ASIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL X ZALORA

You’ve seen the girls in action, now get the fashion 411, and learn more about this years contestants in an exclusive interview with the fourteen girls aspiring to become Asia’s Next Top Model.

There can only be one winner, it’s down to you to decide who gets your vote..

AIMEE

When did you start modelling?

I started when I was 13 and quickly fell head-over-heels with being in front of the camera!

You’re originally from Singapore, have you ever been tempted to move abroad?

Oh yes! I moved overseas to pursue my modelling career after completing my studies, it was perfect as it’s my mission to hone my modelling skills to perfection.

If modelling doesn’t work out, what would you be doing?

Studying to become a vet.

AMANDA

How do you feel about being the youngest contestant?

I may only be 17 but it means that I’m a fashion sponge just waiting to soak up all the knowledge Asia’s Next Top Model has to show me.

Who’s your favourite designer?

Oh I love Steve Madden, ZALORA stocks Steve Madden right? (Yes Amanda, we do indeed!)

Having only discovered modelling a year ago what were your ambitions before?

I’ve always wanted to go down the creative road and get into journalism.

BARBARA

What’s your favourite feature?

My smile.

You have a very unique look, where are you from?

I was born in Brazil to a Brazilian mother and Japanese father, and then moved to Japan when I was five.

How long have you been modelling?

I’ve been modelling for just over a decade now which is great as I’ve got a lot of experience with both photoshoots and on the catwalk.

CELINE

How would you describe your style?

Having lived in Paris, living and breathing couture I would describe myself as chic and elegant.

What was it like growing up in Paris?

I was bullied for my Asian looks as a child growing up in Europe, but now I’ve learnt to embrace them and use them to actually stand out from the crowd.

Who is your favourite model?

I have quite a few! Gia, Naomi Campbell, Liu Wen and Cara Delevingne.

FRANCHESCA

What‘s your favourite feature?

My teeth, they’re a nice pearl white.

How do you think you’ll find it being away from your family during the show?

I’ve never been far from loved ones before, and my boyfriend who is also a model is normally with me, so I think my biggest challenge will be finding my own footing and learning to be truly independent.

If you weren’t a model, where do you think you would be?

My other passion is make-up, so I think it would be cool to be a make-up artist.

GANI

You’re still at University, what are you studying?

I’m a fashion student studying the business side of the industry.

Where would like to take your degree after university?

I’d like to be a fashion buyer, that’s if modelling doesn’t work out for me.

You’re one of the shortest girls in the group, do you think this will hinder your chances of winning?

No, absolutely not. I’ve already won Wadja Femina — Jakarta’s biggest modelling competition and am determined to continue changing the view that models have to be over 180cm to be successful.

KB

How would you describe yourself?

Haha, well I’ve got a slightly rebellious streak which I see as a good thing, as it means I’m not afraid of the competition and will do whatever it takes to get to the top.

So you don’t have any phobias?

Oh no, I’m petrified of deep open water.

What’s your strongest feature?

My upper abdominals.

KIANA

What do your parents think of you entering Asia’s Next Top Model?

I’m a daddy’s girl so they’re confident I can stand on my own two feet and prove to the world that I have what it takes to become Asia’s Next Top Model.

Do you think you have what it takes to become Asia’s Next Top Model?

I am a trained Muay Thai fighter so I won’t back down from a challenge!

What has your Muay Thai taught you?

It’s taught me about hard work and dedication, I’m not afraid to get down and dirty if it means getting the perfect shot.

LORETTA

You are the tallest contestant on the show, so are your legs your winning feature?

No, I maybe leggy but actually I prefer my smile.

Do you have any other passions aside from modelling?

I love to take centre stage in whatever I do whether I’m acting on screen, belting out songs from my new album or working my magic in front of the camera!

You’re obviously meant to be in the limelight, would you continue with singing or acting if modelling doesn’t work out for you?

Yes, but I’m also interested in designing jewellery.

MELISSA

Everyone has a body hang-up, even models! What’s yours?

I don’t have any.

You have had a successful career so far in the financial industry, so why go into modelling?

I signed up for Asia’s Next Top Model whilst on a business trip. I’ve dabbled in modelling part-time whilst completing a degree and working as a financial consultant, and I thought if I don’t do it now I never will.

What three skills do you think you have which will set you apart from your fellow competitors?

Intelligence, charm and adaptability.

MONIKA

How do you make sure you’re always runway ready?

I am a huge heath nut! Modelling isn’t just about being a pretty face — there’s a lot of skill and hours of hard work involved in making sure you’re runway-ready.

You tried out for season 2, what made you try again?

I am incredibly competitive so I decided to return and come back even more determined, doing anything in my power to clinch the top prize.

If modelling doesn’t work out, what would you be doing?

I would be a nutritionist.

RANI

How would you describe your style?

I’m a rock chic at heart, so I’d prefer to don ripped jeans and a pair of sneakers over pretty dresses!

Do you have any secret talents or skills?

I’m actually quite an accomplished drummer!

Do you think you’d ever become a drummer full-time?

Yes, definitely. I love anything to do with arts or entertainment, so being a drummer or musician would be great!

SHAREETA

What did you do before modelling?

I studied law and graduated with a law degree, so we models aren’t all stupid!

Do you have any phobias you think may work against you in the competition?

I really hate the noise of fingernails on a chalkboard and things with holes in them. So I am little worried about any tasks to do with holes!

How long have you been modelling?

I’ve never been a model full time before but have competed in several beauty pageants before, which has taught me how to compete with a tactical mind.

THALIA

What are you most worried about as you enter the Top Model house?

I really hate being alone at night when it’s raining so I’m hoping that either I’ll never be alone in the house when it’s raining, or it never rains whilst I’m in the house!

Your family are quite creative what have they taught you?

They’ve taught me to embrace my artistic inclinations, I love the freedom of expression which modelling gives me.

What would you be doing if modelling doesn’t work out?

I’m such a free spirit that I’d be enjoying life, because it’s beautiful. 

Watch Season 3 of Asia’s Next Top Model every Wednesday at 8:45 PM in Hong Kong and Singapore and 7:45 PM in Jakarta, Bangkok and Vietnam.