Presenting the Make Me A ZALORA Model brand of the week
Esprit — Feel Good To Look Good
Founded in 1968 by Susie and Doug Tompkins, Esprit is a fashion brand that is synonymous with effortless style and quality. With a strong presence in more than 40 countries, this fashion label strives in being the best casual fashion brand. Despite a strong focus on quality natural materials, and precise fitting, Esprit ensures that their prices are kept within the affordable range. With a team of designers whose fingers are constantly on the pulse of fashion, they have the ability to translate the latest fashion trends into their repertoire of casual styles.
Here are the winners of #MMAZM’s Week 4:
Hong Kong — @andianti_
1. What made you want to be a part of MMAZM?
I want to be a part of MMAZM because I’ve always wanted to have experience in modelling, and I would be honoured to work with Zalora, my favourite go-to online shop since ages!
2. Name three of your favourite models. Why do you look to them for inspiration?
Kendall Jenner, Miranda Kerr, and Cara Delevingne because I love, love their styles and love the way they look/pose in magazine/media.
3. What makes you unique?
I feel like.. I’m petite but I have that confidence in becoming a model and that’s why I started a fashion blog to show that I can be one of them (models) without having the perfect model size. And I also have the baby face look even though I’m 22 😀
4. Did you have prior modelling experience before joining MMAZM? If so, do share!
I haven’t done in any modelling experience.
5. Have your family and friends been supportive of you entering MMAZM?
Yes, of course!
6. Who are some of the designers you would love to work with?
Anna Sui, Kate Spade, Balmain.
7. Your favourite things to do in your free time?
Photoshoot for my blog, Making video tutorial/vlog/travel for youtube.
Singapore — @elysha_arnold
1. What made you want to be a part of MMAZM?
I’ve been a fan and have shopped at Zalora for a long time, and have always admired how sleek and stylish the models looked. It was always a dream to think that my face could be on Zalora one day, and I could only imagine how fun it would be to work with such talented stylists on set. When I saw the competition, I thought it was such an awesome chance to finally get my face out there!
2. Name three of your favourite models. Why do you look to them for inspiration?
Devon Aoki is my first favorite, when she stepped onto the scene it really shocked the world, because her face is so different and ethereal from what people are used to seeing. I identify with her mixed race roots, her height, and how she embraced her ‘strangeness’. She really stood out from other models, and remains to be one of my favorite faces.
Charlotte Free is another model I love. She was first famous for her pink hair and pixie features, but I think longtime fans of her’s most admire her eccentricities and how she always speaks her mind. I think that’s why she attracts the attention of such bold designers like Jeremy Scott.
Lastly, Kiko Mizuhara, she too is Eurasian, and like the two models I mentioned already, is also around my height range. She has had great international success across Asia and the U.S., no doubt thanks to her striking looks. Kiko’s style is so demure and chic, and I love how she always seems to exude class in every photo I see of her. I liked that she has other artistic pursuits, such as singing, fashion design, and acting, while still pursuing modelling, I too have similar passions that I hope I can juggle as well as her.
3. What makes you unique?
I’ve always been a quirky person, since I was a kid. I didn’t like to be like everyone else, even if it caused me to be made fun of when I was younger. I speak my mind, I dress how I want, and I love finding the uniqueness in other people. I’ve always dreamed big, and don’t like giving up on my goals, even if they seem impossible at the time. I didn’t have any connections when I came into modelling, I did it to help my family at first as we had money struggles, and I also wanted to push myself to be a confident person. I think my unique look has helped me in the modelling world. My Caucasian and Asian features used to make me feel insecure, as I didn’t know what to identify as when I was growing up, but as a model I realized that the features that separated me from most people were in fact, my strength. I’m not the tallest, I don’t blend in, and sometimes my crazy curly hair makes hair stylists gasp, but it’s all part of what makes me Elysha, and if I don’t succeed as truly myself, then it wouldn’t be worth it.
4. Did you have prior modelling experience before joining MMAZM? If so, do share!
I’ve been modelling for about four years, it started in Malaysia when I was a teenager, I was a freelance model, and mostly did fashion shows for local designers, commercial shoots, and TVC roles(Domino’s Pizza, Air Asia, Maxis). I also did a few pageants like Miss Scuba Malaysia and Miss Kebaya. I also was an event model, and ushered at car launches, F1 races, and Moto GP. After Malaysia, I moved to Hanoi, Vietnam, where I became an agency model for the first time. I did a lot of photo shoots, mostly for online clothing stores, as well as many fashion shows around Hanoi, and sometimes I even got to travel to Ho Chi Minh City for work. After about 8 months, I moved to Singapore with my boyfriend, and so far I’ve loved the modelling scene here, and can’t wait to experience more.
