LIFESTYLE
From Malaysia to the World, Meet the 10 M'sian Models Turning Heads Internationally
Etching one's name on the global stage of a competitive industry like modeling is no easy feat. However, these Malaysian models have defied the odds, making a name for themselves internationally and putting our country on the map.
From striding down the Dior runway to becoming the first Malaysian to open for Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week, these ten models prove that with hard work, nothing is impossible.
1. Ridzman Zidaine
Image Credit: Louis VuittonAt the young age of 22 years old, Ridzman Zidaine made history after he became the first Malaysian model in history to open for Louis Vuitton. His success story did not stop there as he once again made headlines after becoming the first-ever Malaysian to walk the Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2024 runway at Paris Fashion Week.
Since then, the now 24-year-old model has been busy making a name for himself internationally by walking and modelling for famous luxury brands like Hermes, Issey Miyake, Emporio Armani, and many more.
2. Ling Tan
Image Credit: Grazia MalaysiaDubbed as Asia's first supermodel, Ling Tan had long been paving the way for young Malaysian models in the industry. The supermodel first appeared on the runway in New York back in 1994, where she walked for Malaysian designer Datuk Zang Toi.
Tan has since been featured in many shows of fashion labels like Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, Elie Saab, Karl Lagerfeld, and Chanel.
3. Atikah Karim
Image Credit: Blow ModelsDayang Nur Atikah Karim, or better known as Atikah Karim, began her modelling career after she won the Ford Models Supermodel of the World Malaysia competition. In 2015, this Bajau-Bruneian beauty relocated to New York, where she had been working as a successful model since.
Atikah has walked for brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Kenzo. But her most high-profile appearance was for Rick Owens in 2020 during Paris Fashion Week.
4. Gwen Lu
Image Credit: D Model AgencyBorn in Butterworth, Gwen Lu was a quantity surveyor before she turned to modelling. Throughout her career, Lu has scored editorials in some of the world’s premier fashion titles from many countries like Malaysia, France, Japan, and Mexico.
But perhaps her most notable mark in the industry would be when she walked for Balenciaga for the House's 50th Couture show as well as for Balenciaga Spring 2023.
5. Sheena Liam
Image Credit: BURO MalaysiaSheena Liam rose to fame after she won season 2 of Asia's Next Top Model. Growing up in Kajang, Liam's first exposure to modelling began when she was scouted for a teenage magazine at 15 years old.
Aside from gracing the cover for Harper's Bazaar and walking for major fashion brands, Liam is a successful embroidery artist. She was shortlisted for The Fine Art Textiles Award and had her work displayed in the United Kingdom.
6. Shikin Gomez
Image Credit: NonaShikin Gomez is another Malaysian beauty who made her name after appearing in the Asia's Next Top Model (AsNTM) reality television show. Although she didn't take home the crown in her season, Shikin has since gone on to become a staple in the fashion scene.
The model of Malay-Indian heritage made headlines when she was spotted walking the Dior Pre-Fall 2023 runway in Mumbai. In 2022, Shikin announced that she had tied the knot with entrepreneur Rami Aladdin.
7. Vanizha Vasanthanathan
Image Credit: InstagramVanizha Vasanthanathan made her debut in the modelling world at 2014 KL Fashion Week as the only Indian model to walk the runway. Vanizha made her big break in the industry after she appeared on the runways of Milan Fashion Week in 2022.
Not only does she seem to have a natural talent for modelling, but Vanizha is also trained in Indian classical dances. In 2015, she made her first huge dance performance at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur.
8. Angie Ng
Image Credit: Vogue HKAngie Ng is another veteran in the modelling industry. The Penang-born model first started her career at 16 after she was scouted by a talent agency in the United Kingdom. Thanks to her hard work, Ng is now considered one of the most popular Hong Kong-based models.
Aside from modelling, the 5’11” beauty is also professionally trained in tap dance, modern dance, and ballet. She also has a law degree and has launched her own sportswear collection in collaboration with athleisure label Rising Lotus.
9. Nia Atasha
Image Credit: InstagramNia Atasha made headlines after she became the first Malaysian model to be a part of the iconic lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret's global campaign. She had also appeared in a number of ads for international brands like Calvin Klein and Samsung.
Aside from modelling, Nia also gained popularity after a number of acting roles, like in the Astro Originals Kuasa series, Gila Gusti, and Ceroboh.
10. Sharminidevi Parameispran
Image Credit: InstagramProfessionally known as Sharwita, this beauty has made a name for herself as a prominent international model. Known for appearing on the runways of various designers and international fashion weeks, Sharwita is also the Managing Director at Le Fashion Secret modelling agency.
In 2023, Sharwita became the main highlight after she appeared at Ahmedabad Times Fashion Week in Gujarat, India. She had also graced the 77th Cannes Film Festival back in 2024 in a kebaya-inspired dress by local designer Hatta Dolmat.
Featured Image Credit: Next Models, Blow Models, Lifestyle Asia
Featured Image Credit: Next Models, Blow Models, Lifestyle Asia
Must-Watch Video