Modeling for a campaign for global brand Kendall + Kylie, walking for the runway show of international high fashion house Amato Couture, landing on a billboard ad for local beauty soap Mestiza—model Riona Asia Johnston is definitely living the dream.

Photography: Niel Santiago

Styling & Concept: Marane Plaza

Makeup: Jezziekha Alviz

Hair & Nails: Helena Beauty

Shot at I Am Abi Studio

Handcrafted top by Fred Telarma, pants by Nina Amoncio and red peep-toe heels by Czech shoe brand Bata

It is such a delight when a model absolutely knows how to creatively embody a shoot’s concept through her body movements and facial expressions. And Riona is definitely one of those models in Manila right now who is just effortlessly brilliant at what she does. During her recent shoot with us at Stylish Magazine, we found it a breeze to work with this stunner as she definitely knows how to pose, as Tyra Banks would describe it, H2T or head to toe.

Get to know more of Riona Asia through our interview with her right here:

Stylish: Have you always wanted to be a professional model?

Riona: “Being a model was my dream as a child. As a kid, I would always tell people that I indeed will be one someday. I would always pretend to walk on runways and take photos of myself pretending I’m a supermodel.  I loved watching Fashion TV and I would always copy the models there.”

Sheer dress by Dominique Atelier paired with maillot swimsuit by Chilli Couture; laced velvet heels by Czech shoe brand Bata

Stylish: How did you start your career as model?

Riona: “I was 15 years old when I joined a modeling workshop and it started there. I started modeling professionally when Ms. Farah of Farah Models scouted me. She discovered me on a fashion show, then she contacted my mom. I was so happy knowing that it would be it for me. Then she started training me and teaching me a lot about modeling and I started getting professionally booked for modeling stints.”

Stylish: What are your favorite stints so far?

Riona: “That would be my shoot for Kendall + Kylie digital campaign because the team was amazing. Everyone was nice and the whole shoot was just fun. My favorite runway show would be the Mega Millenial Ball where I walked for Furne One. That one was a big show for me and I am grateful that I got to be a part of that with all these lovely people in the industry. The one with Mestiza Soap was my first ever billboard. The shoot was fun and the team was really nice. Everyone was dancing, making Tiktok videos. It was amazing.”

Tropical print pantsuit by Dominique Atelier, Keds X Rifle Co. sneakers, floral earrings by Betazzled

Stylish: What were the hardships you faced as a model? How did you overcome them?

Riona: “Becoming a model and seeing all these gorgeous people made me doubt myself at first. I worried that I wouldn’t be like them, or look like them. But Ms. Farah helped me gain confidence and love myself even more. I’ve learned that we are all beautiful, and that we should never compare ourselves to other people.”

Latex bodysuit by Mara Chua, hologram boots by Joco Comendador & metal face accessory by Thia Rodriguez Manila

Stylish: What are your pieces of advice to those who want to be a model like you?

Riona: “Don’t ever compare yourself to others because we are all different. We’re beautiful in our own ways. Your imperfections are what make you unique.”

With her innate talent, gorgeous face and amazing work ethic, Riona is surely on her way to slay some more in the fashion scene.