5. Have your family and friends been supportive of you entering MMAZM?
My family has been very supportive, as they always have been since I started modelling. My mother is such a big cheerleader for me, and I really can’t thank her enough for all the encouragement she has given me over the years, as well as my God family. My friends are always quick to like the things I post regarding modelling, and they’ve always given their love and support. My boyfriend is also very excited that I’ve gotten as far as I have, and hopes I can continue. I’m so lucky to have so many people in my life who believe in me.
6. Who are some of the designers you would love to work with?
My favorite designers have always been a bit kooky, I really love Jeremy Scott for his pop culture influences and vibrant, neon colors. Vivienne Westwood is also an all-star for me, her use of punk rock culture with uses of modern influences is so cool, and I love that she has kept her rebellious edge after all this time. I also would love to immerse myself around up and coming designers around South East Asia, some of my favorite designers in the region, such as Pearly Wong from Malaysia, and Singaporean brands like Collate and Hansel really tap into my own personal style, and I’m very proud of the awesome trends that have been set on this side of the world.
7. Your favourite things to do in your free time?
It’s hard to pin down my favorite thing, as it tends to depend on my mood. My huge passions in life apart from modelling has always been music and writing. I’ve posted quite a few covers on YouTube already, showcasing music covers from artists that I love. I’ve played guitar for about 5 years, and have been singing my whole life. My love of writing has always been a lifelong pursuit, and a few years ago I started freelance writing beauty and fashion articles, as well as advertorials. I really hope that my experience in the fashion industry can help be become a better fashion writer, as that would be my dream job when I’m in my older years. I’m also a huge movie and literature snob, I’m always trying to look for the next best thing, and love to get into long talks with other people who don’t mind nerding out with me.
Taiwan — @tingyun0821
1. What made you want to be a part of MMAZM?
很欣賞MMAZM的風格與帶給我的感受，我也很喜歡關於表演及模特兒的事物，剛好這次有這樣的機會，希望我能好好展現自己，讓大家更了解我～
2. Name three of your favourite models. Why do you look to them for inspiration?
林志玲：很欣賞她的高EQ在應對進退上是我值得學習的、Agyness Deyn：個性又有型隨時散發出魅力將簡單的牛仔褲搭配出態度是我所嚮往的、Coco Rocha結合舞蹈底子的模特兒讓自己的身段延伸是我將來的目標。
3. What makes you unique?
常保持笑容是我不變的真理
4. Did you have prior modelling experience before joining MMAZM? If so, do share!
有參與過mv.微電影拍攝
5. Have your family and friends been supportive of you entering MMAZM?
全力支持的～這項任務就是朋友推薦我來參加的^^
6. Who are some of the designers you would love to work with?
服裝設計師很重要，了解我的身形.比例.個性.感覺等，我將全部交託給設計師，是一種信賴的合作～
7. Your favourite things to do in your free time?
路跑、游泳、與家人朋友們聚餐玩桌遊、特別的是我還玩雙截棍哈哈
Malaysia — @yenne3
1. What made you want to be a part of MMAZM?
I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, and to figure out what else I’m capable of doing. Previously I entered beauty pageants such as Miss Universe Malaysia 2016 (Top 14 Finalist) & Miss Malaysia Global Beauty Queen 2016 (1st Runner Up) but I decided to give modelling a try; plainly because I think gaining a different experience is always beneficial. Besides, it may help open doors of opportunity for me in the future as well.
2. Name three of your favourite models. Why do you look to them for inspiration?
Gisele Bundchen, Tyra Banks, and Cara Delevigne, simply because each of them are their own brands, they stand out with unique features, and they’re absolutely stunning in their own way. they’re not afraid to always be themselves and share their personality with the world.
3. What makes you unique?
My personality, I consider myself to be an extrovert and outgoing, which I believe are necessities in this industry. besides, I also believe that I have a unique face with memorable features, leaving lasting impressions on others.
4. Did you have prior modelling experience before joining MMAZM? If so, do share!
Besides the skills and tips I’ve gained from joining the beauty pageant, I’m a total newbie in this modelling industry, I’ve never had any professional training or whatsoever, but I think I’ve gotten better at overcoming my inexperiences so far.
5. Have your family and friends been supportive of you entering MMAZM?
Yes. they have always advised me to go after my dreams and pursuing something that I feel confident about.
6. Who are some of the designers you would love to work with?
I’d love to work with Vera Wang, simply because I’m such a fan of her work and bridal line. each piece is sewn to perfection and is just exquisite. having the opportunity to try or model any of her work would be a dream come true!
7. Your favourite things to do in your free time?
I like to surf the net, and notice the current trends, updating myself of the current style in the fashion world.
Philippines — @kath.gda
1. What made you want to be a part of MMAZM?
I wanted to try for the sake of curiosity and the opportunity to move a step forward in my modelling career. I was thinking, maybe joining this will give me the chance to do what i’ve wanted; to learn, to inspire, and to be inspired along the way.
