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 FRIENDSHIPS
When it comes to female friendships, what do you look for?
NA: For me, what I look for in a friend is sincerity. The reason why is that it’s important to have someone who is friends with you because of YOU, and not only because of what you can offer them. At some point in life, you might stumble into something that is hard for you to bear so having someone to be there for you really helps.
And I feel it’s important to have someone who is trustworthy, someone who is willing to tell you the truth even when it’s hard to hear. It does help to keep you humble and grounded as a person.
S: For me, one of the main things that I look for when it comes to female friendships is realness. I appreciate anyone who keeps it real with me 24/7. There are very few people who will tell you the things you NEED to hear rather than what you WANT to hear. And I love having these types of people as friends because they keep me sane, brave, and humble. No sugar-coating, no drama, no lies. Just pure, genuine vibes–one that is not easily stained. It’s nice being around people who do not drain you, people who truly want to be around you for the person that you are and not who they want you to be. It’s exhausting to put on a mask all the time, so I look for people who I do not have to do that with.
