In a celebration that merges the spirit of community with the rich cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia, Vogue Singapore’s anniversary issue serves as a revelatory chronicle of the region’s ever-growing influence on the global fashion zeitgeist. Four models from across the region—each representing their own country—grace the cover in a symbiosis of subversive style and cultural appreciation, adorned in glistening designs from celebrated regional designers.
A mélange of identity and inclusion, where the sense of belonging resonates through each image, these models embody not only beauty but also serve as torchbearers of a cultural maelstrom—one where community thrives in a melting pot of stories, craft, and fresh creativity. Each photograph stands as a tribute to the abundant talent that Southeast Asia offers to the world.
With splashes of vibrancy, heritage, and artistic expression, this anniversary issue captures a modern tale of Southeast Asia’s offerings, illuminating the unique perspectives and talents that have emerged from the region. These creative manifestations now stand resplendently at the forefront of the global fashion landscape, challenging conventions and redefining sartorial boundaries. In that same vein, Vogue Singapore embraces all that glimmers and inspires, honouring the echoes of the past while showcasing a visionary narrative of representation and collective unity that celebrates the richness of diversity within the fashion realm.
Aslesha
For Aslesha, community means creating a space where everyone feels free to express who they truly are, without fear or judgment. Representing Singapore on the global fashion stage fills her with pride. “It’s an honour,” she shares with excitement. The Singaporean model believes representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s a form of resistance against erasure. Working closely with talented Southeast Asian designers, she’s confident that the region is ready to leave an indelible mark on global fashion. The unique cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia, she insists, holds a one-of-a-kind beauty that is just beginning to be appreciated worldwide.
What does community mean to you?
Community, to me, is about creating a safe space to express who you are—a place where you feel seen and heard, allowing you to thrive in whatever you choose to pursue. It’s about being free and empowered to fully embody who you are and what you stand for. For me, as a model, it’s about being part of a sisterhood that transcends boundaries, embraces inclusivity, and celebrates beauty.
How does it feel representing Singapore on a global stage?
Representing Singapore on a global stage is both an honour and a responsibility that fills me with immense fulfilment and joy. To me, it means carrying the pride of my roots with every step I take, whether through the fabrics I wear, the stories I tell, or the way I present myself to the world. In essence, it is my greatest pleasure, and I am excited to continue representing Singapore proudly and taking it to greater prominence on the global stage.
“To represent is to resist erasure.”
What does representation mean to you?
Representation, to me, is the celebration of individuality and an appreciation for everything that has shaped me and those who have come before me. It is a declaration that every identity and every story has value and deserves a space in the collective narrative. To represent is to resist erasure. I believe it is a validating and powerful tool that can drive equality in our world.
What, in your opinion, does Southeast Asia have to offer on a global fashion platform?
In my career thus far, I’ve had the privilege of working with many young, talented Southeast Asian designers. I’ve witnessed first-hand the ingenuity of their creations and how the richness of our cultures is reflected in their work. Additionally, the beauty of Southeast Asian models is incomparable and rare to find elsewhere in the world. I believe we have what it takes to leave a lasting and profound impact on the global fashion platform. It’s our time to shine.
What was going through your mind shooting this cover?
It was a truly surreal and humbling experience; I was taking in every moment. I felt pride in relentlessly pursuing this dream of mine, yet I was filled with deep gratitude for the opportunity, the creative team, and my support system that encouraged me daily and pushed me toward my dreams. My hope is that through this cover, people are inspired to pursue their dreams fearlessly. I believe there is still a long way to go and more ways to develop myself to elevate my career, but above all, I am grateful.
Suganya
From Malaysia, Suganya views community as a powerful force that transcends boundaries. For her, it’s all about shared purpose and belonging. “It’s about supporting one another and making everyone feel like they belong,” she explains. Representing her country on a global stage is a dream come true—a surreal accomplishment that reminds her of how far she’s come in her journey through fashion. This milestone is about more than just breaking new ground; it’s about amplifying the voices of those often overlooked. She’s particularly passionate about the rich cultural heritage and inclusivity Southeast Asia offers to the global fashion stage, drawing inspiration from designers like Biyan and Ghostboy. “Blending these worlds is truly a remarkable achievement,” she reflects.
What does community mean to you?
To me, community means a group of people coming together to work towards a common purpose. It doesn’t matter what colour, race, religion, or background they come from; as long as they can support one another and foster a sense of belonging, love, and care, that’s what community is all about. Especially in today’s fashion scene, a strong community has the power to unite and provide young creatives with platforms to express themselves—now that’s a powerful way to be recognised!
How does it feel representing Malaysia on a global stage?
I don’t think I’ve ever represented my country for something this huge! Saying I’m happy would be an understatement; I’m beyond exhilarated! At the same time, I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. If you told me three years ago, when I first started modelling, that I’d be gracing the cover of Vogue this early, I would have probably laughed it off. But here I am, about to hold my very own copy, and it all feels surreal!
“It doesn’t matter what colour, race, religion, or background they come from; as long as they can support one another and foster a sense of belonging, love, and care, that’s what community is all about.”
What does representation mean to you?
To me, representation is about including a diverse group of individuals who are seen, heard, and valued in society. It’s not just about including people who look different; it’s about embracing individuals with varied opinions, beliefs, experiences, and identities, ensuring their realities are portrayed in the best possible way.
What, in your opinion, does Southeast Asia offer on a global fashion platform?
