At just 23, Kuala Lumpur native Elana Nair is already making waves in Malaysia’s fashion scene. What started as a spontaneous leap into modelling has transformed into a promising career marked by confidence, cultural pride, and a fearless embrace of self-expression.
“I only started modelling pretty recently in 2024, so I was still 22 at the time,” Elana shares. “A friend convinced me to attend The Models Lab KL casting and I thought, why not? That ‘let’s see what happens’ moment turned into a whole new chapter.”
Her journey is a masterclass in authenticity, showing that fashion isn’t just about glitz it’s about owning your story and letting it shine.
From First Steps to KL Fashion Week
Elana’s career may be young, but her trajectory is unmistakable. Her KL Fashion Week 2025 debut cemented her as a rising star, impressing designers and audiences alike with poise and stage presence.
“Last year, I was practically trying not to puke each time before stepping onto the runway,” she admits with a laugh. “This year, it was less about nerves and more about demonstrating confidence … and still hoping I wouldn’t trip. Growth, right?”
Her evolution highlights a crucial point for aspiring models: practice, perseverance, and self-belief often matter more than pedigree or experience.
Embracing Roots and Cultural Identity
Elana’s journey is not just professional it’s personal. She draws inspiration from her Malaysian heritage, blending it seamlessly with global fashion trends. For Elana, representing Malaysia on international platforms is a source of pride.
“Being Malaysian is part of my identity in fashion,” Elana says. “I want to show that our culture and style have a voice on the world stage.”
This blend of local pride and global awareness resonates with younger audiences who crave representation in fashion.
The Style Formula: Ralph Lauren and Beyond
For her Harper’s BAZAAR Malaysia shoot, Elana donned pieces from the Ralph Lauren Collection Fall ’25, demonstrating a sophisticated yet approachable style. Key takeaways from her fashion approach include:
- Confidence is key: Own every look you wear, no matter the brand or price tag.
- Balance heritage with trends: Infuse your personal story into modern styles.
- Comfort meets poise: Master runway technique while staying true to yourself.
Fashion insiders note that Elana’s natural presence on camera is as impactful as her wardrobe. Photographer Chuan Looi and creative director Khairani Ramli crafted a shoot that mirrored Elana’s journey poised, vibrant, and authentic.
