‘Too revealing’: Victoria’s Secret’s first Malay-Muslim model Nia Atasha Rosli divides fans, conservatives
- An elated Nia said she was ‘still processing everything and currently in pinch-me mode’
- Many Malaysians praised the campaign as a win for diversity, but others pointed to the absence of darker-skinned women and said the ‘too revealing’ image went against Islamic values
Malaysian model and actress Nia Atasha Rosli made waves on social media this week with her revelation as the first Malay-Muslim model for global lingerie label Victoria’s Secret.
The campaign marks many firsts for the iconic brand, including its first Malaysian models to front a local campaign, its first Malay-Muslim model, and its first all-women production team – formed in collaboration with the Women Photographers Malaysia (WPM) community. It will also be appearing in Victoria’s Secret stores globally.
In an interview with lifestyle magazine Eh Malaysia at the launch event, Nia said: “I’ve always had a dream since I started modelling to be the face of [Victoria’s Secret] or in a campaign for [them] and … here we are!”
She also posted a video compilation of the launch event on her own Instagram account on Tuesday, thanking the local Malaysian and American teams she had worked with.
“I’m honestly still processing everything and currently in pinch-me mode,” she added. “Teenage Nia wouldn’t believe this.”
Over the past week, fans and netizens have flooded the comments of her post with overwhelming support, declaring how “proud and happy” they are for the young model.