“I will see some of you privilege [sic] kids stress about not booking a job because of the impact of your career while there are those of us who stress because we don’t know if we’ll be able to take care of our parents this month or put our siblings through school,” Yai wrote in a now deleted Instagram story.

The director of Australian modelling agency Chic Management, Kathy Ward, is surprised by the sudden focus on nepotism in fashion.

“I thought it was more prominent a few years back, when clients or designers were looking for a point of difference,” Ward says. “I remember when Ivanka Trump came out and walked at Australian Fashion Week in 1999. People are always interested in famous offspring, and it can give you some traction at the time.”

Leah Wood, daughter of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood and Lianna Perdis, daughter of make-up entrepreneur Napoleon Perdis, have both been part of the Chic modelling stable.

“Some models with famous family members dip in and out of the industry,” Wards says. “Being a model takes hard work to keep going. No one can say that Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid haven’t worked hard to get to their position in the industry.”

For some nepo models it’s easier to hide the illustrious branches of their family tree than deal with accusations of favouritism.

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“I remember when Clint Eastwood’s son [Scott] was modelling here in Australia and didn’t want anyone to know who his dad was,” Ward says. “I’ve just signed the daughter of someone quite famous, and she feels it would be better not to be known by the family name. It’s quite a smart move.”

On the Australian modelling scene Christian Wilkins, son of Nine television presenter Richard Wilkins, has so far avoided falling into the nepo baby trap by building a reputation for a professional work ethic.

“I always loved fashion so when Dad could, he’d always bring me along to events and like any parent he helped make introductions,” Christian says. “Connections may open the door but what you do once you step through is what is actually important and also what is ultimately going to make the difference in the longevity of your career.”

Martin Walsh, managing director of Christian’s agency Chadwick, puts it more succinctly.

“Mentioning Christian’s father is not relevant anymore. It’s a point of interest but he’s an individual on his own merit.”

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