Balaclava, top, all Bottega Veneta
The model-turned-social media influencer pipeline is a well-worn path. A captivating visual is the initial hook, but it’s the sprinkling of personality – the unfiltered online persona – that truly captivates audiences. This phenomenon of the internet model exploded in 2014 with Francisco Lachowski and Lucky Blue Smith, plastered across every Tumblr post and worshipped as the heartthrobs of countless Wattpad stories.
Today, TikTok’s Mathieu Simoneau stands out with his refreshingly unpolished video updates, offering glimpses into his backstage moments at Louis Vuitton and casting vlogs for the prestigious fashion weeks. Malaysia has its own answer in Fahd, a tech student turned model turned internet personality, whose life has always taken unexpected turns.
Fahd’s path to the runway wasn’t paved with childhood dreams of fashion shows. In fact, modelling found him, not the other way around. A Malaysian clothing brand, NeoNate, sparked his journey with a simple question: would he be interested in modelling for them? “The idea of walking for a brand, let alone getting paid for it, was something I never envisioned,” Fahd admits. “But I took a leap, and with each accomplishment, my passion grew.”
Top, shorts, all Prada
This newfound passion for modelling collided head-on with Fahd’s academic pursuits. A computer science graduate from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), he juggled assignments with booking shows and campaigns. “I’m a big believer in letting life guide me,” he says. “My path is not a one-way street with a fixed destination. It’s more like a fig tree, with endless branches of possibilities for where my career could take me.”
Building a strong modelling portfolio seemed like a clear path forward for him. Winning the Samsung model search in 2021, face in campaigns for big international brands, and gracing the runways of local designers—it all seemed to point towards a singular focus. But life, as Fahd puts it with a laugh, “likes to throw things at you.”
The turning point, ironically, wasn’t a modelling achievement. It was a graduation video. A seemingly ordinary clip documenting his academic milestone went viral, exploding with 6 million views. Social media exploded with articles about the “good-looking tech graduate,” with some even commenting, “Wow, he should definitely model!” – oblivious to the fact that he already was.
Jacket, crochet top (worn as outer), pants, all Dolce&Gabbana
A one-time viral video became Fahd’s gateway to a whole other world of social media. His once-casual Instagram page, mirroring countless others with a few thousand followers, photos of his girlfriend, and glimpses of past work, suddenly found itself under a public microscope. The good, the bad, and the inevitable scrutiny came flooding in.
This is where Fahd confronts the contrasting realities of modelling, tech, and being an internet personality. “There’s a perception that models just need to be, well, pretty,” he said. “Tech, on the other hand, feels much more concrete – it’s about analysing data and technical skills. Both professions seem to have clear expectations.”
The disconnect, argues Fahd, lies in the unforgiving nature of social media, where public criticism is always a possibility. Social media, he laments, intensifies the pressure to cultivate a flawless image. “Everyone’s expected to curate this picture-perfect online persona, to excel at absolutely everything,” he sighs. “It’s a constant push to be this idealised version of yourself, an expectation I just don’t understand.”
Shirt, pants, all Gucci
“Before the video, I had a healthy relationship with social media,” Fahd reflects, a note of introspection creeping into his voice. “Looks weren’t a source of validation. But the sudden attention made me confront how I react to comments about myself.” He takes a breath. “Beauty is subjective, right? You can be stunning to one person and utterly average to another. That’s the reality I choose to focus on. The right people, the right opportunities – they’ll find me when the time is right.”
Fahd’s relationship with social media is a love-hate affair. It propelled his work to new heights but also forced him to confront self-doubt. His path to success is paved with endless possibilities, and his determination is clear. “Winning Men’s Folio Malaysia’s Model of the Year 2023 has been a dream come true,” he concludes, a subtle hint of ambition peeking through his words. “Now that I’ve established myself in Malaysia, I feel like the only way to go from here is beyond borders.”
Photography Edmund Lee
Creative direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Photographer Assistant Zane Chang
Styling Assistants Manfred Lu and Liew Hui Ying
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our June/July 2024 issue.