GEMMA Cowling is a step closer to achieving another first, but the Adelaide model is taking it all in her stride.

The 20-year-old South Australian made history a year ago as the first Australian-born transgender model when she was discovered by local agency Azalea Models.

Now also on the books of Chadwick Models, she was among more than 200 models, and the only South Australian, at a casting in Bondi on Thursday for David Jones spring-summer launch on August 9.

media_camera David Jones ambassador Jesinta Franklin with Gemma Cowling at the David Jones casting at Bondi on Thursday. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Required to walk in front of a selection panel, which included the retailer’s ambassador Jesinta Franklin, sportswear label P.E. Nation’s Pip Edwards and stylist Thelma McQuillan, Ms Cowling had a businesslike approach to the audition.

“It’s just my job so there’s not a lot of preparation involved apart from getting up on time and bringing my heels,” she said.

If she is chosen for the event, to be staged in Sydney, Ms Cowling will be the first transgender model to walk for an Australian department store at a season launch. Ms Cowling said it was obvious David Jones appreciated diversity.

David Jones Autumn Winter 2017 collections launch in Sydney David Jones Autumn Winter 2017 collections launch in Sydney

“I was in a room full of different people,” she said, adding there were models from various ethnic backgrounds.

“It’s nice to see — especially from a big brand like this.”

Retail rival Myer has also embraced diversity. Australian transgender supermodel Andreja Pejic, who was born in Bosnia-Herzegovina, has made special guest appearances for Myer, including striking a pose for the retailer at the 2011 reopening of its Melbourne Bourke St store.