Photography by Hazmiljapilus. Styling by Abdul Aziz Draim. Suganya and Nina Amin wear Tiffany Lock bracelets and assorted jewellery from Tiffany & Co. throughout.
Comrade in arms Nina Amin and Suganya of The Models Lab KL lead us into a brand new year with our digital cover editorial for the month of January 2023. Bangsar-born Nina Amin, now 27, began modelling at the tender age of 16 and has since lent her serene beauty and elegance to beauty campaigns for brands the likes of Duck Cosmetics, and Young And Glow, as well as fashion campaigns for labels the likes of Mimpi Kita, Lilit, Jovian Mandagie, and Anaabu, the latter of which she is a mainstay. (She even came to the shoot looking chic in the brand's Ireng skants).
Newer to the industry, in a short time Penang lass Suganya, 25, has already established herself as a favourite for high fashion editorials and runway presentations thanks to her sharp features, strong walk and natural affinity for creating dramatic poses. Now residing in Perak as she pursues a bachelor’s degree, her diehard commitment to her vocation was evident as she boarded the 5 am train from Perak to Kuala Lumpur to make it for our shoot, all fresh-faced and energised.
Ready to embrace the new year, the two talented models talk to BAZAAR as they take us through their personal modelling journeys, their hopes for 2023 and the strong bonds that define who they are today.
On Nina Amin: dress, Afiq M. On Suganya: romper, Nurita Harith. Jewellery, all from Tiffany & Co.
ON MODELLING
What attracted you to try out modelling?
NA: After trying it out a few times, I think what attracts me most about modelling is how I get to meet new people. The designers, photo/videographers, MUAs, hairstylists, editors, stylists, models, clients and (production) teams. To see how their creative minds work is always a blessing. I’m always in awe of the time and effort that they put in to turn their vision into reality. I’m always grateful to be able to be a part of it.
S: Ever since I was young, I realised I never really fitted in a crowd. At only 12 years old, I was already standing at 161 cm tall, which is not a common height for most young Indian girls in Malaysia. I was also completely attracted to any idea that was bold, bizarre, and different. I used to grow up watching a lot of ’90s runway shows on YouTube and found fashion magazines intriguing. These ’90s models that were an inspiration to me did not only appear brilliant and charming, but they also exuded a very strong, powerful, and charismatic aura.
I knew then that deep inside of me, I too wanted to grace these international runways with my presence someday. I too wanted to be the face of multiple magazine covers, I too wanted to become like these strong, powerful women. And so, I knew that a new journey was set to begin for that young Suganya.
