In Conversation with Zaya
When I first stumbled across Zaya, I immediately paused. There was something about her presence that felt deeply aligned with the emotional world of MUJO — the theme of the current W26 collection. Calm yet powerful, soft yet unwavering.
At only 17, she carries a remarkable sense of composure. Originally from Mongolia and now living in Australia with her parents, Zaya is not only building a modelling career, but also hopes to pursue engineering and contribute meaningful, specialized work to Australia in the future.
Blyss was one of her first major interstate shoots, though you would never know it. Some people simply understand stillness in front of the camera. She moved through the landscape and collection so naturally, bringing a quiet strength to the shoot that felt impossible to force.
K: Firstly, your full name is incredibly beautiful. Can you share it properly with us, and tell us if there’s a meaning behind it?
Z: My first name is Ариунзаяа, Ariun (ариун) meaning pure/clean or holy, and Zaya (заяа) meaning fate, destiny, or luck. My last name is my dad’s first name, Lkhundev (Лхүндэв), as it is of Tibetan origin and also follows a patronymic tradition of taking your father’s first name. I believe my parents just gave me that name as my sister has the same name prefix, Ariun, and they liked the name Zaya.
K: You’re only 17, yet you carry yourself with such calm confidence. Where do you think that comes from?
Z: Thank you, that’s very kind. I think overall, I’ve always been a pretty confident person, but a lot of it came from the maturing process during my teenage years, such as talking to mature people and thinking a lot about what mindset I should have to be a good person and make my internal thoughts more positive and refreshing. Oh, and definitely thinking of yourself less, which makes you realize you don’t have enough years in this lifetime to not be confident.
K: Originally being from Mongolia and now living in Australia, do you feel connected to both places equally, or does one feel more like home to you now?
Z: Interestingly, I’ve spent almost equal amounts of time in each country. I feel a connection to both places in general and in different areas, but if someone were to ask, I would still classify Mongolia as my home country.
K: Blyss was one of your first interstate shoots, but honestly, you felt like a seasoned model on set. Did modelling feel natural to you immediately?
Z: I would say yes, I’ve always felt like I was meant to be a performer in some way, whether it was dancing, drawing, or acting. Modelling has opened up so many opportunities to fulfill that need. I remember my dad would always take videos or photos of me when I was little — it never felt strange to be in front of a camera.
K: Was there a particular moment during the shoot at Koru Sabi Lodge that stayed with you afterwards?
Z: I loved the location; I thought it was such a mystical and beautiful cabin that almost felt foreign. A particular moment would probably be the getting-ready process, where I got to see myself transform with crimped hair and partial braids. I felt very nomadic. One of the positives about my job is that I’m always able to transform into different looks or personas — it’s very exciting and stimulating each time.
K: You’re pursuing modelling while also dreaming of studying engineering. What first drew you toward that path?
Z: Initially, modelling was just a hobby or a side hustle for me. I get quite serious when I’m thinking about what to do in the future, especially now as 18 is approaching. My favourite subjects in high school were history, art and science. I reckoned my passion for history and art should stay more as a hobby and side pursuit, the more to make me multifaceted. The STEM pathway is a very in-demand industry, and I thought chemical engineering was worth a shot since I enjoy maths and chemistry. I have a few doubts, but I’m always up for a good challenge that can stimulate me.
K: Which Blyss pieces do you now feel you need in your own wardrobe?
Z: I love last collection’s summer maxi dresses. The Higher Realms Maxi Dress is definitely in my cart, as well as some comfortable winter pieces such as the Freedom Jersey Tracksuit with winter approaching.
