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.
Suganya wears coat dress by Emri Vision. Jewellery, all from Tiffany & Co.
ON STRONG BONDS
In your life, who do you have the strongest bond with? And why is that bond special to you?
NA: The strongest bond I have will always be with my family. My parents, who tried their best to raise us rebels, haha. My siblings, who can be annoying…but I know they will always have my back. I’m so so grateful that they are always there to support me in whatever I do. It doesn’t matter how hard life is, they are the reason why I keep pushing myself to do better. To be better. Yes, we do have days when we fight and not talk to each other but “air dicincang tak akan putus”. They are my life.
Not to forget my bestest friends (you know who you are). They were and will always be present when I need a place to rant or just when I need a hug. Nowadays, life does catch up on us and we can’t meet often but we know that it’ll be okay. I mean it’s funny how we can go days without talking but know that we will still be there for each other no matter what. Thank you, my loves *hugs*.
S: The special bond that I share with two of the most important people in my life right now would be my mum and my partner, Megen.
I am not even exaggerating when I tell you that my mum is my number one supporter. Ever since I could remember, my mum has always been by my side. Some of the decisions that I’ve made while growing up didn’t exactly turn out to be the right ones. I have found myself in really dark places, but amid all the wrongs and downs, my mum has never stopped believing in me. Not once. Even today, when I am working towards my dreams to become the woman that I aspire to be, with every brave step forward, if I ever find myself doubtful, I know I can always stop to look back and my mum is going to be standing right there believing in me.
As for my partner, he has always been my number one go-to person. He’s a huge support system and he always goes out of his way to keep me grounded. During the first few months as a new model, things were rather slow for me. I did not get as many opportunities for campaign shoots or runway shows, but Megen always reminded me to see the bigger picture. Despite his busy schedule and the multiple trips that he had to take from Perak to KL, he had always made sure to accompany me for most of my castings (although he had to wait outside, sometimes even for hours) and to be present for most of my shows. He makes the bad days a little better to get by. He is my safe place.
