OK, so we don't produce too many models of international-standing, but at least one Galway beauty is now FINALLY bucking that trend.
In fact, Emily Butcher has just caused a storm in Milan this week – walking for Gucci (aka pretty much the jewel in Fashion Week's crown).
Watching were the A-list likes of Anna Wintour (swoon), Charlotte Casiraghi (a member of the Monaco royal household), actress Dakota Johnson, long-standing Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani, it-girl Alexa Chung, and Hollywood's Salma Hayek.
Emily, who grew up in Ireland but whose family all hail from the UK, has cited Rosie Huntington Whiteley as her career inspiration in the past, and certainly the 18-year-old is headed for big things.
She's already walked for Armani and appeared last month on the pages of Glamour Italia.
However, with an exclusive contract with Gucci currently under her belt, rumour has it that the 5ft 10in head-turner is being lined-up for the Italian fashion-house's next HUGE campaign.
Currently signed to the high-profile Next Model Management in London, Emily can also be found on the books of Andrea Roche in Dublin.
Andrea herself told Goss.ie that Emily is "shooting for Marie Claire soon," furthermore revealing that this week actually represents the second time the teenager has walked for the Gucci brand (she first appeared on its catwalk three months ago, also in Milan).
Ms Butcher actually only began modelling properly a year ago – kicking off her career by appearing in Brown Thomas shows and doing photocalls in Dublin.
Under a snap posted on the Andrea Roche Model Agency Facebook page last September announcing the arrival on Emily onto its books, the young woman's beaming grandparents couldn't help but share their joy.
Norfolk-based Roger and Angie Butcher wrote: "What proud Grandparents we are. You are beautiful. XX"
