Get To Know The Fresh Models Faces On FEMALE's August 2024 Cover
They’re all set for their close-ups.
Introducing nine Gen Z models who fuel our passion for discovering and supporting fresh faces in Singapore with their looks, style, personality and promise.
MATTIEAS WAN
Mattieas wears wool knit cardigan, cotton shirt, wool-blend pants and Tiger Pointy leather shoes, Onitsuka Tiger. Socks, stylist’s own
Name: Mattieas Wan
Preferred pronouns: They/them
Age: 17
Ethnicity: “Danish and Peranakan Singaporean. My mom is Danish and my dad Singaporean. I was born in Singapore and lived here until I was eight, when we moved indefinitely to Denmark, coming back only to visit.”
Agency: Upfront Models
How they was discovered: “My dad is childhood friends with the owner of Upfront Models and he had been mentioning for a while to my dad about how he thought I could be a model. In June of 2024, I decided to take him up on the offer.”
Mattieas wears nylon top and matching pants; and calf leather belt, Prada. Bracelets, Mattieas’s own
First modelling job: “This editorial job with FEMALE”
If they weren’t a model: “Nothing would change.”
Any other profession? “I am a high school student who’s starting my third and last year after the summer break.”
Interests and hobbies: “I have a bunch. I very much like to do whatever I feel like and this can range from poetry and songwriting to chess and watching YouTube videos about a social issue that’s on my mind.”
Passion or pragmatism? “Passion. Hands Down. I feel that what’s pragmatic is often dictated by the ruling class to serve its interests and doesn’t align with how I want to live my life. I’ve never been the type of person to allow others to dictate what I do.”
ELIZABETH LAURA KONG
Beth wears Twisted T-Shirt cotton dress, Balenciaga
Name: Elizabeth Laura Kong, or “Laura Beth or Beth”
Preferred pronouns: She/They
Age: 19
Ethnicity: “Chinese (it’s complicated) born and raised in Singapore!”
Agency: Misc. Management
How she was discovered: “When I was 14, I accompanied a friend to an open casting by Misc – when the agency went by a different name. I got selected, but since I was primarily there to offer my friend emotional support and it was during a period when I was settling into a new school after a transfer, I turned down the offer. In 2022, another friend made a passing comment that I should give modelling a try and since I had by then grown significantly taller, I decided to attend a few more open castings including eventually one by Misc. I was kind of nervous since I had turned it down before, but I was warmly welcomed and I accepted the offer this time as I personally felt that the agency’s values align with mine.”
First modelling job: “A project for a student from Lasalle College of the Arts that was shot in April this year”
Model goals: “To one day become a Victoria’s Secret Angel. I still have a long way to go, but I’ll get there.”
If she weren’t a model: “I would probably be a tattoo artist.”
Any other profession? “I will be starting my first semester as a fine arts student at the University of the Arts Singapore this year.”
READ MORE: Career File: Singapore Model Nicole Liew
Interests and hobbies: “In my free time, I love to bake; play The Sims 4; make Pinterest boards while listening to music; paint and read up about oriental fishkeeping even though I don’t own any fish.”
What she’s most passionate about: “I love, love, love animals. I could go on for hours talking about my favourite animals, which are cats and oriental fish.”
Her passion for fashion: “I actually am part of the goth subculture! I love all things dark and have a closet full of black clothes. I’ve not worn colour in many years and, on some days, I like to put on a full face of traditional goth makeup and tease my hair to make it big like a bat’s nest. Looking like a vampire is my goal.”
Passion or pragmatism? “I think it is important to balance the two. Passion is important for making things happen, but it is also very important to be realistic and to stay grounded. A dream is nothing if there is no plan to make it happen.”
AVANDITHLAKAN RAVI
Avan wears cotton denim shirt and matching shorts; and Speedy 25 coated canvas bag, Louis Vuitton
Name: Avandithlakan Ravi, or Avan
Preferred pronouns: He/him
Age: 23
Ethnicity: Indian
Agency: Basic Models Management
How he was discovered: “I went through the Basic Academy modelling course by Basic this year and was signed upon completing it.”
His first modelling job: “This editorial”
His favourite model: “Narman Narnolia for his perseverance – despite facing numerous rejections from agencies when starting out, he kept on trying. His dedication and resilience are inspiring – a strong attitude that I aspire to have too.”
If he weren’t a model: “I would be pursuing a job in the engineering field – probably something along the robotics line.”
