Style Profile

This former Miss Universe Malaysia finalist is redefining the modern-age, girl-next-door look

Former Miss Universe Malaysia finalist, Nikita Menon shares about her rewarding journey being in the pageant and the sentiment behind some of her favourite jewellery pieces

Nikita Menon has plans. While scheduling appearances at events and doing an interview with Malaysia Tatler within the comforts of her home, Nikita laid out her plans on what she intended to do after finishing her studies in university. “I’m studying business but I love working with children, and I think it’s best to design a curriculum where school children could meet and spend time with students with special needs,” she shared, having witnessed firsthand how awareness on the differently abled has led to a more empathetic society.

With the spotlight on her as a beauty pageant candidate, was there pressure when it comes to exploring her personal style? “At first, yes. I felt as if I needed to look a certain way all the time, but then I realised that being yourself never goes out of fashion. Thanks also to the team I was working with, which encouraged me to let my personality shine. Entering the Miss Universe Malaysia 2019 competition, stylist Salmi Subri taught me a lot. She let me wear what I like and felt comfortable in.”

Trading a delicate sequined dress for a Guess ensemble and striking heels by Manolo Blahnik, Nikita is now more comfortable at showcasing her unbounded sense of fashion. “When I was younger, I didn’t know there was a limit to wearing a lot of accessories,” she says. “Sometimes the jewellery would contradict each other, like I would be pairing red earrings with a pink necklace that didn’t match. But I was so happy and proud of my younger self for experimenting with fashion.”