On average, over 2.6 million people head down to Bondi Beach to swim, sunbake, surf, socialise, and so on, each year. But today, we’re focusing all our attention on the most angelic person to do so—Perth newbie, Nabila Leunig.
Out of the millions of beachgoers in 2018, Nab J (as her friends, and now us, call her) was probs the only person to visit Bondi decked out in head-to-toe Romance Was Born. And, as if she didn’t already look like a mermaid with her lush waist-length hair and ~otherworldly~ face, the cute teen looked every bit the modern day Ariel* reclining in her multi-coloured sequin gown (If you don’t believe me, see for yourself in the gallery above!)
Cop all the shimmering designs from our favourite Aussie duo in the above gallery, then get to know Nab J a lil’ better below…
*from The Little Mermaid, if you need a refresher.
Nickname: My friends call me Nab J
Star sign: I’m a Scorpio!
Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?
My mother is from Indonesia and my father is Australian. I was born in Perth, Australia.
What’s your favourite thing about Perth? Where do you like to shop and eat there?
I love Perth because it is always sunny, the city is surrounded by a river and trees, and the sunsets on the beach are amazing. It is also very open and green with lots of parks. There is a lot of art projects, especially in new developments and Fremantle. I like to shop in mostly arty and funky suburbs like Fremantle and Subiaco. I love op-shops and a little store called Cheep. You always find something interesting and unique at these stores.
In terms of food, I love a good pad thai, pizza or, of course, some fish and chips at Peter’s by the Sea (which is on the beach at Scarborough). I also looovvvveee their Spearmint milkshakes.
How do you like to spend your time outside of modelling?
I love to play and listen to music, especially the saxophone, piano or ukulele. I also love acting, theatre and everything around it. My twin Annika is also super fun to hang out with.
What do you want do be when you grow up?
When I was younger, I really wanted to be a doctor, but now I think I’d like to do something involving astronomy. Maybe astrophysics.
What do you love most about school? And what are you most looking forward to about finishing?
I love learning new and interesting things. Any kind of fact or topic always intrigues me. I would like to travel the world in the future and see different cultures and ways of life. Also maybe do modelling full-time—it’s really cool!
What are you most excited for in 2018?
I am super excited about my school tour to Canberra. I am also excited to be performing with my friends for my school musical production, Little Shop of Horrors. Also, my out-of-school musical production Guys and Dolls, where I am cast as Nathan Detroit. It’s going to be super fun!
Words: Maddy Woon Photos: Sandra Semburg Fashion: Lucy Wood
Nabila is represented by IMG
Shot on location at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia
