Meet Aisha Katherina, a multi-hyphenated creative director, photographer, model and friend of the brand who resides in the balmy land of Bali, Indonesia.
A true wanderlust at heart, Aisha’s passion for travel has guided her to some of the most exotic locations in the world, capturing the beauty of the natural environment and culture within her work.
We joined Aisha on home soil as she shared with us her insider recommendations for your next visit to the idyllic location, all while wearing an edit of looks from our latest collection, ‘Marquesas’.
Postcards From:Bali, Indonesia with Aisha Katherina
Aisha, please introduce yourself.
Hi! My name is Aisha Katherina, I’m part Indonesian and German. I grew up on a very special Island, Bali. I’ve been modelling for the past 6 years, which has led me to grow my love for film photography.
Share with us about your natural progression into photography and what inspired you to begin capturing your work?
After modelling for many years and being on set with such talented people, my interest in working behind the camera sparked. I started with a little film camera, just capturing moments with my friends, and with time I had a passion for film cameras and film photography.
My father is also a huge inspiration to me and my photography as he used to shoot film back in the 1980-90s. I’m so grateful to be able to share a passion with someone I love so dearly. He always compliments my work and is always excited to teach me little technical things.
You live in the most beautiful tropical location, Indonesia, what do you love most about this country?
The people and their kindness, the food and the culture, and of course it's breathtaking destinations. It has to be my favourite place in the world.
There’s truly no place like home.
Having grown up in Bali, we’d love to hear more about your secret or best locations to eat, sleep and what to do on this tropical oasis.
Of course! Bali has to be one of the most special places to grow up in. I’m so grateful for all the experiences that I have had on this beautiful island.
If you’re looking to come to Bali and stay in a busier area or if you would like to call it the “town” Canggu would be the area for you. Not only are there beautiful villas to stay in but there are some of the best spas/wellness places to enjoy in your downtime. Along with that, there are lots of boutiques, cute bars, and delicious restaurants.
Eating in Canggu:
Those are some of my favourites, my list could go on and on!
Wellness:
Shopping in Canggu:
My recommendation would be to walk down Batu Bolong in Canggu, it’s the most popular street at the moment and there is boutique after boutique. If you’re looking for little souvenirs there are also plenty of markets in the area.
During your stay in Bali, I would highly recommend doing a few fun activities such as a cooking class in Ubud, a surf lesson, or even pottery. I love going to Kevala Ceramics
If I have a day off from work, my favourite thing is to spend the day up in Uluwatu. Where the sand is white and the water is clear blue, when the tide drops at the beach, I love to swim in rock pools and watch the sun go down. Each time I go to Uluwatu I always feel like I’m on a little holiday.
Eating in Uluwatu:
Shopping in Uluwatu:
Wellness:
Lastly, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are two little islands close by that are a must to visit if you have a few extra days available in your itinerary. You can check out @welikebali, created by two kind and beautiful women. They've made a travel guide based in Bali that showcases the best places to stay in and visit during your holiday.
How has living in Bali influenced your lifestyle and modelling career?
Living in Bali has made me realise that the little things in life and being present in the moment is what truly matters. Each day I wake up feeling grateful for such a wonderful life that I get to live. I’m always so happy that I’m able to have such incredible experiences with like-minded individuals. Since our little island draws in people from all over the world, with time it became a “creative hub” meaning that there are many photographers, models, and brands flying in and out of the island. That allowed me to meet all the amazing people that I know and gave me the opportunity to work with such amazing brands and teams
What does your current summer playlist sound like?
My playlists always vary based on my mood, although this summer I’m listening to Durand Jones, Sashamon, and Khruangbin on repeat!
How would you describe your own personal style and where do you draw inspiration from?
I would have to say that my style is effortless chic. Currently, my favourite combination is nice long pants or jeans paired with a blouse. Personally, I think that there’s something so sophisticated about that look, and what I love most is that I can either dress it down or up based on the occasion. My wardrobe is full of classic staples along with really beautiful, elegant dresses and pops of print here and there just like the Aurier Plunged Ruched
Midi Dress.
Bali and the surrounding islands have of course inspired me in the way I dress, so much inspiration is drawn from nature and the beautiful colours that I see.
Modelling for many years has also helped me to develop my personal style. I’m so fortunate to be able to work with a variety of brands that with time I could distinguish what I liked and didn’t like.
What is it that influences your love to travel? Are there any specific destinations you are drawn to that keep you going back for more?
I’m always very excited to travel to new places, to meet new people, to learn new things, and of course to eat food (I’m a huge foodie).
Hidden beaches and crystal clear waters are what can draw me to a destination if I’m planning a tropical vacation. There’s something so calming about swimming underwater in pristine waters. I’m honestly not a big city girl so anywhere I travel needs to either have the ocean close by or it would be a ski trip into the mountains.
Earlier this year in February, my partner and I travelled to Japan for my birthday and I have never fallen more in love with a country. The culture there is spectacular, people are so kind and of course, the food is fantastic, surprisingly they have the best pizza in the world; Pizza Studio Tamaki, highly recommend making a stop there if you ever have the chance. Hopefully, I can travel back to Japan this year! Another place that draws me back is Barcelona. My favourite thing to do is spend about ten days to two weeks there, I’d do a few days in the city then drive up to Costa Brava to enjoy the beaches and maybe a few days in Mallorca if I have the time. Barcelona has some of my favourite restaurants as well, Yakumanka is one of them. A Peruvian spot that constantly blows my mind. I’m starting to realise as I write this, that the food actually might be the one true reason why I get so drawn to a destination haha.
How do you stay grounded and connected to yourself while navigating the fast-paced world of your career and travel?
Breathing is key. Anytime I’m feeling anxious or need to calm myself, I take a few moments to sit and do a couple of deep breaths, this always makes me feel better. Another thing is exercise, whether it’s a 5-minute stretch, 45-minute workout, or going for a walk, I aim to give myself a little bit of time each day to move my body. For the travel days that can feel a bit lonely, there’s no better feeling than calling a loved one at home to catch up with and have a laugh.
We have loved chatting with you Aisha, finally can you share with us what is next for you?
I loved being a part of this, thank you for having me!
Recently I’ve signed with Kult Models in Germany, London, and Australia. Throughout the past years of modelling I have always been a freelance model. I’m now excited to be working together with such an amazing team and can’t wait to see where my career goes from here.
In between my modelling and photography, I have a few exciting projects coming up which I can’t share yet but will eventually as they blossom.
Looking forward to this new chapter in my life!
xx Aisha Katherina
SHOP AISHA'S EDIT
