top fashion retailers.

Montana Cox.Aria Awards 2013 in Sydney Australia (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0). photo by Eva Rinaldi

? Career Highlights

• Widely regarded as one of the most successful ANTM alumni
• A regular face at Paris, New York, Milan, and London Fashion Weeks
• Celebrated for representing the “modern Australian classic beauty”
• Frequently featured in fashion media for her clean, elegant aesthetic

? Media Presence & Public Persona

• Instagram: ~150k followers
• Known for her low-key, grounded presence in the public eye
• Stays away from gossip and tabloid drama, focusing instead on craft and consistency
• Appeared in Australian TV features and advertising projects

While Montana may not dominate headlines, she commands attention where it counts — on the runway and in the pages of the world’s best fashion books.

? Private Life & Personal Focus

Montana keeps her private life intentionally off the radar. She was previously linked to an AFL player, but now splits her time between Sydney and Los Angeles, laser-focused on her modeling work and creative growth.

? Beyond Fashion: Giving Back

• Supports Australian youth education and well-being initiatives
• Advocates for a healthy lifestyle and female empowerment
• Speaks openly about the importance of mental health and confidence
• Uses her influence to inspire a balanced, authentic model of success

Montana Cox. (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0). photo by Eva Rinaldi

? Final Word

Montana Cox isn’t just a pretty face — she’s a professional in every sense of the word.

Her journey from reality TV to high fashion runways is proof that success in modeling doesn’t have to be loud — it just has to be real. With her grace, work ethic, and timeless presence, Montana is redefining what it means to be a top model — on her own terms.

16. Tahnee Atkinson: Redefining Beauty, One Runway at a Time

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, Tahnee Atkinson stands out as a pioneer of body confidence and unapologetic individuality. With her girl-next-door charm, natural beauty, and entrepreneurial spirit, she has become a symbol of empowerment for a new generation of models and creatives.

Australian model Tahnee Atkinson at the opening of the Marquee The Star, Sydney, Australia (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0). photo by Eva Rinaldi

? Quick Facts

• Full Name: Tahnee Atkinson
• Born: January 31, 1992
• Hometown: Perth, Western Australia
• Nationality: Australian
• Agencies: IMG Models (Worldwide), Chadwick Models (Australia)

?‍?‍?‍? Family & Origins

Tahnee was born and raised in Perth, in a supportive, down-to-earth Australian family. Her parents encouraged her creative ambitions from an early age. Her sister Cheyenne Atkinson later became her business partner in fashion — a bond that turned into something bigger than blood: a mission.