WHEN SHIKIN GOMEZ WAS 15, SHE WAS TEASED FOR HER HEIGHT – HER SCHOOLMATES WOULD TAUNT HER WITH NAMES LIKE PANJANG. INSTEAD OF KEEPING QUIET, SHE WOULD TURN AROUND AND TELL THEM OFF, THAT THEY WERE UNFORTUNATE TO BE SHORT BUT SHE WAS AVERAGE ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS. TODAY, WITH THAT SAME SASSY ATTITUDE, SHE’S BEEN CROWNED THE RUNNER-UP OF ASIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL CYCLE 5. VASENTA SELVANAYAGAM GRABS THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS OUTSTANDING YOUNG WOMAN WHO HAS GONE AGAINST THE ODDS TO MAKE MALAYSIA PROUD.
THE JOURNEY UP FEMALE: HOW WERE YOUR GROWING UP YEARS LIKE?
SHIKIN: “When I was 15, I had to change schools because my parents shifted. So, from SMK Damansara Jaya (where the students were a li’l better), I moved to SMK Damansara Damai 1. I’m proud of the fact that English is my first language but the students here always referred to me sarcastically as the Melayu who spoke English. I was the new kid on the block who was thin, tall and carried the surname Gomez (my dad was a Christian). I was never really bothered about what the students said because I knew they had a different mentality but when they called me papan or panjang, I always turned back and told them off, that it’s really unfortunate that they are short and according to international standards, I’m average.”
F: WHAT SPARKED THE IDEA OF BECOMING A MODEL?
S: “On my 13th birthday, a friend gave me a book that narrated the life of a model. The book was filled with glitz and glamour. The model was travelling around the world in a private jet, going for shoots, walking on the red carpet… everything in that story was so beautiful. I then told myself that I wanted to be a model (at that age, you want to become anything you read!). Then I forgot about it until my friends who studied photography asked me to become their model. I did it as a favour and it felt great. I’m not a person who takes selfies but I didn’t mind people taking pictures of me and I liked how the pictures turned out.”
F: SO YOU’RE FINALLY A MODEL! HOW DID YOU MAKE THAT DREAM COME TRUE?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Finding Symbiosis From Within
The rise of pre- and probiotics in skincare has resulted in a beauty revolution like no other as they support skin's microbiome with their healing and nurturing properties. Take this time of self-reflection to learn which microbes would work well with your skin.
You With The Good Hair
For those of us who have a healthy, full head of hair, we might not realise how much we take it for granted. But there are others out there who don’t, and they find comfort and strength in knowing that a hairpiece or wig is there to make them feel beautiful. Sarah hani jamil talks to hairstylist and founder of hair menu wigs, david shaw on how the hair plays a big role in boosting self-esteem.
A Show of Hands
A Show of Hands
PUTTIN'ON THE SPRITZ
ONE WOMAN’S JOY CAN BE ANOTHER’S POISON BUT WHAT’S FOR CERTAIN IS THAT THE SAME SCENT MAY NOT SMELL ALIKE ON EVERY WOMAN. HERE ARE SOME CLASSIC FRAGRANCES THAT HAVE ENJOYED MORE THAN JUST A DAB SINCE THEIR LAUNCH MANY YEARS AGO, PLUS A SELECTION OF NEW SCENTS THAT POSSESS TIMELESS APPEAL.
STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD
AMIDST RUNNING HER OWN FASHION BRAND AND MANAGING MULTIPLE BUSINESS VENTURES, NOOR NEELOFA MOHD NOOR, OR POPULARLY KNOWN AS NEELOFA, ADDS ANOTHER FEATHER TO HER CAP – A COLLABORATION WITH INTERNATIONAL SHOE DESIGNER, GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI. SHE TELLS SARAH HANI JAMIL ALL ABOUT IT.
The Acid With Better Skin Benefits
Polyhydroxy acids are the new superstars of over-the-counter chemical exfoliants. They’re milder than their alpha-hydroxy acid cousins, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and nourish and protect in ways other acids don’t. Engracia ang investigates them.
Tales From The Hair Maestro
With over 35 years’ experience as a hairdresser, Ecru New York’s creative director, Lisa Lobosco is a notable trendsetter and style enthusiast. Nabila Azlan catches up with her during the brand’s launch in Kuala Lumpur via a partnership with shins.
Having The World At His Feet
His fancy footwear is favoured by the well-heeled the world over but despite his fame and recognition, Italian Designer Giuseppe Zanotti is as grounded as they come. He talks to Sarah Hani Jamil about his spring/summer 2020 collection in the living room of his swanky home in Milan over tea and pastries.
Aesthetics: Pros & Cons
It’s a face-off when it comes to botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers. Ng Yi Lian has no qualms about doing them, while kayce teo shuns all invasive aesthetic treatments. It’s about ageing gracefully, they both say. Where do you stand?
Why Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon Is Cut Out To Be A Winner!
With her sultry good looks, thirst for knowledge and a goal to help others, it’s easy to understand why Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon is cut out to be a winner. She talks to Sarah Hani Jamil about overcoming self-doubt, pushing past her limits and making a mark in the world.
