Q+A: Eka Nazhwa / SIEG Magazine
If you have been to parties hosted by TiC or have access to fashion shows, you might have bumped into or seen the lanky Eka Nazhwa. A budding fashion designer with the fuel for fashion, she now heads a team of young individuals such as herself to debut their first issue of Sieg Magazine.
Wanting to be the first to know, TiC of course had to contact her and grill her about this new project! Below are some answers we've been wanting to know about Sieg Magazine and a little on Eka's personal picks.
On SIEG Magazine.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, I am Eka Nazhwa. I come from Klang, Selangor. I am a fashion design student from Raffles College KL and I work as a part time fashion stylist as well as being Editor-In-Chief of SIEG magazine.
Tell us about SIEG magazine. What is this all about?
SIEG magazine is basically an international fashion online magazine, in which, our main focus is to connect local readers with international readers and vice versa. For example, we connect our readers by showing them what is happening in the streets of Malaysia, London, Paris, etc, as well as sharing our first-hand interviews with fashion bloggers from around the world and explore their thoughts on fashion.
How did the team/you settle on the name for this magazine?
At first, we wanted it to be named ROUGE magazine, but unfortunately it was taken. Finding a name was one of the hardest parts. We googled and looked up for words in dictionary too. Not only that, we also translated English words into other languages using Babelfish, and finally settled with SIEG when I was at this one bookshop, holding a German-English dictionary in my hands.
Whose brainchild was it to come out with an online magazine?
It started last year when I got frustrated with this particular local magazine, but at the same time was very impressed with Kristin, the founder of PRIM magazine and wondered "Hey, if a 14-year-old can do this, why can't I?" I never gave myself a second thought after that, all I remember was saying; "That's it, let's do it!"
[TiC has written about PRIM before here]
How was the team formed?
I told a friend about my plans, and asked if she'd like to join me. She agreed, but thought I wasn't being serious. Haha! Then I tried seeking help from a cousin. She gave me a big yes as well. Most of the members I met were via my fashion blog. They are very nice people and were wililng to contribute. My current graphic designer was my classmate in highschool, we didn't talk much during those days, so it's funny how we got closer now! I love my team so much, they are a crazy bunch of people.
Do you have sponsors for this magazine?
To be honest, no, we don't have any, yet. We've got minor sponsors from online boutiques and designers for our editorials but not for the whole magazine.
How frequent does a new edition come out? Monthly?
For now, every new edition comes out once in two months as we have so many other things to focus on. All of us are still students and some are still in high school. But fret not, when the time is right, we will produce the magazine monthly, it's all about time now.
What influenced this whole look and content of this magazine? Where was the inspiration drawn from?
I would say everything! From the streets to the runways, from fashion blogs to designers. Basically anything from everything around us.
How different is SIEG compared to other online magazines?
Each magazine has its own unique identity. As for SIEG magazine, we're always in search of fresh faces, talents, new fashion bloggers, new independent music bands and so much more. But what's important to us is to produce a magazine that can inspire our readers with the information we've shared.
So, what can we expect from SIEG Magazine in the near future? (Any juicy headlines to keep us on our toes?)
More fashion spreads and more new sections will be added, let's just say everything's going to be a surprise!
Are there any plans for SIEG Magazine to be available on newsstands?
No, not at the moment. We believe that the internet is the best medium for everyone at the moment. We are sticking to our main concept that is to allow everyone around the world to stay connected, but we'll definitely give a heads up if there are any such plans in the future.
On EKA NAZHWA.
What is your signature style?
I like simplicity with a little bit of rock going on. I am also a black and white person, however that depends on my mood too. I love to mix and match!
What is your current obsession?
Fashion shows! I never get tired of them! I've just booked my Audi fashion show tickets that's happening in Singapore in May and I am so stoked about it. Other than that, I am crazy over blazers, especially stripy printed blazers and one-tone blazers. The wing and fringed bolero jackets from Kate Moss Topshop that I first saw right her on TiC are my must-haves, unfortunately they are still not here in Malaysia.
Do you shop online?
Yes, for international, I'd go for Incocobox; a blogshop based in Singapore. As for the ones in Malaysia, trust me there are a lot of good ones, it's not easy to pick one. It would be like asking a parent to choose their favorite child!
What are the staple items in your wardrobe?
Black Doc Martens boots, denim jacket, oversized graphic T-shirts and sweaters, killer heels and lots and lots of oversized rings!
What's your most recent purchase?
A pair of Alexander Wang-esque fringed heels from Forever 21.
View Sieg Magazine here.
[picture credits: eka nazhwa]
