7 things in Singapore model Nadia Rahmat's bag

As model Nadia Rahmat strides into the room, a long, sheer kimono trails behind her almost ethereally, and it is immediately clear why this 24-year-old was chosen from more than 100,000 models to front the 2015 Marc by Marc Jacobs spring campaign.

She is dressed from head to toe in black for the interview with Urban, and her hair is braided in the style of British synth-pop princess, FKA twigs.

Since arriving home from New York where the campaign shoot was held, Nadia, aka @skinnykatwoman, who is of Malay, Arab and Indian descent, has been focusing on her studies. She has a diploma in communications and media management from Temasek Polytechnic and is now pursuing a part-time communications degree with SIM University.

Earlier this year, she also helped to organise Super 0 Openair, a pop-up festival which featured musicians such as American DJ, TOKiMONSTA.

Nadia explained that while modelling is a very exciting prospect - she just did a photoshoot in Bali for Australian label Lasskaa, and has been recruited by a modelling agency in London - she does not see herself doing it in the long run.

"It's glamorous but I am also interested in executing ideas," said Nadia, who prefers to be known as a freelance events organiser.

From her personal style, to her thoughtful manner of speaking, she projected serenity and independence. She credited her calm temperament to her mum, whose support she is very grateful for.

"I know other mums might not like how I look, but my mum thinks I pull it off, which is cool.

"When I first started dressing differently, my mum bought magazines that I was interested in to understand what I was doing. Then, when I got a triangle hair tattoo, she said that I should get triangle earrings to match it," recounted Nadia, who is single and living with her parents.

Her style idol is musician FKA twigs, one of the headline acts at this year's St Jerome's Laneway festival. Other inspirations include English rapper M.I.A. and American R&B artist Doja Cat.

Most of her clothes are sourced from online stores such as Nastygal or local thrift stores like New2U at Waterloo Street. She is also close friends with the founders of streetwear label Mash-Up, and has many pieces from their collections.

Nadia's current style obsessions are marble prints and wearable lingerie from brands such as Hopeless Lingerie and Chromat.

7 THINGS IN HER BAG

1. The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde

I watched the movie, so I wanted to find out what the book was like.

2. Lipstick - Maybelline Red Revival

Love this colour.

3. Wall art wallet

I bought this online from The General Store.

4. Plastic marble case

I am into marble patterns now. They are simple and interesting at the same time.

5. Mobile phone

I dropped my Apple iPhone into the water when I was in Bali, so this is one of my mum's old phones

6. Coin pouch

I absolutely love cats. My family and I used to adopt stray cats from the street, and my parents are now breeding Norwegian forest cats.

7. Bose Earphones

I take this along everywhere I go, so I can listen to mixes on Soundcloud.

This article was first published on April 24, 2015.
Get a copy of Urban, The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.