More than just a perfect figure, it takes talents, characters, and personality to be a model. These 10 Southeast Asian supermodels are more than capable to share the catwalk with other well-known models from other parts of the world.
Jessica Amornkuldilok (Thailand)
image: listal.com
Walking the catwalk for Chanel in London is one of the life-changing moments for Jessica after being announced as the winner of the very first cycle of the Asia’s Next Top Model (AsNTM). The Thai-German model has now set new targets such as acting, being a presenter, and exploring more modelling opportunities in major fashion cities in the world like Paris, Milan, and NYC.
Tawan Kedkong (Thailand)
image: Harper’s Bazaar Singapore
Jiratchaya “Tawan” Kedkong was named as a black horse in the fourth cycle of AsNTM due to her persistence while nobody expected her to be the winner but she was finally crowned Asia’s Next Top Model anyway. Her first encounter with modelling started when she had just graduated from high school. She was just 18 years old and her family was in a severe financial problem. Tawan decided to pursue the modelling career and skip college for work.
Ayu Gani (Indonesia)
image: viva.co.id
Ayu Gani is an Indonesian contestant in the third circle of the AsNTM, she admitted that she was not that confident when first joining the competition as she considered quite short (1.73 cm) for a model. Yet she managed to be the winner. Her oriental look with sharp jawline grabbed public attention and leads her to numerous modelling experiences such as chosen as the Most Favorite on Wajah Femina competition, appeared as the icon of Jakarta Fashion Week 2012, and modelled for Zalora, a fashion e-commerce platform.
Nadya Hutagalung (Indonesia)
image: whosdatedwho.com
One of Asia’s most recognized face, Nadya Hutagalung landed her first entertainment job in Indonesia as a VJ on MTV Asia in 1995 in which with her fresh ideas and interesting nature has brought her to be the Showtime Personality of the Year by Singapore’s The New Paper in 1997. However, little did people know that Nadya’s modelling career started when she went to Japan to pursue her career at the age of 12.
Not only is she interested in fashion modelling path, but she is also active to voice her concerns about the environment. The judge of AsNTM was once chosen as the Most Responsible International Celebrity 2012 along with infamous names such as Vivienne Westwood and George Clooney.
Sheila Sim (Singapore)
image: The Singapore Women’s Weekly
Named as the most famous model in Singapore, she sorts of fell into the fashion modelling industry by accident when some colleagues of her aunt—who was a top model in 1990s tried to convince her that she was model material. Up to now, she is a brand ambassador of Japanese skincare brand, SK-II and has worked with luxury brands like Gucci and Christian Dior.
Amber Chia (Malaysia)
image: The Level MY
Amber Chia gained an international exposure in 2009 when Victoria Beckham herself handpicked her to model for her fashion line—Victoria Beckham Autumn/Winter 2009 Ready to Wear Collection throughout the New York Fashion Week.
In terms of personality, Chia is famous for her humble and friendly traits. Based on her story, these characters are derived from the difficult past that made her to always remember her roots. At the age of 12, she assisted her father to sell fish in the market before she spent her day at school until noon, and took a night shift at the pub as a cashier until midnight. Yet today she is a Malaysian supermodel who aims to help other potential models in the country achieve their dreams by establishing her own modelling academy.
Kea Lee (Malaysia)
image: YouTube Gaming
A Malaysian model who is now based in London, Kea Lee has modelled for some infamous brands, like Alexander Mcqueen, Schwarzkopf, and Topshop. Started off her catwalk career by taking part in Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week, Lee is now familiar with London Fashion Weeks as she has participated four times in the event as of now.
Danica Magpantay (Philippines)
image: YouTube
Danica’s face was everywhere in a Sephora New York ad last year and it was just one of the proofs that her modelling career starts to bloom after got the 2011 International Ford Supermodel of the World title. At the point where she is now, she avoids to read negative comments on social media and chooses to live in the present and enjoy every second of her modelling journey.
Anna Bayle (Philippines)
image: listal.com
Only a few people know that it was actually a Filipino who paved the way for Asian models to conquer the world’s fashion industry. Anna Bayle is known as the first Asian supermodel and during her prime years, she started walking for Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Valentino, and etc.
Kha Trang (Vietnam)
image: Vietgiaitri.com
According to an online platform for international beauty pageants, Global Beauties, Kha Trang was awarded “Sexiest Woman Alive” in Asia in 2016 and 2017. The Vietnamese supermodel was also once chosen as the Best National Costume during Miss Supranational 2016.