Colour Outside the Lines
Tatler Malaysia|August 2022
For our diversity and inclusion issue, models Sonya Danita Charles and Vanizha Vasanthanathan talk about inspiring others
Aaron Pereira
Colour Outside the Lines

Despite celebrating multiculturalism, Malaysia and Malaysians sometimes neglect to see a subtle yet dangerous form of discrimination: the lack of visibility and access for dark-skinned people, particularly Malaysian Indians. Be it their appearance in commercials or television shows, or trying to rent properties, this segment of society has it tougher than most in the country. Of course, that doesn’t mean that they can’t make it big in their respective fields, as our cover stars Vanizha Vasanthanathan and Sonya Danita Charles have proven. Both have learnt to embrace their beauty against the odds, and gained recognition for themselves and their community, thanks to their success on various catwalks, billboards and campaigns.

Vasanthanathan has been open about her low self-esteem and the bullying she received growing up, based on the colour of her skin. Meanwhile, Charles, who was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of eight, was also teased and mocked for her appearance.

“Growing up, I didn’t see people like me in advertisements and billboards; that was one of the driving forces behind me starting my modelling career,” says Vasanthanathan of her decision to pursue modelling full-time. “It’s more than the glamour, or becoming famous, and having more followers or likes: I truly want to represent people like me in this industry.”

Bu hikaye Tatler Malaysia dergisinin August 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Tatler Malaysia dergisinin August 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

TATLER MALAYSIA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
DEBUNKING DIET MYTHIS
Tatler Malaysia

DEBUNKING DIET MYTHIS

Nutritionist Lee Zhi Ling built her social media following with approachable healthy lifestyle tips

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025
MONEY TALKS
Tatler Malaysia

MONEY TALKS

Financial planner Aisya Rahman, shares how to start those crucial finance conversations with your future spouse

time-read
5 dak  |
January 2025
OUT OF HIS HANDS
Tatler Malaysia

OUT OF HIS HANDS

Meet Chris Leong, the Malaysian Tit Tar sensation who has captivated millions all over the world

time-read
6 dak  |
January 2025
ASIA RISING
Tatler Malaysia

ASIA RISING

ASIA RISING Tatler Best of Asia debuted with two days of extraordinary celebrations at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, spotlighting the region’s brightest talents and most exceptional establishments through awards, talks and immersive experiences

time-read
3 dak  |
January 2025
Behind the Scent
Tatler Malaysia

Behind the Scent

In conversation with Guerlain’s master perfumer Thierry Wasser, we dive into the alchemy behind the L’Art & La Matière collection, exploring how each scent tells a story of raw materials transformed into olfactory masterpieces

time-read
4 dak  |
January 2025
Bevond Blood Sugar
Tatler Malaysia

Bevond Blood Sugar

Consultant cardiologist Datuk Dr Rosli Mohd Ali of Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) breaks down the biggest myths about diabetes

time-read
4 dak  |
January 2025
Fortune's Feast
Tatler Malaysia

Fortune's Feast

Explore the rich symbolism behind the colourful ingredients of yee sang, a dish that brings joy, prosperity, and unity to the Lunar New Year table

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025
Excellence Through Values
Tatler Malaysia

Excellence Through Values

Sunway International Schools (SIS) combines academic excellence with a values-driven education-fostering intellectual growth, emotional resilience and ethical leadership through a holistic approach that prepares students to excel in life, school and society

time-read
3 dak  |
January 2025
A Grip on Grief
Tatler Malaysia

A Grip on Grief

From suppressing grief to dealing with loss: How Sangeeta Sidhu’s journey shaped her approach to mental healthcare

time-read
4 dak  |
January 2025
Time and Torque
Tatler Malaysia

Time and Torque

Richard Mille and McLaren continue their celebrated partnership with the RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren WI, a timepiece that blends highperformance watchmaking with the design and engineering prowess of a supercar

time-read
2 dak  |
January 2025