Some models discover fashion through magazines. Others through social media or television. For Shakira Israat Riyaa,, the fascination began much earlier—with the simple excitement of watching someone command a runway. It wasn't only about beautiful clothes. It was about the confidence, expression, and presence that transformed a walk into a performance. Long before she stepped onto a runway herself, she already knew she wanted to experience that feeling.

Today, modeling has become far more than simply wearing garments. It is the space where creativity, emotion, confidence, and individuality meet. Every runway, campaign, and photoshoot becomes another opportunity to tell a story without speaking, using movement, posture, and expression as her language.

"I've always loved seeing how models could showcase creativity, confidence, and emotion through fashion. I wanted to tell stories the same way."

That fascination has slowly evolved into a career built on persistence, adaptability, and a genuine passion for performance. Behind every polished runway appearance are countless hours of preparation, learning, and growth—something Shakira believes often goes unnoticed.

Unlike many who separate fashion from personality, she sees the two as inseparable. Clothing is only one part of self-expression. The way someone speaks, interacts with others, styles their hair, or carries themselves contributes just as much to their identity. Fashion becomes an extension of character rather than a costume.

"I express myself through my style, my personality, and the way I treat people."

Her personal style reflects that freedom. Describing it as "street, sexy, and maybe a little too much," she embraces boldness without worrying about fitting neatly into one category. Whether she's wearing oversized silhouettes or a mini skirt paired with a crop top, the goal remains the same: wear what feels authentic.

That confidence has been shaped by artists she continues to admire from afar.

Models Yasmin Wijnaldum and Anok Yai have become lasting inspirations, not simply because of their success, but because of how naturally they embody versatility.

"What inspires me most is how confidently they express beauty in their own ways."

Watching them move effortlessly between editorials, campaigns, and runways taught her that great modeling isn't about looking the same in every photograph. It's about adapting while never losing your identity.

That lesson has carried into her own work.

Behind the glamour, however, she is quick to remind aspiring models that the industry demands far more than beautiful photographs.

"Modeling isn't easy. There's hard work, blood, sweat, and tears behind every moment."

For Shakira, overnight success is largely a myth. Every opportunity is earned through discipline, resilience, and consistency. There will always be setbacks, exhausting schedules, and moments of doubt. But those difficult days eventually lead to something rewarding—the moment you see yourself on a runway, in a campaign, or across social media and quietly think to yourself, I did that.

"It's all worth it when you finally look back and realize, 'I did that.'"

Before every show or photoshoot, her routine remains surprisingly simple. Music helps her settle into the right mindset, while conversations with teammates and fellow creatives create an atmosphere of comfort before the cameras begin rolling. That sense of collaboration reminds her that fashion is never created alone.

Even when the pressure builds backstage, she's learned that confidence comes from preparation as much as personality.

Finding a Home at Arka Fashion Week

Having been part of Arka Fashion Week since its earliest days, Shakira has witnessed the platform evolve season after season. While many fashion events focus solely on showcasing finished collections, Arka has steadily built something larger—a creative ecosystem where emerging designers, models, photographers, stylists, and artists grow together.

For Shakira, that evolution has been deeply personal.

"I've been with Arka since day one, and I've grown to love it more every season."

She speaks fondly of the controlled chaos that defines every Fashion Week. Running between backstage changes, preparing for over a dozen consecutive shows, collaborating with choreographers, designers, and fellow models—it's exhausting, exhilarating, and unlike anything else.

"The rush of nonstop shows, quick changes, and walking one collection after another creates an energy you can't really explain."

What separates Arka from larger commercial productions isn't necessarily scale, but atmosphere.

Having worked across different platforms throughout her career, she describes Arka as something much more intimate. Instead of feeling intimidating, it feels welcoming—a creative space where experimentation is encouraged and new talent is genuinely supported.

"Arka feels less like a workplace and more like a creative home."

That environment has naturally opened new doors. Beyond introducing her to wider audiences, Arka connected her with designers and fellow creatives who later invited her into projects outside Fashion Week itself. The relationships built backstage have continued long after the runway lights dimmed.

"Arka introduced me to people who later became collaborators beyond Fashion Week."

For someone discovering Arka for the first time, Shakira offers a simple description.

"It's a place where everyone gets to be themselves and creativity has no limits."

Perhaps that freedom explains why the platform continues to resonate with so many emerging creatives.

Continuing the Journey

Despite the growing recognition, Shakira approaches modeling with the mindset that there is always another level to reach. Every runway teaches something new. Every shoot introduces another challenge. Every collection becomes another opportunity to improve.

She understands that fashion moves quickly, but growth happens gradually.

For her, modeling has never been about becoming someone else.

It's about becoming more fully herself every time she steps onto a runway.

Whether she's walking in front of hundreds of people or preparing quietly backstage with headphones on, the goal remains unchanged—to communicate confidence, creativity, and individuality through movement alone.

Because at its best, fashion isn't simply about the clothes.

It's about the person who brings them to life.