Pat Kraal, the first Singaporean model to walk the runway for Givenchy, has a new feather in her cap—Platinum Angels Management, which is Singapore’s first agency for models and talents above 50 years old.
WHAT DOES THE TERM “GAME CHANGER” MEAN TO YOU?
Someone who isn’t afraid to take risks in order to make a difference. When we started Platinum Angels Management, the age diversity on the runways and in print was maturing substantially in Europe so we felt it was time to extend that ideology to Singapore even though we were aware that Singaporeans are still quite conventional in many areas and lag in completely adopting the trend.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES YOU FEEL ARE VITAL TO BE A GAME CHANGER?
Vision, determination, and tenacity.
HOW WOULD YOU SAY YOU’VE PLAYED YOUR PART TO BE ONE IN THE INDUSTRY YOU’RE IN?
I consider myself very fortunate to be a pioneer in both the launch of Singapore’s first exclusive senior modelling agency as well as being one of the first local models to achieve international success. I’d like to think that this has contributed to my influence in Singapore’s fashion industry.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE HIGHLIGHTS AND MAJOR CHALLENGES OF YOUR JOURNEY?
The pinnacle of my career was, of course, finding myself in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, working for renowned haute couture houses like Givenchy, Balmain and Jean-Louis Scherrer just to name a few. Being in my early twenties and not speaking the language was definitely no picnic but I made the most of it and savoured the experience.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR MOTIVATIONS AND YOUR FIELD THROUGH THAT PROCESS?
With resilience, hard work and perseverance, one can achieve their goals despite the obstacles they may encounter.
WHAT ARE SOME CHANGES YOU’D LIKE TO SEE IN YOUR INDUSTRY AND HOW WOULD YOU SEE YOUR ROLE IN INFLUENCING IT?
Men and women have struggled with identity issues as a result of the unattainable beauty standards imposed by social media. We are working to eradicate the stigma associated with old age and establish a society that values the older generation.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR PURPOSE?
We want everyone who aspired to become a model in their youth but were too preoccupied with being parents and/or working to be granted the opportunity to fulfil their dreams.
WHAT SHOULD THE NEXT GENERATION OF GAME CHANGERS ASPIRE TO BE?
Fashion can be a powerful tool for social change and expression. Game changers should make use of their platforms to raise awareness of social issues and support causes that promote positive change.
PHOTOGRAPHY ZANTZ HAN
STYLING GREGORY WOO
ART DIRECTION MARISA XIN
HAIR AND MAKEUP SHA SHAMSI, USING KMS AND CHANEL BEAUTY
STYLING ASSISTANTS YULIA SEE AND VANESSA GRACE NG
Read More: All the GRAZIA Game Changers 2023