READ MORE: Layla Ong Shares The Lessons She’s Learned As A Model So Far
Any other profession? “I am a final-year mechanical engineering student at the Nanyang Technological University.”
How he describes himself: “I am a fitness enthusiast who enjoys running long distances and lifting weights regularly. I run and strength train three times a week each. I also have developed an obsession for cheese and after trying many varieties, I’ve discovered that gorgonzola is my favourite.”
What he’s most passionate about: “For now, I would say it’s exercising. I hope to continue my passion for fitness by regularly exercising six days a week and eating healthy.”
His passion for fashion: “I’ve always been interested in wearing stylish clothes, but being severely overweight growing up made it difficult to find clothes that fit me… After losing weight during national service, I started trying on more styles and, as my confidence grew, I even pierced my ears and have been experimenting with jewellery. This all has made me even more enthusiastic about fashion.”
Passion or pragmatism? “Pragmatism helps me set realistic goals while passion provides the drive to persist through failures and keep striving.”
ALEKHYA DANTULURI
Alekhya wears cotton hoodie, cotton T-shirt (layered under hoodie), sequinned silk skirt and Mexico 66 SD leather sneakers, Onitsuka Tiger. Socks, stylist’s own
Name: Alekhya Dantuluri
Preferred pronouns: She/her
Age: 20
Ethnicity: Indian Hindu
Agency: Basic Models Management
How she was discovered: “I went for Basic’s open casting three times, but couldn’t commit to the schedule of its accompanying modelling course the first two times. Now that I finally have been able to this year and debuted – yay!”
Alekhya wears Fantasy tweed cropped top with jewelled buttons, and matching pants with tie belt (sold together); cashmere beanie with satin bow; metal earrings; metal necklace with glass and rhinestones; and metal jewelled belt with glass and resin, Chanel
Her first modelling job: “A beautiful showcase of clothes made by alumni of Lasalle College of the Arts for an international men’s magazine here.”
If she weren’t a model: “I would pursue a job in accounting and take up a course in English literature with the aim of teaching it to kids when I’m old.”
Any other profession? “I’m doing my Bachelor’s degree in commerce because I love accounting.”
READ MORE: Model Mary Jacob, 17, Aims To Be Recognised For Talent, Not Just As A Diversity Hire
How she describes herself: “People assume that I’m a very quiet person, but once you get to know me, I’m a total yapper. I’m a huge fan of cricket and never fail to miss a match. Additionally, I love singing and watching movies is my favourite pastime.”
The most extreme thing she’s done for her passion: “Recently, I flew all the way to Chennai, India, for a week for a cricket match. It’s one of the biggest tournaments in the scene and it took so much convincing for my parents to allow me to go.”
Passion or pragmatism? “Being practical helps me make smart decisions while my passion drives me to pursue what I love with enthusiasm and creativity. I’m modelling solely out of passion.”
CHLOE BOLT
Chloe wears chambray cotton denim jumpsuit, and Vlogo Easyjog calfskin and fabric sneakers, Valentino
Name: Chloe Bolt
Preferred pronouns: She/her
Age: 21
Ethnicity: “British-Chinese, born and raised in Singapore”
Agency: Basic Models Management
How she was discovered: “When I was 15 years old, I had ideas of pursuing modelling, but because I had my ‘O’-level examinations and was still quite young, I held off auditioning until I was 17. In 2020, Basic Models had an open casting call and I decided to give it a shot. I remember not having my hopes up because the height requirement that year was 168cm and I am only 166cm-tall. I also wasn’t the most confident at the time. Miraculously, head booker Bonita saw potential in me and I ended up debuting in January 2021. It’s been three years since and I have grown so much as an individual. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else.”
Her first modelling job: “It was for an e-commerce brand in February 2021. This shoot with Female is my first fashion editorial.”
READ MORE: Singapore Model Eng Ke Qing Made Her Runway Debut At The Dries Van Noten Show
Her model goals: “Scoring a beauty campaign job and asolo magazine cover.”
If she weren’t a model: “I’d be a singer.”
Any other profession? “I just enrolled into university and am about to embark on my first year studying accounting and finance. A comment I get a lot is that my job and field of study are really different, but I can’t help that these are two things I really enjoy!”
How she describes herself: “I am free-spirited and always choose to protect my peace. I am also quite a private and introverted person, and prefer to keep my friend circle small and close. Three things I value most are empathy, being genuine and a good sense of humour.”
Her interests and hobbies: “My favourite hobby is playing video games. I am a homebody so my ideal Friday night is online gaming with my friends and I’m hoping to start Twitch streaming too!”
Passion or pragmatism? “Both are equally important to me, but I also believe that passion makes everything possible… My mother has always said that one can accomplish anything as long as you put your mind to it. I keep that close to my heart.”
DANIEL GOLDMAN
Daniel wears Neo-racing calfskin jersey top, wool and mohair canvas pants, and Collier de Chien 50 calfskin belt with lacquered metal studs, Hermes
Name: Daniel Goldman
Preferred pronouns: He/him
Age: 16
Ethnicity: “I am European Latino with a Uruguayan mum and a Hungarian dad. I moved to Singapore as a baby when my dad was attending the Insead business school here. My family liked this country so much that we decided to stay – I was raised here and am now a permanent resident.”
Agency: Basic Models Management
How he was discovered: “I got discovered on May 31 this year when I went to the open casting for Basic Models.”
His first modelling job: “A catalogue shoot for a local label in early July. This editorial is my first shoot with a magazine.”
READ MORE: Singapore Male Model Srri Ramm Makes Runway Debut At Jacquemus
Any other professions? “I am also a grade 10 student at the United World College of Southeast Asia.”
His interests and hobbies: “My main hobby at the moment is learning about Forex trading.”
What he’s most passionate about: “Right now it’s self-improvement. This includes going to the gym, working on my skin and eating healthier.”
His passion for fashion: “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had different fashion phases – hypebeast, UK streetwear, lounge wear. Recently though, I’ve gravitated towards the old money look, which I think best expresses the impression I’d like to make on others.”
Passion or pragmatism? “Passion is what drives the heart to exceed.”
EVA MAE ELLISON
Eva wears cashmere sweater and matching jogger pants; and Lupo calf leather boots, Loro Piana
Name: Eva Mae Ellison
Preferred pronouns: She/her
Age: “Almost 14 years old”
Ethnicity: “My dad is black and my mum is white. I was born in the UK, but moved overseas when I was two years old as both my parents are international school teachers. My family has lived in Asia for the past 11 years now, starting in Beijing, then Indonesia and now Singapore.”
Agency: Upfront Models
How she was discovered: “Having done a tiny bit of modelling when I was much younger, I discussed doing it again with my mum. She made some inquiries with Upfront then went to its open casting. I was so excited to sign with them.”
Why model? “As a teenager, I really want to be more responsible and independent. I also enjoy modelling because it offers me new experiences even though being on set can be tiring and quite demanding… I am still very new to this and learning all the time, but I love it so far.”
Eva wears polyester knit top, cotton-blend pants and Wrestlia MT leather sneakers, Onitsuka Tiger
Her first modelling job: “For a kid’s clothes brand in Beijing after I was spotted in a magazine article about kids in the city when I was six years old. I remember modelling dresses – lots of pretty party dresses!”
Her favourite model: “I don't have a favourite model, but I do believe it’s important to see diversity in modelling. Models should represent different backgrounds, skin colours, hair types and body shapes because they are role models for others.”
Any other professions? “I will start the new school year as an MYP Grade 8 student in an IB international school in Singapore.”
Her interests and hobbies: “Drawing and painting, digital art, and video making and editing. I also love performing in middle school theatre productions and playing volleyball, and just did my first five-kilometre run in Singapore with my mum – something I want to do again and improve on.”
Passion or pragmatism? “This was a difficult question to answer, but I think I’d choose passion. If you have passion for something, it means you are interested in it and will be dedicated and want to do your very best.”
YVON SAOIRSE HAN
Von wears lambskin coat and matching pants; and calfskin boots, Hermes
Name: Yvon Saoirse Han (“Professionally, I go by Von.”)
Preferred pronouns: “I’m nonbinary. I am okay with any pronouns.”
Age: 21
Ethnicity: “Burmese-Chinese. I was born in Myanmar, but came to Singapore when I was five years old for education and am a Singaporean.”
Agency: Misc. Management
How she was discovered: “I had sent a casting request to Misc previously then bumped into its head booker Tim at an event in December two years ago and had a chat with him. Fast forward to earlier this year when I did my first runway show as an unsigned model and he was there again, this time telling me: ‘We’ll see you soon in one to two months’ time’. I remember jumping for joy… I officially signed with Misc on May 10 this year.”
