It was a cool Thursday evening in Mumbai. The Dior Fall’ 23 presentation was already underway, its vibrant hues and fairy-tale motifs unfolding against the epic backdrop of the majestic Gateway of India. 

Prior to the trip, I was told by her agency that Malaysian model Shikin Gomez would be walking the show. So naturally, my eyes were scanning the runway for her statuesque frame as I was recording moments of the show on my phone. 

Thing was, right before leaving for the airport in Kuala Lumpur, my regular phone had begun to misbehave so fearing its unpredictability, I made the last-minute decision to use a spare phone instead for the trip. It was a version that I wasn’t too familiar with, so throughout the Mumbai showcase I was still figuring out its functions. One time, as a model breezed through my screen, I realised too late that I had turned on the slow-motion feature by mistake.

FATE COMES A-CALLING

More focused on the clothes than the models, I couldn’t be sure if I had captured Shikin in any of my earlier shots—there were 99 models after all, sauntering from one corner of the runway to the next in rapid succession. It was only much later in the evening, as I was reviewing my files for editing, that I spotted her. Call it luck, or fate, or destiny, but the very model I had accidentally captured in slow motion, was Shikin. There she was on the phone screen, walking my way in an embroidered robe and matching trousers, looking regal and confident. Then suddenly, at the precise moment when she turned a corner, the world slowed down, as if awestruck by her beauty and movement.

Shikin was in her element. Perhaps it was luck or pure coincidence that I had somehow recorded that moment in such a dramatic manner, but it was definitely destiny that pulled Shikin to Mumbai. Our very own Malaysian model walking the revered runway of Dior. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“I was anxious, nervous, and proud to be realising a dream,” Shikin Gomez reveals, when asked about her frame of mind prior to walking the Dior Fall ’23 show. “I’m humbled that I was chosen to walk for this prestigious house, and felt like I was on top of the world.”

A WALK TO REMEMBER

We are now on location at the Hotel Majestic Kuala Lumpur, finishing up on hair and make-up before making our way to the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) headquarters just next door. For this month’s cover shoot, we’re hoping to capture the essence of the Dior Fall’ 23 collection by reimagining the spirit and magic of Mumbai right here in KL.

“Was it any different walking the Dior show than other runways you’ve experienced?” I ask.

“Yes, of course,” she replies with a smile. “The atmosphere, the stage, the production, the collaboration with Chanakya ateliers and the Chanakya Foundation… everything about this show was phenomenal. It made me feel like I was a part of fashion history walking for this show, in this location. And to be able to represent Malaysia, it means so much to me. I hope I can be an inspiration for everyone out there to continue to work towards your dreams.”

What does it mean to you personally to be involved in a show with so many models of Indian descent or heritage?
I feel proud that I am able to showcase part of my heritage and culture to the world. The Dior Fall ’23 show was my global runway debut and to experience a show that was centred around Indian heritage was a wonderful feeling. I got to meet so many Indian girls that were as excited as me to be walking for Dior. It felt historic.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Did the reality of walking at The Gateway of India have an effect on you emotionally?
It was an incredible feeling to walk at such a historical site. The Gateway of India was a sight to behold that evening. The air was fresh, you could smell the flowers from the rangoli design. It felt like The Gateway of India was my gateway to the world. I am so grateful that this was my global debut runway show. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Describe the backstage atmosphere at the show.

The air was electric, there was a lot of great energy from the models, crew, make-up artists, hairstylists—everyone. It was very inspiring to be in a space that I’ve only ever heard about. I think there were maybe 200 people backstage and everyone was so collaborative and on their A-game, which helped with the show running smoothly and on time. It was really amazing to see how everyone worked together and communicated efficiently. 

HOW IT BEGAN

Let’s go back to the start. Tell us about the selection process for the Dior Fall ’23 show.
The whole casting process was about a month long. [It involved a lot of] headshots that were sent to the Dior team. I was then shortlisted and was asked to briefly introduce myself to the team. They expressed interest in my Indian and Malay heritage, as they aimed to showcase the rich cultural influence in the collaboration with the renowned fashion house. So yeah, it took about a month of waiting by the phone, manifesting that I’ll get the job. And then I did! 

What went through your head when you were told you booked the show?
Oh my god, so many things. I was excited and slightly anxious because the show was going to happen around the time (my husband) Rami and I had planned a trip to Lisbon—to recce districts we’d like to live in. We were very determined to make sure I made it to Mumbai, so we had to shift some things around the show schedule. By the end of it, I was physically tired but it was so worth it!

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Just over a year after tying the knot on February 22, 2022 in Langkawi, Shikin Gomez and entrepreneur Rami Aladdin are now moving to Lisbon for the next chapter of their life together. “Since my career shifted to Europe mid-last year, I’ve been attracting a lot of interests (there),” adds Shikin, who turns 31 this July. “And so, I’m betting on myself—with the support of my wonderful partner, Rami—to continue this journey that I’ve started in Europe. Rami himself will also be expanding his software company, Twine Sdn Bhd, in Europe as his company has been gaining more clients.”

How is Europe treating you, career-wise? 

It has been an interesting ride so far. But I have to acknowledge that it is a completely different ballgame there. I have been booking some jobs, and I’ve been able to travel to a lot of cities around Europe such as Munich, Antwerp, Barcelona, Paris, Madrid, London… which is always eye-opening and fun. So I am excited for the future.

What would you say are the challenges you face there? 

I think in every career there will be challenges. For me, the types of challenges that I face may seem a little more superficial than others, but that is just the nature of the job. And so, the biggest challenge for me is to not give up on my dreams just because it got a little bit harder. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. 

THE PERFECT PARTNER

Tell us, what do you enjoy most about married life? 

Having a partner to experience life to the fullest with. Rami completes me in many ways. He is my anchor, when I am disconnected from the world, and my life vest in times when I’m drowning in self-doubt. And also having someone to depend on without any hidden agendas with their intentions. We are both happy for each other’s wins in life and we celebrate our individuality together. 

In one interview, your husband said he fell in love with you the moment you served him your nasi lemak. So what is the key to a great nasi lemak?
Haha! First of all, there were a lot more things that led him to fall in love with me, but I’m not going to lie, it did help! Second of all, the sambal is important. I actually got my mum’s help for that. I’ve tried to make my own, but it’s just not the same. My mom always makes a big batch of blended chillies, that’s a concoction of garlic and onions, that she keeps in her fridge at all times, and I took some home with me. The actual key is in the rice! I like my nasi lemak with a small bit of ginger and a good amount of onions in the rice. They add a certain kind of freshness and sweetness to it, that makes it yummy. And of course, the coconut milk with a pinch of salt. Wouldn’t be nasi lemak without the lemak from the coconuts!