MOEVIR Magazine April Issue 2026

[ Riona Dighe ]

Cover Model: @_rionakd

Cover Photographer: @singhstudioparis

Cover Coordination: @onceuponatimebrit

Cover Publicist for Riona: @parisrunwayofficial

Milan Fashion Week Photos:

Designer: Leo Almodal @leoalmodal

Producer : Chona Bacaoco @chonabacaoco

Fashion House: MM Milano Fashion House @mmmilanofashionhouse

Photographer : Silvia Cappelletto @silviacappelletto.fotografia

Make up: Katerina Bartosková @kbartoskova_muartist

Hair: Juan Lino @hauseoflino

Publicist: @parisrunwayofficial

Coordination: @onceuponatimebrit @parisrunwayofficial

https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3289625

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Riona is a model whose journey into fashion began through pageantry, where she first discovered her passion for stage presence, storytelling, and self-expression. Pageantry allowed her to develop the discipline, confidence, and composure that later translated naturally into the fashion industry. Since then, she has expanded into runway and editorial work, collaborating with designers and appearing in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. Through these experiences, Riona has grown to appreciate fashion as a powerful form of creative expression, where clothing, movement, and visual storytelling come together to create something meaningful.

Known for her poise and versatility, she enjoys the collaborative nature of the industry, working alongside photographers, stylists, and designers to bring creative visions to life. Beyond the runway, Riona is also passionate about using her platform for positive impact, actively supporting charitable initiatives and community-focused projects. For her, fashion is not only about aesthetics, but also about confidence, identity, and the ability to inspire others.

Creative, driven, and curious. Fashion is the space where I feel most expressive. I love the storytelling behind a look, a runway, or an editorial shoot. I’m very driven and disciplined in my work, because I believe the details and preparation behind the scenes are what make the final moment on stage or on camera feel effortless. At the same time, I stay curious and open to learning, constantly evolving with the industry and discovering new ways to express creativity through fashion.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Riona, as someone who comes from both Singapore and London, how have these two cities influenced your personality and career path?

Singapore is where my story begins, and it gave me a strong sense of identity and discipline from a young age. It’s a city that moves with precision and ambition, and I think that mindset naturally shaped my work ethic and the way I approach opportunities. London, where I later grew up and was educated, opened my world creatively. It’s a city where fashion, art, and culture constantly intersect, and being surrounded by that energy encouraged me to explore self-expression and individuality. Experiencing both places allowed me to develop two sides of myself, one grounded and driven, the other curious and creative. In many ways, my journey in fashion reflects that balance between structure and imagination that Singapore and London each brought into my life.

What first inspired you to pursue modeling and pageantry?

Pageantry was really my first doorway into fashion. Standing on stage taught me that style isn’t only about what you wear, but how you carry yourself, the energy you bring into a room, and the story you tell without saying a word. I was fascinated by that transformation, how a look, a walk, or a moment on stage could create such a powerful presence. Over time that curiosity grew into a real love for modelling, where fashion becomes a form of storytelling and collaboration with designers, photographers, and creatives. What continues to inspire me is that fashion allows you to step into different worlds, while still discovering new parts of yourself along the way.

How would you describe your journey to becoming Miss Teen Universe UK 1st Runner-Up?

My journey to becoming Miss Teen Universe UK 1st Runner-Up was an incredibly special chapter in my life. Pageantry gave me the opportunity to grow in confidence, discipline, and stage presence while meeting inspiring young women from around the world. Every stage of the competition pushed me to present the best version of myself, not only through appearance but through character and purpose. Being recognized as 1st Runner-Up was a moment of immense pride. At the same time, being so close to first place became a powerful source of motivation for me, reminding me that with even more dedication and hard work I could accomplish even more. More than anything, the experience opened doors into fashion and modelling and showed me how meaningful it can be to use a platform to inspire others.

What challenges did you face during your pageant experience, and how did you overcome them?

Pageantry can look very glamorous from the outside, but behind the scenes it requires an incredible amount of preparation and dedication. One of the biggest challenges was balancing the intense schedule of training, rehearsals, appearances, and personal preparation that goes into performing at your best on stage. It’s a process that demands discipline and resilience, as every detail, from presentation to public speaking, requires constant refinement. The experience taught me how important it is to stay focused and organized while managing pressure in such a fast-paced environment. Over time, I learned to embrace that pressure as part of the journey, knowing that the hard work and commitment behind the scenes are what truly shape the final moment on stage.

