00:00 Meet Malaysia's very own supermodel, Vaniza Vasantanadan.
00:13 This local talent has made history as the first Malaysian Indian to grace the cover
00:17 of Vogue.
00:18 Debuting in Vogue Singapore's anniversary October issue, Vaniza now joins the company
00:24 of fashion legends like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, who have adorned the pages of this
00:29 iconic fashion magazine.
00:32 Vaniza recently caught up with FMT Lifestyle to spill the beans on her achievements and
00:38 the journey that brought her here.
00:41 So like for me, the day I started modelling, it was always has been like, I want to do
00:49 this for my people.
00:51 I want to represent my country because I don't see anyone who looks like me to represent
00:57 internationally and even locally.
00:59 Vaniza has earned international acclaim, turning heads at Milan Fashion Week last year and
01:05 featuring on billboards globally for Sephora's beauty campaign in 2019.
01:12 Now 30, Vaniza began her modelling career eight years ago in Kuala Lumpur when a fashion
01:18 student approached her for a project.
01:20 A photographer spotted her during the show and the rest is history.
01:26 While Vaniza exudes confidence with every pose today, she admits it hasn't always been
01:31 this way.
01:32 At the beginning of my career, I was very reserved person.
01:39 Definitely I was not confident about myself, my colour, my height, because growing up I
01:45 felt like, you know, like, fair is beautiful.
01:51 Because our society was like that.
01:53 So only when I started my modelling career, I would say like modelling career changed
01:59 my life, changed the way I see myself.
02:02 And it gave me that confidence.
02:05 Celebrated for her rich complexion, Vaniza stands as a rarity in the Southeast Asian
02:11 modelling scene, actively challenging contemporary beauty standards.
02:15 Before the Sephora campaign came out, I was going through a lot with my life and so I
02:23 was at my lowest.
02:25 And when Sephora campaign came out, and, you know, there's this one girl like messaged
02:30 me and told me like, you know, finally I see someone who looks like me on a billboard.
02:35 I think that's the reason why I'm into this full time because I want to give my 101%.
02:43 It's clear that this is only the beginning for Vaniza and may she inspire many more such
02:48 talents from our country.
02:49 Divya Raghu, FMT Live.
02:51 (upbeat music)
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