2. Name three of your favourite models. Why do you look to them for inspiration?
“Coco Rocha — For her personality, lightheartedness, and technique. She manages to shake everything off to get her job done from peculiar posing; to being a businesswoman, a wife, and a mother. Tyra Banks — Her story inspired me. I learned to keep moving forward and just do what I do despite what people are saying, we all do have to keep in mind that people have different tastes and preferences. I think Tyra was able to break the stereotypical idea of being a model. Cindy Crawford — because …. it’s CINDY CRAWFORD!!”Coco Rocha — For her personality, lightheartedness, and technique. She manages to shake everything off to get her job done from peculiar posing; to being a businesswoman, a wife, and a mother.
3. What makes you unique?
I’ve always been someone to put my heart into whatever’s ahead of me, someone who’s wanted to act on what I believe in or what I think is right and should be done. Apart from that I want to learn before getting there, start at the bottom then work my way up instead of taking the easy way and using influences. I think I’ve fallen in love with hardwork and complications even if it breaks me, and I think that what makes me, well … Kath.
4. Did you have prior modelling experience before joining MMAZM? If so, do share!
“- Grand winner of Face of The Philippines, cycle 2 (Last October 2015)
– Top 10, Asia Model Fest/Asia New Star Model Contest 2016 (Korea, May 2016)
– I’ve been walking on the runway for Manila Fashion Festival since 2015
– Had a Zalora X MFF lookbook stint wearing ARIN, Banggo Niu, Gabbie Sarenas, and Bengt Enrique”
5. Have your family and friends been supportive of you entering MMAZM?
Yes they have been and I find it weird (in a good way). I think yeah, just weird but of course apart from that I’m thankful and very much lucky to have them around even if I don’t see it at times.
6. Who are some of the designers you would love to work with?
Internationally, a lot like Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Chanel, Ellie Saab to name a few. Locally, I have so many in mind but if I could think of the first three designers on the top of my head it would be Michael Cinco, Amato Couture, and Rajo Laurel.
7. Your favourite things to do in your free time?
On my free time I like to shoot arrows with my red bow at Gandiva Archery, paint when I can even if I’m rusty, go out with my friends (or family) or be out on a date with my boyfriend. On my lazier days I like to watch TV, bake, and a take a breather from everything.
Indonesia — @nadia_tjiantoro
1. What made you want to be a part of MMAZM?
I wanted to be apart of the MMAZM Competition mainly out of pure interest for the potential opportunities that may arise if I do win and also as a general experience in its entirety, practicing stepping out of my comfort zone and taking every opportunity possible that I come across (big thanks to social media!)
2. Name three of your favourite models. Why do you look to them for inspiration?
1) Kelly Tandiono by far is one of my favourite models not only because she possess unique and strong facial features that capture beautifully on camera, but also, she utilizes her success and social media platforms in a way that stimulates and motivates her followers such as her “Tandioners RUN” and acts as a role model that I strive to become with her constant athletic achievements. A true inspiration of the definition of dedication (and a plus thats she’s Indonesian too!)
2) Devon Aoki who no longer is a model but spent a large portion of her life in the fashion industry, is my 2nd favourite model purely because of how truly unique her features are, as I’ve always been drawn to asian or half asian models with a certain high fashion or quirky style/attribute.
3) My 3rd favourite model was tied between Margaret Zhang and Liu Wen, I simply couldn’t decide! Margaret Zhang not only models, but is a stylist, photographer, writer and creative director, definitely someone who inspires me to push my limits and broaden my skill set and capabilities. And Liu Wen’s flawless complexion, dangerously sharp facial structure and strong high fashion profile makes me aspire to become someone capable of both soft and strong personas in the fashion industry.
3. What makes you unique?
I feel what makes me unique is my lips and facial structure, that I find can change when I experiment with angles, products and concepts of shoots.
4. Did you have prior modelling experience before joining MMAZM? If so, do share!
I occasionally do catalogue/online store shoots for the store “Somewhere” in Bali, walked in the opening show of the HIPMI Fashion Week event and additionally, I am currently with the agency W Models based in Surabaya and will be signing with JIM Agency later this year. I have done several test shoots and walked in bridal/couture show for Reve House of Couture in Malang. Will be also walking in the Ciputra World Fashion Week shows in late September, Surabaya. But am still rather new to the fashion industry!
5. Have your family and friends been supportive of you entering MMAZM?
Yes! My family and friends within my agency as well have been greatly supportive and pushed me to enter the competition in the first place, to help me step out of my comfort zone!
6. Who are some of the designers you would love to work with?
Designers I would love to work with include Savira Lavinia, Alexander Wang and Karl Lagerfeld
7. Your favourite things to do in your free time?
I do enjoy baking (something I do hope to pursue in the future), playing electric guitar (I secretly am in love with rather heavy rock/metal genres like Rage Against the Machine and Volbeat) and boxing/muay thai!
Congratulations to the winners of Week 4! Stay tuned to find out who next week’s winners are!
