Millions of young women dream to become the global beauty ambassador for the renowned American fashion label, Marc Jacobs. However, it was Malayali lass Rhea Jacobs who landed this dazzling once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity. The 24-year-old model, who is based in Dubai, is also a noted vlogger and motivational speaker. Rhea gets candid to Onmanorama about her 'stylish' journey in the fashion industry and also about her dreams and aspirations.
The coveted title
More than 1 lakh participants, from around the globe, have vied to become the global face of Marc Jacobs. Rhea, in her 3-minute-long introduction video, stressed the importance of foregrounding one’s own unique personality in fashion and beauty as well. This video, which impressed the judges, catapulted her into the final 10. For Rhea, to meet Marc Jacobs in person was indeed an unforgettable moment which, she admits, would cherish forever. She marched into the finals after performing amazingly well in many rounds in the contest. Rhea confesses that it was almost a dream - like moment when she came to know that her name too was included in the final 5 list.
The Malayali beauty icon is, in fact, the only contestant from Asia who was chosen as one of Marc Jacobs' five global beauty ambassadors. Rhea was featured on the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Harper's Bazar, within just a year of becoming the global beauty ambassador. Besides, she also became the face of leading beauty and fashion brands like Tiffany, Bloomingdale's, Ralph Lauren, and Glamglow.
Motivational speaker
Rhea says that she became a motivational speaker, by chance, after she gave an amazing speech at a fashion show in Dubai. Many found her words, "There shouldn't be a plan – B for achieving your dreams," extremely inspiring and motivating. She was then invited to various events around the United Arab Emirates to address the youth. Rhea is often invited as a judge at many fashion shows and beauty events that are conducted in the Middle East.
Achiever
Rhea made it to the list of '100 personalities of 2018' by the Masala Magazine, which is incredibly popular in the Gulf countries. She shared the honor with business tycoons like MA Yusuff Ali and Azad Moopen. Rhea has also associated with eminent personalities like Sheikha Mariam bint Khalifa bin Saif Al Nahyan and Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qassemi.
Fashion designing and art
Rhea completed her BA Honors in fashion designing from the famous Heriot Watt University. Most of the attires that she wears for fashion shows and other events are designed by her. It is Rhea's dream to start a fashion brand of herself, which would be a true reflection of her unique personality.
The youngster, who has an exceptional flair in painting and art, likes to express herself on the canvas. She is a frequent traveler who flies to many countries as part of her professional commitments and fashion events. Rhea says that the unique sights that capture her attention would be transformed into beautiful paintings and sketches. The successful model, who firmly believes that she has a responsibility towards society, is a volunteer at the Al Noor School, which works for the development of children with special needs. She happily confesses that her greatest joy is to spend her free time with the students of the Al Noor School, helping them in various activities.
Family
Rhea credits her family for supporting and encouraging her to follow her dreams and achieve greater heights in the field that she is passionate about. She is the only daughter of Mavelikkara natives, Kokkaparambil Jacob Samuel and Manju Jacob, who are settled in Dubai. Her grandmother Elizabeth too is supportive and gives her valuable advices to head forward in life with confidence. Rhea dedicates all her success to Lord Almighty and invokes Him in every step of her life and career.
