Apo Nattawin, Davika Hoorne and Heart Evangelista on Southeast Asia’s Rising Fashion Influence

BANGKOK — Heart Evangelista, Davika Hoorne and Nattawin “Apo” Wattanagitiphat, three of the most high-profile fashion influencers from Southeast Asia, shared their take on the region’s rising fashion influence at the WWD x Siam Piwat Global Fashion Spotlight last week in Bangkok.

“I believe that everybody knows the term ‘influence.’ It’s about pushing something forward, but if you ask me what ‘influence’ means in my perspective, I’d give an example from my experience working with global brands like Dior and Piaget,” said Wattanagitiphat, whose appearance at the Dior spring 2025 show generated considerable buzz.

With 16 million Instagram followers, Evangelista believes that influence is more than what you wear. “I feel like it’s an overall package. I feel like it’s more of the language of someone’s heart toward another heart that makes you influential,” she said.

“We are very lucky that we have social media, to share this big stage with everybody. For me, influence also means being very transparent and just being myself. I try to educate people with however or whatever is presented to me through my stories on YouTube,” added Evangelista.

Hoorne said influence means “power and trust. We can shape the stories and we can make people move by our presence on our platform.”

In her opinion, the turning point for her influence was when her Instagram followers surpassed 1 million. She now has more than 18 million followers. “I started gaining popularity about 10 years ago. I have to game on, and hold the trust and belief my fans give me,” she added.

Now a Gucci brand ambassador and friend of Bulgari, Hoorne also attributed her global presence to her multicultural upbringing. “I’m half Thai and half Belgian. I was born and raised here in Thailand, but I try my best to talk to you guys in English because I want my international friends to understand me as well,” she added.

Evangelista said it’s their distinct characteristics that made a difference for brands at the end of the day. “I’m very proud to be who I am, where I come from, and that really reflects with how you wear your clothes. Again, it’s not always about the clothes. It’s about the character and the personality and your background,” she said.

Wattanagitiphat said being able to collaborate with global brands as a Thai actor, whether it’s Dior, Piaget, or any other brand, he is breaking boundaries.

“Every time I work with these brands, I convey how Dior and Piaget look from my perspective, as a Thai actor representing these brands. I deliver that message and make an impact, whether it’s through being talked about or being seen. Even people who continue to buy the products are affected. I think this is a small cog that connects fashion globally. I believe this is a significant impact, and with WWD coming to Thailand today, I think the world will get to know Thai fashion better and find it even more exciting,” he said.

Wattanagitipha said fans buy into his endorsement because he has been very selective about who he works with.

“I’ve been selective since I was a kid, and I think that the choices I make shape the people around me, whether it’s the people I work with or my fans. Being selective plays a role. For example, at work, it manifests in the intention, sincerity and commitment I put into my work, and even my friends and fans are also selective in their own ways. That’s why we’ve come to be in the same community,” he added.

“I think my selectiveness is what has brought me to where I am today. Let’s say this is one community — a group of fashion lovers. I believe everyone here loves fashion. I think we all speak the same language. Even if we don’t directly talk to each other, fashion is expressing what mood you’re in, and what you’re saying. I think this is what makes us impact each other,” continued Wattanagitipha.

“Through the years you create this relationship with your followers. You don’t present yourself as a brand, not necessarily. You present yourself uniquely as yourself, and then someone out there will kind of gravitate toward or relate toward you,” said Evangelista.

At the event, Wattanagitipha unveiled that he is working on several projects to be released next year. It’s the reason why he is sporting a mustache now.

“That’s one project I feel that the production is very interesting with a variety of characters and a very intriguing script. I believe that when international audiences see it, as it will air globally, they’ll feel, ‘Wow, this is a work from Thailand?’ and they’ll realize that Thai people have such profound perspectives,” said Wattanagitipha.

He is also working on another project, titled “Shine,” with fellow Dior ambassador Phakphum “Mile” Romsaithong.

“I must say, the characters in this project are ones that I believe everyone is excited about. There is support from the Ministry of Commerce and others to promote Thai products and showcase the beauty of being Thai through the series ‘Shine,’ allowing the world to see the beauty that Thailand has to offer,” he said.