This Malaysian influencer takes on the challenge of reinventing herself with the help of local brands
As a content creator and social media marketing strategist, Alyssa Johaan understands the importance of a style identity—an instantly recognisable aesthetic that catches the eye in the millisecond a picture appears on the endless feed as you scroll through social media.
For a better part of a decade, Alyssa has cultivated a modern and minimalist style persona to complement her fast-paced lifestyle. Her followers, drawn to her authenticity and accessibility, have seen her through her university days in London and her return to Kuala Lumpur, where she currently works as the creative and marketing lead of local fashion label, Petit Moi.
The busy 25-year-old can always be found wearing a simple but chic ensemble of white and beige; holding an oat milk latte in one hand and in the other, a capacious bag filled with her essentials sporting the same neutral colour palette.
“Growing up, I loved dressing up and pretending to be Blair from Gossip Girl or Carrie from Sex and the City. I had a lot more time when I was younger,” she laughs. “My New Year’s resolution is to experiment with different styles like I used to and maybe incorporate it into my daily life.”
Alyssa teams up with Tatler to expand her style horizons with a focus on discovering local artisans and designers.
In her late teens, she interned at an emerging fashion label and ever since, she has embodied the #supportlocal movement in both her personal and professional life. “Fashion is a difficult industry to break into in Malaysia. More often than not, local designers and entrepreneurs start with nothing—no resources or contacts. They are so versatile and have so much to contribute,” she says.
“I’m passionate about their passion and I’m always so grateful when I’m able to be part of their journey. It’s inspiring to find out what they hope to achieve with their individual brands and to see how they work together to build thriving, supportive community.”
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