Why model: “My mother has always wanted to model, but never had the chance to and – because I love my mum more than anything else – I decided to embark on this journey in her place… My passion to progress in new ventures has led me to take this career more seriously than I had initially intended to.”
Her first modelling job: “My first project as a model was with the local photographer Joseph Koh, who shot me for Damnsel, his book and series celebrating women empowerment through fashion.”
If she weren’t a model: “I would be a doctor, helping people through their mental health struggles.”
Any other professions? “I am currently doing my internship that involves working with high-risk children, behavioural analysis and curating programmes to help them overcome their struggles. I am also a year two student in university, doing my bachelors degree with a double major in psychology and criminology.”
READ MORE: A Model Face To Watch: Chloe Lau
Her interests and hobbies: “One of my favourite things to do is indulge in a good book somewhere quiet or by the river at Esplanade. It’s a very personal and safe space for me to get more in-tune with my emotions... I also really like playing pool and billiards, video games and chess. I’m not exactly the best at pool because my dad one-ups me at it, but I am improving slowly. For video games, I grew up with two older brothers so I am a natural at any game I pick up. And as for chess, in truth I am secretly a chess master.”
What she’s most passionate about: “I am passionate about learning. I have been an avid non-fiction reader since I was six years old. Lately, I have been interested in marine biology. I find the ocean fascinating, but I am even more fascinated by conspiracy theories. I would spend hours on end reading about conspiracies and sometimes listen to true crime podcasts or supernatural events that science cannot explain. It’s just so interesting to me. Once I start talking about it, I can’t stop.”
Passion or pragmatism? “I am a pretty logic-based person so I would choose pragmatism… I would rather keep my creative side as a passion instead of a career. I wouldn’t want a job in the creative industry only to burn out and start hating what I do for a living.”
RUBY CHRISTIE
Ruby wears wool dress, sequinned silk skirt and Wrestlia MT leather sneakers, Onitsuka Tiger
Name: Ruby Christie
Preferred pronouns: She/her
Age: 20
Ethnicity: “My father is British and my mother is Chinese. I was born and raised in Singapore!”
Agency: Mannequin Studio
How she was discovered: “I was first scouted at 17 years old through social media and subsequently again in 2023 on my school campus, but I rejected the offers each time as I wasn’t in the right headspace to commit to a career outside school. However, after graduating from polytechnic this May, I applied to Mannequin and signed to it a few days later.”
READ MORE: Model And Footballer Lila Tan Is More Than Just An Internet Hot Girl
Her first modelling job: “A shoot for a local women’s wear brand just a few days before this shoot, which is my first job with a magazine.”
If she weren’t a model: “I’d love to be an art director.”
Any other professions? “I graduated with an Arts Business Management Diploma in May and have been modelling full-time since.”
Ruby wears alpaca wool and cashmere long waistcoat with braided trimming and jewelled buttons, and matching jacket (layered underneath waistcoat) and skirt, Chanel
Her interests and hobbies: “My ideal day consists of exploring a new cafe with a friend, followed by thrift or antique shopping and just wandering around the city. Additionally, I love karaoke, baking, experimenting with makeup and filming videos with my camcorder!”
What she’s most passionate about: “I got into Kpop in 2019 and have been an avid listener since… I used to be so anxious about hiding this secret in school as it’s not exactly deemed cool, but funnily enough, I’ve made some of my closest friends through my pursuit of it.”
Most extreme thing she’s done for her passion: “I got scammed buying tickets on Twitter (now known as X) and have trauma from that now.”
Passion or pragmatism? “I believe passion should be the driving force when choosing a career, but pragmatism is needed to realise the capacity of our expectations.”
PHOTOGRAPHY STEFAN KHOO PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ALIF STYLIST DAMIAN HUANG STYLING ASSISTANT DANESSA TONG & PAIGE BOON HAIR TAN ENG CHONG/KIZUKI+LIM MAKEUP KEITH BRYANT LEE & RINA SIM, USING LANCOME MODELS ALEKHYA, AVAN, CHLOE CHAN & DANIEL GOLDMAN/BASIC MODELS; BETH & VON/MISC MANAGEMENT; RUBY CHRISTIE/MANNEQUIN; AND EVA ELLISON & MATTIEAS WAN/UPFRONT MODELS
This article first appeared in the August 2024 Passion Edition of FEMALE