You have walked the runway in New York City — what was that experience like for you as an international model?

Walking the runway in New York was an unforgettable experience. Fashion Week moves at an incredibly fast pace, with long days filled with fittings, rehearsals, and shows happening one after another. It can definitely be tiring, but the moment you step onto the runway the excitement and adrenaline completely take over. Suddenly everything feels smooth and natural, and you remember why you love being part of this world. Being surrounded by talented designers, stylists, and creatives from around the world made the experience even more inspiring and reminded me how powerful fashion can be as a global language

How has working with brands such as Alice and Olivia shaped your professional development?

Working with brands such as Alice + Olivia has been a very meaningful part of my professional journey, especially because I had the opportunity to organize a charity fundraising event at their Mayfair boutique. It was a wonderful experience bringing together fashion and philanthropy in a space that celebrates creativity while supporting an important cause. A portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to Together for Short Lives, a charity that supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Organizing the event required careful planning, collaboration, and a strong sense of responsibility, which helped me grow both professionally and personally. Moments like that remind me that fashion can go beyond aesthetics and become a platform to bring people together and create a positive impact.

What do you believe sets you apart in the fashion and modeling industry?

“Fashion is about dreaming and making other people dream,” Donatella Versace once said, and I think that idea captures what draws me to this industry. What sets me apart is that I approach fashion not only as performance, but as a space for ideas and storytelling. Alongside modelling, I’ve always been deeply curious about the world beyond fashion, whether through research, philanthropy, or the communities I work with. That perspective allows me to bring something more personal into my work on the runway and in editorial projects. I see fashion as a platform where creativity, culture, and purpose can meet, and that balance between expression and intention is what I try to carry into everything I do.

How do you use modeling as a platform to tell meaningful stories?

For me, modelling becomes meaningful when it connects to something larger than the image itself. One way I try to do that is by using fashion events to support causes I care about. For example, organizing a charity event at Alice + Olivia’s Mayfair boutique allowed me to combine fashion with philanthropy, raising awareness and funds for Together for Short Lives, which supports children with life-limiting conditions. Experiences like that showed me that fashion can bring people together and create real impact beyond the runway. I also see storytelling in the cultural perspective I bring into my work, having grown up between Singapore and London. Through every project, whether it is a runway show or a charity initiative, I try to bring intention and meaning into the space.

Your published research on AI and Gross National Happiness is very impressive. What inspired you to explore this topic?

I was first drawn to the idea of Gross National Happiness because it challenges the way we traditionally think about success as a society. When I learned about Bhutan’s philosophy of measuring progress through wellbeing rather than purely economic growth, it sparked a deep curiosity in me. That curiosity eventually led me to explore how artificial intelligence and natural language processing could help analyze public sentiment and provide new ways to understand happiness in real time. At one point I had the opportunity to travel there, which made the experience even more meaningful. During my visit I helped build a library for local children and donated part of my own book collection to it. Seeing the community and culture firsthand made the research feel very real to me, and it reminded me that ideas about wellbeing and opportunity ultimately come down to people and the lives they are able to build.

How do you balance academic research with the demands of modeling and pageantry?

Balancing academic research with modeling and pageantry is something I’ve learned to manage quite naturally over time. Although they might seem like very different worlds, I’ve actually found that they complement each other in interesting ways. Modeling allows me to explore creativity and storytelling, while research feeds my curiosity and love for learning. With good organization and discipline, I’ve been able to move between both without difficulty. I actually enjoy having both in my life because they challenge me in very different ways and keep things exciting.

Do you see technology and fashion intersecting in the future? If so, how?

Absolutely. Fashion has always evolved alongside technology, and I think the most interesting part of that evolution is how technology can help us understand people better. My research explored how artificial intelligence can analyze language and sentiment to understand how people feel, which is something I find fascinating because fashion is also deeply connected to emotion and identity. What we wear often reflects how we see ourselves or how we want to be seen by the world. As technology continues to develop, I think it will not only change how clothing is designed, but also how brands understand culture, expression, and individuality. That intersection between creativity, technology, and human emotion is something I find incredibly exciting.

