Model Elana Nair on finding her stride, embracing her roots, and the art of becoming.
Photography by Chuan Looi. Concept & art direction by Khairani Ramli. Styling & text by Abdul Aziz Draim. Elana Nair wears looks and accessories from the Ralph Lauren Collection Fall ’25.
Tweed jacket & matching skirt; jabot; and belt, from RALPH LAUREN COLLECTION.
Overcoming Hurdles
This understanding of human behaviour perhaps explains why Nair’s presence feels so authentic on camera and runway alike. She doesn’t simply wear clothes; she inhabits them, drawing from a well of influences that range from Yasmin Wijnaldum’s “effortless energy” to Yasmeen Ghauri’s “pure icon energy”, both of whom, along with Shalom Harlow and Mona Tougaard, she cites as her model muses. “Each of them have distinct energies, and I love pulling little pieces of inspiration from all of them while still figuring out how to make it my own,” she shares.
The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Her first professional runway experience with Bernard Chandran last year left lasting impressions—quite literally. “His shows are famously daunting, and let’s just say … I couldn’t even walk in my outfit, let alone strut. I still get PTSD every time I think about it. I’m still grateful (for the experience) nevertheless.” It’s this ability to find gratitude even in difficult moments that speaks to Nair’s resilience and growth mindset.
