The BURO Impact Awards celebrates the creativity, originality, passion, and accomplishments of Malaysia’s trailblazing talents. Ahead, we delve into conversation with our Trendsetter of the Year, Natalie Prabha.
Following trends is easy; setting them is what distinguishes the imitators from the innovators. It is an act of defiance that demands vision, passion, and above all, the courage to challenge the status quo. Natalie Prabha has those in spades. Her portfolio speaks for itself: the model has graced the most exclusive runways, landed the most covetable campaigns, and more importantly, established a brand that is rooted in authenticity. Her modelling prowess is only surpassed by her advocacy of healthy living and human rights—she does not cower from the pressures of politics—which is why Natalie Prabha is BURO’s Trendsetter of the Year.
A MODEL CITIZEN
Prabha got her big break by chance, stumbling into modelling when she was scouted at a wine bar. Struggling to make ends meet as a student in the big city—did you know that she has a background in engineering and microbiology?—she decided to give it a whirl. Never in her wildest dreams did she think it would take off. “Realising how much I enjoyed being in the creative scene was the turning point towards me deciding to pursue modelling as a career,” she shares. “It was daunting at first, knowing what the risks could be like, but I have my peers to thank for giving me encouragement and advice throughout my journey,” she adds.
Fast forward to the present day, the Sabah-born stunner has reached more than a few career highs like partaking in “the best shoot ever” with fashion photographer, Zhong Lin, another homegrown talent who is making waves in the international scene. Needless to say, the pressure to keep up the momentum is near palpable. Prabha, luckily, has a hack to having a good day on set. She would take time for herself right before call time by having a little yoga session or making a cup of coffee or matcha. “For a shoot that needs me to be in a different character, I would usually go through the mood board, find music that suits the theme, and just vibe to it,” she says.
Being a personality with a purpose that she is, Prabha does not forget to chime in on the topic of sustainable fashion, addressing the perception that it is always about choosing the better fabrics. “That is not always the case. The best way to save the environment through fashion is by purchasing less and restyling the pieces we already own,” she remarks. She then recommends a fashion trend she thinks deserves more attention, which could help advance the push for a greener industry, that is jewellery that represents one’s heritage. On the flip side, and a lighter note, she shares the one trend she would love to see disappear: Labubu dolls.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The conversation on sustainability naturally progresses into her vegetarian—she was previously a vegan—lifestyle. Those who are tuned into her Instagram world would agree that her homemade meals, from baked mentai tofu to creamy sweetcorn ramen, look as enticing as a meal from a five-star restaurant. Initially setting out to reduce her carbon footprint, she quickly realised that many misconceptions about vegetarianism, such as it being healthy by default, were unfounded. “Avoiding animal-based food doesn’t guarantee a well-rounded and nutrient-dense diet. I always advise to focus on whole foods and less on the processed stuff,” she says.
Prabha now wishes to see more meaningful changes made in her industry. “It would be interesting to go to a fashion event where they serve plant-based food. This way, plant-based eating can be viewed as a broader lifestyle choice, making it more accessible and desirable to a wider audience,” she contemplates, adding that the shift to sustainable materials in luxury goods production is a step in the right direction. After all, if one model can inspire a generation of fashion enthusiasts to embrace healthy eating with a gourmet twist from her humble kitchen, surely the leaders of a trillion-dollar domain could do the same, if not better.
And for those who wish to join in the movement in their own capacity, Prabha offers her counsel: “The most crucial thing is to do your research first! Utilise information from online platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. The plant-based online community is consistently growing and there are a lot of informative creators out there,” she says. The model then stresses the importance of starting slow and trusting the process, asking aspiring vegans and vegetarians to listen to their bodies and note how they respond and adapt to the diet change. She wants it known that each human body is different and requires different nutrients.
PEACE AT LAST
Being a trendsetter, to Prabha, means embracing your authentic self. Constantly drawn to those who express their passions and beliefs in ways that feel honest, real, and grounding—individuals who inspire others to think outside the box—Prabha seeks and finds authenticity in the people she admires. But at the same time, she also realises that it is easy to idealise a person, to unfairly hold them to higher moral standards. Being a trendsetter, while a unique privilege, can be a burden that lingers. The constant weight of expectations can be mentally and emotionally taxing. She should know, having faced the trials and triumphs that have led her to this point.
“It has been hard trying to maintain authenticity lately. In the world of social media, it can be difficult to strike a balance between sharing enough to stay relevant and maintaining privacy. There’s a pressure to present a curated version of a life that is always glamorous,” she says candidly. “I have come to understand that I am a creature of solitude. Setting time for moments where I require alone time, whether to recharge my battery or to self-reflect, is really important to stay grounded. Without these practices, I find myself getting burnt out or losing balance,” she adds. The mood in the room shifts subtly, filled with an introspective stillness.
Prabha is now learning to steady herself amidst the chaos. A quote by Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho, “If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive”, becomes her guiding star. “As I grow and evolve with age, my inner peace and well-being have become my priority. Hence, every decision I make now is based on how much my peace of mind is going to cost,” she asserts, fully aware that true growth comes from within. She similarly understands that peace is not just a destination, it’s a practice—one that requires constant nurturing. It is a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest moments, the hope for greater grace burns bright.
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CREDITS
Editor-In-Chief / JASON LIM. Creative Direction and Styling / SARAH TAI. Text and Interview / NIKITA NAWAWI & JOLIN LEE. Art Direction Assisted by / EVE LYN LAU. Photography / CHAM ZIHAO | MÒ SHĒNG RÉN. Assisted by / SAIFUL AZWAN. Videography / DENNIS KHO ASSISTED BY LEON WONG. Makeup / AYANG KAMELL FOR YSL BEAUTY. Hair / MAY WOO FOR SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL.
Check out the 2024 BURO Impact Award winners here.
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