Cover At 29, actress Eyka Farhana is a seasoned performer
At 29, actress Eyka Farhana is a seasoned performer
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In both her stylish wardrobe choices and acting roles, Eyka Farhana demonstrates her range
Eyka Farhana—born Wan Atiqa Farhana Wan Sarmizi—knows how to make an impression. In the TV series Dukun Diva, Eyka plays a juvenile delinquent named Lola, who schemes her way through Kuala Lumpur high society alongside her aunt under the guise of being bomoh (shamans). What stands out visually in the dramedy is Eyka’s projection of Lola, who is trendy in a way that aligns with the character’s rebellious, street-smart personality—a Nineties grunge aesthetic, complete with a boyish haircut, relaxed AC/DC tees and big, expressive eyes.
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Those dramatic eyes are Eyka’s distinguishing mark—not just as a distinctive facial feature, but as a window through which she conveys a wide range of emotions that connect deeply with audiences across her many roles. “To be honest, I’m still learning [how to] express myself. As an introvert, I still have my own limits,” Eyka says modestly. However, her journey exemplifies what can only be accomplished through passion and perseverance.
Above Chopard Ice Cube high jewellery cuff, Ic Cube ear cuff, necklace and rings, Alpine Eagle watch; Dikson Mah skirt, leggings; Dion Lee tank top
Chopard Ice Cube high jewellery cuff, Ic Cube ear cuff, necklace and rings, Alpine Eagle watch; Dikson Mah skirt, leggings; Dion Lee tank top
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At just 29, the Ampang-born actor and singer is already a seasoned entertainer. She began her career when she was only 15—the second of four siblings—to support her family and has remained in the public eye ever since. Along the way, she has learned to seize opportunities, rise above circumstances, and demonstrate her versatility as an actor—from her breakout role as a canteen girl in Juvana (2011) to winning an award at the 2020 Asian Academy Creative Awards for her role in the Indonesian
version of Pretty Little Liars (2019), and starring as the mysterious village woman, Rose, in the horror film Hantu Balik Pagi (2022).
See also: How Jenna Ortega nails gothic fashion
The powerhouse performer is continually growing and reinventing herself—a trait that was especially spurred by the challenges of the restriction orders during the Covid-19 pandemic. With production projects halted, Eyka took her first steps into the fashion scene, starting collaborations with local and international fashion and beauty brands on her social platform—something she hadn’t previously considered doing. “As you guys know, the film industry slowed down quite a bit during that time,” she says, a little wryly. It is unsurprising that, with her instinctive ability to shift and adapt her physicality to embody different styles and clothes, the industry responded very quickly—and positively—to her new fashion-forward goals.
Above Chopard earrings, necklaces; Rebecca Valance dress, from M Store Pavilion; Gentle Monster sunglasses
Chopard earrings, necklaces; Rebecca Valance dress, from M Store Pavilion; Gentle Monster sunglasses
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By the time she did Dukun Diva in 2021-2022, her style metamorphosis had elevated her to new heights. From being the golden girl of the silver screen, she evolved into a sartorial superstar and a favourite of luxury brands, commanding attention wherever she goes with what she wears and admired by her millions of fans who follow her to keep up with her work and, yes, her fashion.
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Eyka describes her aesthetic in three words: “Timeless, comfortable, chic,” qualities evident in her carefully curated public appearances and social media presence. For her, style is more than clothes—it’s about empowerment. “Fashion makes me feel better, polished and well-put-together,” explains the self-proclaimed admirer of Miuccia Prada and Zendaya. “It conveys my confidence, competence, and pride in my appearance.”
Above Chopard high jewellery cuff, Ice Cube earrings, Alpine Eagle watch; Rick Owens dress, from Club 21 Multilabel Store Gardens
Chopard high jewellery cuff, Ice Cube earrings, Alpine Eagle watch; Rick Owens dress, from Club 21 Multilabel Store Gardens
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Standing at just over 5ft, she says that she faces some style challenges—“As a petite woman, it’s extremely hard to do fashion”—but that doesn’t stop her from embracing fashion fearlessly. She pulls off ensembles with finesse, as seen in our Tatler shoot where, guided by the photographer and stylist, she transitions fluidly between poses, framing her features and creating sharp silhouettes of the garments and the Chopard jewellery draped on her.
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With her high level of professionalism both on and off screen, Eyka’s future is bound to shine even brighter. She aspires to become an ambassador or muse for international fashion brands to further solidify her status in the global fashion community. Eyka also envisions having her own fashion brands with a family life intertwined within it, joking, “I would love to do fashion with my future husband and children.”
Above Chopard Ice Cube earrings and rings, Alpine Eagle watch; Jacquemus dress, from Club 21 Multilabel Store Gardens
Chopard Ice Cube earrings and rings, Alpine Eagle watch; Jacquemus dress, from Club 21 Multilabel Store Gardens
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Her approach to balancing career and personal life is pragmatic. She dedicates specific times of the year to different aspects of her work, deciding to focus on modelling fashion and beauty brand campaigns in the first half of the year and on acting in the latter half. “I wouldn’t say acting is tiring, but I try not to do it all at the same time,” she says, ensuring she maintains a healthy work-life balance.
This structured approach helps her manage her mental health and prevent burnout. From morning workouts to scheduling photo shoots and office work, Eyka’s day is meticulously planned. She finds joy in the little things, like spending time with her family and friends, which keeps her grounded amid the glamour of life in the limelight. “My fashion friends, media friends, sister—who is also my PA—and my mum are my support system,” she tells us.
Above Chopard Ice cube earrings, necklace and rings; Courreges bomber jacket and dress; Rick Owens boots, both from M Store Pavilion
Chopard Ice cube earrings, necklace and rings; Courreges bomber jacket and dress; Rick Owens boots, both from M Store Pavilion
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When you combine Eyka’s work ethic and support system with all her inherent skills, it is little wonder that her sartorial success has taken off. The naturalism and nuance in personifying a character, the ability to express a wide range of emotions, her elegance and poise, and the ability to bring alive the essence of everyday clothing: all these add up to why Eyka is Tatler Asia’s Most Stylish 2024. Great style, at its core, tells a captivating story, and we are witnessing the dramatic rise of a masterful performer.
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Credits
Photography: Micky Wong
Styling: Weechee
Hair: Richmond Tan
Make-Up: Kevin Lee
Videography: New Storyboards team
Stylist's Assistant: Beverly Teo
Location: Lightcraft Gallery KL
About
Lynette loves travelling and dancing to Latin music almost as much as she enjoys period films and pastry desserts. She is constantly in search of the perfect nude lipstick and finds her best ideas through walks in nature.
Work
As the Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Malaysia, Lynette leads the content teams for print, digital and social media platforms of the brand. She has over 20 years experience in media, having been editorial director and editor-in-chief for lifestyle titles such as Cleo, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health.
Follow her on Instagram @lynette_ow or LinkedIn
