ATIKAH KARIM

FASHION MODEL NEW YORK

What would you say was your greatest achievement by far that you are personally proud of?

I have worked with few fashion brands these past few years, such as Polo by Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, kate spade new york, and Jigsaw, but I would have to say that walking for the Kenzo Spring/Summer 2018 collection show in Paris was the highlight for me ‒ it was my first show in Paris, ever! Besides that, I was also one of the models featured in Diplo’s music video with Desiigner, ‘Suicidal’. That was something quite memorable for me as well in my career overseas.

It was the dawn of a new era for Malaysia during the General Elections back in May. As a Malaysian residing overseas, how do you think this “New Malaysia” affects you as a Malaysian, and in your career?

I feel that it’s still too soon to tell. The fashion industry is very small in Malaysia, in comparison to the other bigger ones in the country, and at this point, I’m not sure if there will be any changes for the fashion industry for the time being. Where I am right now in New York, modelling is a legit breadwinner, and you can build a career with it, whereas in Malaysia, the majority still thinks it’s not a good long term plan as a career.

What are your personal hopes and dreams for this “New Malaysia” in the coming days, months, or even years?

For the time being, there are no plans to head home any time soon for me. However, with the “New Malaysia” already in the works, one can only hope that it will somehow affect the fashion industry in the long run. Hopefully, it will become a better platform for the local talents to shine, as well as throw some limelight on the industry so that the public can appreciate this industry more, and thus, creating more and bigger opportunities for the talents that’s on par with the ones over here. It’s a long shot, of course, but I can only hope it will happen someday, and I can finally come home while still pertaining what I love to do most.

What do you miss most about Malaysia while overseas?

The food, obviously! Also, I do miss the comfortable and tropical lifestyle back home, especially in my hometown, Kota Kinabalu. Malaysians are probably going to hate me for saying this, but I do miss driving a car around! Over here, we don’t get to do that. We’d depend more on public transportation to get places most of the time.

"WITH THE “NEW MALAYSIA” ALREADY IN THE WORKS, ONE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT IT WILL SOMEHOW AFFECT THE FASHION INDUSTRY IN THE LONG RUN"