Avant Guard is a series that digs into a personality’s fashion hacks, dos and don’ts, red flags, and more. In this edition, Shikin Gomez shares her fashion preferences, hacks that she picked up from Fashion Week and her passion for thrift shopping.
“Back then, Asian models were a rarity in the industry; they could be counted on one hand,” our March cover star, Ling Tan once shared with us. Fortunately, spotting familiar Malaysian faces on the fashion runway has recently become a feather in the cap as models like Shikin Gomez stomps the global runways and graced magazine covers with poised.
Calling it a “dream come true”, the Asia’s Next Top Model Season 5 finalist strode Mumbai’s Gateway of India in a colourful evening coat that encapsulated Dior’s renowned savoire-faire for the brand’s Pre-Fall 2023 collection. Behind that impressive fashion portfolio and distinguishable walk, Gomez is an outdoorsy person brimming with a warm sense of positivity, reflected in the snapshots of her life and her effortless fashion style.
Ahead, the fashion model shares her “model-off-duty” fashion preferences and useful tips that she learned from her backstage experiences during the fashion weeks.
Confess a fashion crime that you have committed before
I believe that fashion is ever-evolving and we all have our unique ways of pulling things off. A “crime” cannot be committed since fashion is a type of art and self-expression. What works for others may not work for me and vice versa.
A fashion item you cannot leave the house without
Sunnies! I think a pair of cute sunglasses can be used to dress up or down an outfit.
Three items that are on your fashion wish list right now
I’m a big thrift shop girlie. I love that I’ll never know what I can find in a vintage or a thrift store. I’m currently on the hunt for a cool leather jacket—preferably with fringe—a denim vest and jeans combo, and a pair of adorable loafers.
Your first luxury purchase
A card holder that I’ve used as a wallet from Coach.
A talent from the fashion industry you would like to work with
I would like to work with Nour Bou Ezz, a stylist from Harpers Bazaar Arabia, and ideally with Jack Brigland, the photographer.
A fashion tip you’re gatekeeping right now. Spill.
If your heels aren’t gripping and are slippery, use a good amount of hairspray on the bottom of your heels—make sure it dries before use—to make it less slippery! I found out about this at one of the fashion weeks and it blew my mind.
What is your favourite fashion accessory?
Scarves! I think they are charming, and there are many ways to style them.
A trend that needs to die
Remember those Juicy Couture velvet pants with the word “Juicy” bedazzled over the buttcheeks? I love them, but I would not wear them out.
A fashion red flag
Skinny jeans, which is funny because my husband absolutely loves skinny jeans.
A controversial fashion opinion you have
Blood should flow through your legs and nothing should constrict that; in other words, wearing something as tight as skinny jeans is a no.
If you could only wear just one fashion brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’m a mix-and-match girlie and honestly, I don’t think there is one fashion brand that encapsulates my fashion style. But I will say that my style is a mix of Cult Gaia’s resort vibe, structured pieces from Bottega Veneta, and the simplicity of COS, added with a touch of quirkiness from Moschino.
Your lazy day outfit
Kaftans. They are incredibly cosy and effortless. I love them.
What is your last fashion purchase
A new pair of heels for fashion week casting.
Your biggest regret purchase
Because I thrift more than I shop, I can’t say I have any regrets about my purchases.
A song that will always get you in the mood to get ready
Haute by Janelle Monáe.
A fashion memory you’d want to erase
I had an emo or goth phase in secondary school that I would like to forget ever happened.
A fashion icon that you’ve always looked up to
The late Princess Diana. Every time a photo of her in that Revenge Dress, or even her in her athleisure wear pops up, my mind goes “Yes, an icon”. Fun fact, my engagement ring was inspired by hers! A blue sapphire surrounded with diamonds set in white gold.
Something from your wardrobe that you’d love to pass down
My wedding dress by Alia Bastamam.