Long before the topic of body inclusivity entered the mainstream in Malaysia, Nalisa Alia Amin, model and content creator, was the first plus-size model to open KL Fashion Week in 2018. Once the centre of attention at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, she now sits with us at a shady café called Pulpy Garden in Chow Kit, speaking with a warmth that doesn’t soften her edge.
Her strong beliefs about women’s empowerment, body positivity, and feminism converge in her work, each conviction expressed through fashion. “I’ve been interested in fashion since I was young, and I’ve always been a camera queen,” she laughs. It’s rare to encounter someone with an aura and talent like Nalisa’s – one that only intensifies in person. But her pioneering achievement was not attained overnight. Her urge to model sparked from the body positivity movement that gained momentum in 2018. She started small with light shoots and test shoots. “From there, it just took off – I opened KL Fashion Week for the Fashion Valet x MinLuna show, and the rest is history.”
Championing body positivity
There is no denying the influence Nalisa possesses in challenging Malaysia’s entrenched beauty standards. Yet, with that visibility comes a distinct sense of responsibility. What was once shoved in the corner now becomes the spotlight, even as it continues to go against the rigidity of conventional ideals. Make no mistake, it is precisely this tension that proves vital, expanding the public gaze and redefining what beauty can encompass.
Fast forward to 2026, and inclusivity remains far from where it should be. “I would expect more, especially since it was once ‘in trend’,” she admits deflatedly. “Now it has died down, and it feels performative,” she adds. While the concept of being a plus-size model might no longer raise eyebrows, plus-size models are still receiving fewer gigs and are treated as tokens rather than taken seriously. “It’s quite disappointing,” she says with a sigh.
People yearn for advocacy, but not everyone would be brave enough to start a movement. Nalisa has long defied the odds, outspoken in ensuring her voice is heard and in standing up for what she believes in. When asked about the greatest challenge in introducing plus-size beauty to the mass market, Nalisa points out that larger bodies are often singled out and treated as easy targets. People are caught at the intersection of low self-esteem, insecurity, and projection, but she is clear-eyed about the underlying issue. “It’s not about health,” she says. “It’s about representation.” Regardless of health, everyone has the power to represent. She emphasises that insecurity is not determined by size – body positivity, she insists, must always come first. “You don’t know whether anybody’s healthy – you can’t assume that of a skinny model either.”
Redefining fashion and beauty standards
As the conversation unfolds, Nalisa reveals a practised ability: to reframe what is often perceived as insecurity and transform it into something self-assured and empowering. Despite all her concerns, modelling, especially as a plus-size model, has its own perks. Becoming mindful of how her body appears on camera means fully understanding it – every curve, angle, and the ways they can be celebrated. “Modelling made me learn more about my body, and I feel more empowered,” she explains.
She challenged the status quo as one of Malaysia’s first plus-size models, proving that change begins with representation. Beauty, she insists, should be authentic – embracing big noses, prominent ears, and every perceived “flaw” with the courage to challenge convention. Yet, in Nalisa’s eyes, Malaysia still has a long way to go. For now, everything is picture-perfect, which is far from realistic or relatable. “Fashion is fun, cool, and political, but I don’t see that in Malaysia,” she notes. However, the local fashion industry’s limited acceptance is what makes self-expression all the more important. “I see a lot of potential in the younger generation, especially Gen Z,” says Nalisa. “The younger generation is taking more risks and is more unapologetically themselves. They lean into thrifting and personal style, so I want to see them tear up the fashion industry.”
For Nalisa, individuality is key – an overrated status piece means nothing if it doesn’t represent who she is. Rather, she gravitates towards designs that blend culture with fashion, such as batik or songket, which have been reworked into modern pieces. Her favourite designer? “Behati,” she replies instantly.
A decade in
The past decade was full of challenges and growth for all, but how did Nalisa navigate the bumps along the way? “Looking back, I overcame a lot of traumatic events. If I can overcome that, I can overcome anything,” she states.
Now, Nalisa spends most of her time in what she describes as her ‘little sanctuary’. Her day-to-day moves at a rather relaxed pace – hitting the gym, meeting friends, and making content. Through it all, she enjoys the flexibility of her current life. She’s been consistent at the gym, which started at her therapist’s suggestion as a way to manage her rage. “Gym means nervous system and mental health regulation for me,” she says, connecting her physical fitness to her emotional well-being. Feeling strong and seeing what her body is capable of helps build self-love.
After exploring her journey in fashion, the conversation turns to her personal style. “It depends on my mood and the vibe I’m going for,” she shares. Her outfit choices are inspired by the music she listens to – R&B leads to relaxed silhouettes, oversized pieces, and gold jewellery. For our chat today, she’s in a sheer shirt, lace undergarments, and light-catching gold earrings while her hair is worn down to complement a messy, rocker-inspired look. “I listened to a couple of rock tracks last night,” she explains. Her signature touch? Accessories that elevate even the simplest outfits. She declares, “You will never see me in old money, clean-girl aesthetics.”
Even in this short time with Nalisa, it’s impossible not to admire the energy she radiates. One way to channel that confidence? “A freak ‘em dress,” she says. Essentially, a dress that makes you feel sexy and powerful. “You’d feel like you’re Beyoncé,” she adds jokingly. Everyone’s version looks different, but Nalisa’s is a bodycon that hugs all the right places. It is sexy yet classy, and makes her feel most confident. “Always put yourself out there. If some people don’t accept your beauty, others will.”
Follow Nalisa’s story here and read more inspiring stories here.
Photography by Imran Sulaiman.