How a model beats low self-esteem
In March, she spread her wings to China as she landed a gig at China Fashion Week and modelled for renowned designers like Eve Cina, Chen Wen and Jiwenbo.
Since then, the fashion world has opened up more doors for her to shine in the industry.
Recently, she did a campaign for Malaysian designer Farah Khan where the latter’s collection of painting-inspired couture pieces were exhibited at Halcyon Gallery in London.
A stunning snapshot of her donning a dress inspired by Henri Matisse’s art was featured on Vogue.com.
BOOST Of SELF-ESTEEM
Observing Vanizha’s style and confidence in strutting her stuff, one may think she is natural born talent who has always been eyeing a spot in the fashion limelight.
However, modelling only came into the picture when she turned 20 — after she eventually managed to overcome her low self-esteem.
“I was spotted and hired for a modelling gig when I was doing my final year in multimedia studies at Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College. I modelled for a fashion designing student for her final year project, and that was how my career started,” says Vanizha, the youngest of four children of N. Vasanthanathan and M. Sarathambal.
“I struggled with low self-esteem throughout my school years because of the way I look. I stood out in the crowd because I was that odd, lanky girl.
“I thought I was adopted because my skin is the darkest compared to all my family members. At school, some students used to call me names like ‘Darlie toothpaste’ or ‘coconut tree’.
“I used to cry a lot because of that. It turned me into a quiet and timid person,” admits Vanizha.
Her interest in modelling sparked after she watched the first season of America’s Next Top Model when she was nine years old.
“I was inspired and started to feel good about myself and the way I look after watching that series which feature aspiring models in all shapes and sizes and skin colour. It makes me realise that it’s all right to be different.
“I felt good about myself when I did my first fashion gig in college,” says Vanizha, adding that she looks up to Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell. On the local front, she adores models Kavitha Sidhu, Tanuja Ananthan and Lakshmi Appadorai.
DANCE ODYSSEY
Vanizha started dancing first before she dived into modelling. She signed up to learn Indian classical dance at the Sutra Dance Theatre at 15. Her first big stage performance as an Odissi dancer was in Ganjam at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur in 2015.
“I fell in love with Indian classical dance, especially Bharatanatyam, after watching performances in temples. My parents tried to get me into sports like basketball due to my height. But dancing has always been my passion. It’s my first love,” she says, adding that with her physique, she was advised by her teacher to switch from Bharatanatyam to Odissi.
Besides boosting her confidence, dancing has helped her maintain a high stamina for modelling.
“Walking the runway in heels is not as easy as most people think. Dancing helps me maintain my stamina, flexibility as well as good posture,” says Vanizha who is set to rock the China Fashion Week again next month.
WISE CHOICE
It is a challenge for the beauty to juggle her time between modelling and dancing. But her passion for both keeps her going.
“I can’t choose between the two because I love dancing as much as I love modelling.
“My passion keeps me motivated to do my best. It’s a matter of getting your priorities right, and making wise choices,” says Vanizha who dreams about catwalking at the three major Fashion Weeks and starting her own modelling agency.
“For instance, I had to make a decision between China Fashion Week and touring India with the dance group. That was a tough one but at that time, I chose to model because it’s important to beef up my portfolio.”
Her advice for aspiring models?
“In modelling, you have to grab whatever opportunities that come your way. Just go for that first test shoot. Don’t feel bad when you don’t make it because good things will come eventually with patience and perseverance. I was rejected many times but I never gave up.
“Most importantly, don’t feel down if you’re different from the rest. Embrace your uniqueness and do what you love.”
Don’t feel down if you’re different from the rest. mbrace your uniqueness and do what you love. Vanizha Vasanthanathan