You have raised over £12,000 for children’s hospice charities. What motivated you to support this cause?

Supporting children’s hospice charities became important to me because it brings attention to families who are facing some of life’s most difficult moments with incredible strength and dignity. When you learn about the care and comfort these organizations provide to children and their families, you understand how essential that support truly is. I felt a strong responsibility to use my platform to raise awareness and bring people together around a cause that deserves more visibility. Organizing fundraising initiatives allowed me to turn that intention into action and contribute in a meaningful way. Knowing that those efforts can help provide care, support, and moments of comfort for children and their families is what continues to motivate me.

Can you tell us more about your role as an ambassador for the technology initiative supporting children with special needs?

As an ambassador for this technology initiative, my role is about helping people understand how powerful innovation can be for children with special needs. Many of the technologies being developed are designed to support communication, learning, and greater independence in everyday life. Seeing how these advancements can open new possibilities for children and their families is incredibly inspiring. My role is to help raise awareness and encourage support so these innovations can reach more communities. It’s a reminder that technology becomes truly meaningful when it is used to create opportunities and make the world more inclusive.

How important is philanthropy in your personal definition of success?

Philanthropy gives success a deeper meaning. Achievements and opportunities are exciting, but they feel much more valuable when they can also help someone else. Supporting charities, especially those helping children and families, puts everything into perspective and reminds me why giving back matters. It’s not only about what you accomplish personally, but about the positive impact you can create along the way. That balance is what makes success feel truly meaningful to me.

In what ways do you hope your advocacy work will create long-term impact?

I believe real impact often begins with awareness. Sometimes it only takes one conversation or one moment for someone to discover a cause they had never thought about before. Through my advocacy work, I hope to help bring attention to issues that deserve more visibility, especially those affecting children and families. If that awareness encourages people to stay involved, support charities, or simply care a little more, then that’s where long-term change begins. For me, the most meaningful impact is when that awareness continues to grow far beyond the initial moment.

You mentioned challenging stereotypes by combining beauty with academic and advocacy work. Why is this message important to you?

I think the idea that beauty and intellect have to exist separately is an outdated one. Fashion is a powerful platform, but it becomes even more meaningful when it’s combined with curiosity, ideas, and purpose. Being able to move between modelling, academic research, and advocacy shows that identity doesn’t have to be limited to one dimension. That message matters to me because I hope it encourages others, especially young women, to feel confident pursuing every side of who they are.

What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue multiple ambitions like you have?

One thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to rush to prove everything at once. When you have multiple ambitions, it’s easy to feel pressure to excel in all of them immediately, but growth is not linear. Some seasons of your life will be dedicated to learning, others to creating, and others to sharing what you’ve built. Allowing yourself that flexibility makes it much easier to explore different passions without feeling overwhelmed. The most important thing is to stay curious and keep moving forward, even if your path doesn’t look conventional.

How do you define confidence, and how do you encourage others to develop it?

Confidence is something that grows over time. It’s not about always feeling fearless, but about learning to trust yourself little by little through different experiences. I noticed that the moments that helped me build the most confidence were often the ones that initially felt a bit intimidating, like stepping onto a stage or walking a runway for the first time. Each experience teaches you that you’re capable of more than you thought. One small piece of advice I always share is not to wait until you feel completely ready, because confidence often comes after you take that first step.

What are your goals for your upcoming fashion shows and continued participation in pageantry?

My goal is to continue evolving and exploring new creative directions in fashion. Walking in upcoming shows is an opportunity to collaborate with designers and bring their vision to life on the runway. At the same time, pageantry remains important to me because it offers a platform to support causes I care deeply about. Being able to grow within both worlds keeps the journey inspiring and meaningful.

Looking ahead, what kind of legacy would you like to build through your work in fashion, research, and philanthropy?

I hope to build a legacy rooted in curiosity, creativity, and meaningful impact. Fashion and research are spaces where I can keep learning, exploring ideas, and evolving over time. When it comes to philanthropy, my hope is that as my career grows, the impact I’m able to create grows with it. The more my platform expands, the more opportunities there are to support causes, raise awareness, and help communities that need it. That sense of growing responsibility is something I carry with me as I move forward.