Fahimah Thalib (@fahmsie) is not your regular model. The breakout star of Vogue Singapore’s launch video series is actually a speech therapist by profession, and considers being able to help her patients find their voice and communicate her greatest accomplishment to date. “I’m also pretty proud of going viral for the Vogue Takes Off launch video though,” she tells us with a smile. Catching Thalib just as she ended a social media fast, we talked to the outspoken polymath about interesting ideas for a post-COVID world, what irks her the most on social media, and her most prized possessions.
Occupation: I’m a speech therapist; and a fashion model, sometimes.
First app you check when you wake up: WhatsApp and Instagram.
Describe your personal style with three hashtags: #modest #eclectic #feminine
What was your first Instagram post? A selfie with a mirror reflection effect, complete with (I think) the Valencia filter.
What was the last thing you saved on Instagram? I’ve been trying to listen to more podcasts recently so I saved this link from @hellocrazycat on seven inspiring podcast to help women shine in 2021 to discover new content.
Do you prefer posting on Stories or grid? Stories for the mundane stuff, the grid for the more kapow-wow gramworthy pictures.
Filter or #nofilter? #nofilter but lightly edited.
What pisses you off the most on social media? A toxic comments section and the bullying that ensues.
Best selfie trick: Look for natural lighting, and tilt your head or phone until you find your best angle.
Favourite filter: The AR filter by make-up artist @hindash. Great for enhancing a no make-up face.
Favourite editing apps: Snapseed.
Favourite accounts to follow on Instagram:
Humans of New York for interesting stories about everyday people (@humansofny), Trinny Woodall for fashion and styling content (@trinnywoodall), and Salma Hindy (@salma.hindy) for her comedy and psychotherapy content.
One idea/thought that you heard recently that you found interesting: I’ve been coming across thoughts and ideas on a post-COVID world, how people are reimagining healthcare, office spaces, education, etc, in the future. It is fascinating and daunting at the same time. It reminds me of this quote that the new illiterates are not those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot unlearn and relearn (I’m rephrasing here).
Style icons/inspirations: Nabila Kariem (@nabilahkariem), Marwa Biltagi (@mademoisellememe), and Imane Asry (@fashionwithfaith).
One style quote you live by: “Perfume is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion. It heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.”
Best beauty secret: Always remove your make-up at the end of the day, no matter how tired you feel.
Style pet peeve: Low rise pants with underwear showing. Like, why?
Last purchase you made: A weighted blanket to help me sleep better.
Lusting after right now: I wouldn’t mind a Mansur Gavriel pleated bucket bag or one of those quirky Furla crossbody bags with wild drawings.
Something you would never wear: Socks worn with slippers/sandals.
Most prized possession(s) in your closet: An indigo batik piece from my grandmother that my mum sewed into overlay pants, and the first piece of gold jewellery that I bought for myself: a gold ring with a Zultanite stone that changes colour in different lighting.
Last book you read? This is What Inequality Looks Like by Teo You Yenn
Last movie you saw? Pixar’s animation movie, Soul
Last thing you do before you go to bed? I say some prayers and I think about all the things I am grateful for on that day, until I fall asleep.
