KOTA KINABALU: Once mocked for her height and darker complexion, Sabah-born Atikah Karim is now proving her detractors wrong by strutting the runway for luxury fashion house Chanel.
Standing at 176cm, the 32-year-old was once called “tiang hitam” by schoolmates. Today, she is making her mark on the global fashion scene, with a career spanning London, Paris and New York.
Born Dayang Nur Atikah Karim into a Bajau-Brunei family, she has spent the past decade working as a runway and commercial model. But walking for one of the world’s biggest luxury brands remained a dream.
Chanel had approached her through her agency the previous year, but the opportunity fell through.
This time, things moved quickly.
“In early September, Chanel asked for a catwalk video and my digitals. I didn’t hear anything back for a while, then at the end of September they asked for another catwalk video, this time with my hair slicked back,” she said.
Two days later, while she was back in Kuala Lumpur, her booker messaged her at about 2am to say Chanel might book her a flight to Paris.
“I still wasn’t confirmed, but I was mentally prepared to leave at short notice,” she said.
Atikah flew to Paris and went straight for a fitting, only learning the day before the show that she had been confirmed for Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection.
The opportunity was especially meaningful as she had focused mainly on commercial modelling in recent years and had not walked a runway since 2022.
“I was honestly overwhelmed, but also very proud and grateful to be part of such a major show,” she said, describing the experience as an incredible and unexpected milestone.
The show has also rekindled her love for the runway and given her renewed confidence.
“I hope it opens the door to more opportunities, but for now, I’m taking it in and feeling proud of how far I’ve come,” she added.
Having once struggled with confidence over her appearance, Atikah hopes her journey will inspire young people facing bullying or self-doubt.
When she first entered modelling, she felt her skin tone and height did not fit prevailing expectations. Over time, however, meeting people who appreciated her for who she was helped her embrace her individuality.
“I’ve learned that there isn’t just one kind of beauty or one path to success,” she said.
She also urged people to think twice before making hurtful remarks about others’ appearances.
“You may not know what they’re going through, so choose kindness and treat people with respect. What makes someone stand out is not just how they look, but also their character, courage and the way they keep going,” she said.
For her father, Karim Nasip, her achievement is a source of immense pride.
“I’m very proud of my daughter’s achievement,” he said.