Oh, definitely culture and inclusivity! I love when designers incorporate their deep-rooted culture into their pieces while accommodating marginalised communities that are often overlooked. Some of my personal favourites are ‘Biyan’ and ‘Ghostboy‘ for their commitment to culture and inclusivity. I also find it stunning how fabrics and materials widely used in Asia are blended into modern pieces, all while keeping that cultural touch. This blend shows that innovation in Southeast Asia has paved the way for many trends in the past, and honestly, you can’t find that anywhere else!
Tell us about your experience shooting the cover with Vogue Singapore.
The entire 12-hour shoot felt like a dream! From the moment I stepped on set, I was in great hands. Learning about the whole concept—from the vision to the moodboard, down to the selection of models—blew my mind! The storyline of the October issue was so carefully curated, and I’m glad to be a part of it. Being on the cover of Vogue has always been a distant dream of mine, simply because I still feel like a newbie in this industry. To be recognised so early and given the opportunity to grace the cover this soon—if I could relive one day, it would definitely be this!
Clarita
Indonesia’s Clarita finds her sense of community in the bonds formed through mutual support and collaboration. Representing her country in this Vogue Singapore cover shoot beckons a moment of gratitude and reflection. “It’s been an incredible journey,” she shares. For Clarita, Southeast Asia’s blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics offers a wealth of inspiration, and she is eager to share this with the world. Looking ahead, Clarita believes that the international fashion scene is just beginning to recognise the unique artistry and rich cultural heritage the region brings.
What does community mean to you?
To me, community is about people coming together, sharing vibes, and supporting each other. It’s about building relationships and creating a sense of togetherness.
How does it feel representing Indonesia on a global stage?
I feel honoured and thankful for the opportunity to represent Indonesia on this project. Interacting and collaborating with people from other countries was amazing. It’s always wonderful to connect with individuals from different backgrounds.
“It’s about ensuring everyone gets a chance to be heard and seen.”
What does representation mean to you?
Representation means showcasing diverse voices and backgrounds; it’s about ensuring everyone gets a chance to be heard and seen. Representation matters because it helps everyone feel included and shows that all opinions count.
What does Southeast Asia offer on a global fashion platform?
Southeast Asia offers unique craftsmanship and represents diverse cultural influences. It boasts a mix of traditional and modern styles, making it a rich source of inspiration for global fashion. There’s also significant room for growth in the Southeast Asian fashion scene, which makes it even more exciting.
What was going through your mind shooting this cover?
I felt excitement and enthusiasm to see how the project would turn out. Being on the cover of Vogue is definitely one of the highlights of my modelling journey, and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity.
Tu Anh
For Tu Anh, the concept of community has taken on new meaning in the digital age. Social media has allowed her to connect with people from all corners of the world, forging bonds across borders. Representing Vietnam, especially after winning The Face Vietnam, is both a responsibility and an honour. “It’s about showcasing Vietnamese talent and creativity to a global audience,” she says. Tu Anh is also excited about the rapid growth of Southeast Asia’s fashion industry, particularly in Singapore, which she sees as a rising fashion hub. This cover shoot signifies more than just a career highlight for her; it embodies a celebration of community that she hopes will resonate with and inspire her supporters back home.
What does community mean to you?
As a member of Gen Z, I think communication plays a vital role in our lives. In this modern era, social media connects people worldwide, making community an effective way to showcase our image to our audience. Having a supportive community can even influence a client’s decision to book you, so everyone should have their own community.
How does it feel representing Vietnam on a global stage?
I feel incredibly grateful to represent Vietnam to a global audience. Being the winner of The Face Vietnam and supported by my mother agency, ‘beU Models’, has given me a fantastic platform to develop my modelling career. I will do my best to represent the best image of Vietnamese models and fashion to the world.
“I think communication plays a vital role in our lives.”
What does representation mean to you?
When you’re chosen to represent something, it means you’ve gained people’s trust. Your responsibility is to live up to that and not let people down. I feel so proud to represent Vietnamese models to a global audience this time.
What, in your opinion, does Southeast Asia offer on a global fashion platform?
As a young model, I believe that in order to go global, I must build my image not only in Vietnam but also in regional markets. The Southeast Asian fashion market, especially in Singapore, is growing rapidly with the presence of global fashion brands, giving young models like me a significant opportunity to develop our international careers. That’s why I plan to work in the Singapore market in the near future, and I firmly believe that if I do well, I can expand my community in the Southeast Asian market soon.
Tell us about your experience shooting the cover with Vogue Singapore.
It’s truly wonderful—a dream come true for me to participate in this cover shoot for Vogue Singapore, especially when I had the chance to work with models from other countries to promote such a meaningful topic about community. Working with such a professional and thoughtful team at Vogue Singapore provided me with a great experience. I knew I had to try my best to deserve such a significant opportunity. Thank you so much again, and I can’t wait to share the cover with my community in Vietnam.
Photography Nelson Chong
Styling Desmond Lim
Movement director Jane Nah
Set designer Arendayen Abegail Loreno
Producer David Bay
Make-up Kat Zhang
Hair Yuhi Kim using DunGüd and Woorailoora
Manicure Rebecca Chuang
Videographer Natalie Dykes
Photographer’s assistants Bernard Chong, Saiful Azwan, and Marcus Cheong
Stylist’s assistants Claire Tsumura, Helaine Ercia, Lance Aeron Pielago, Shruti Balaji, Naina Goenka, and Nurul Firdousee
Hair assistant Dorcas Yam
Make-up assistant Sophia
Models Huynh Tu Anh, Aslesha Williams, Clarita, and Suganya
The October anniversary ‘Community’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available online and in-store from 4 October 2024.
