At just 24, Ashley Kiara—better known as DJ Kiara—is already spinning her way across Asia’s festival circuit, performing at fashion events, and racking up millions of views on TikTok, where she has over 445,000 followers. But life in the fast lane wasn’t always the plan. “I was determined to succeed within Singapore’s education system,” she shares. “My goal was to get into a local university, earn a finance degree, and eventually become a banker.” Those goals changed at Singapore Management University, when she joined the school’s DJ club, Stereometa. A Grade 8 pianist by age 12, she picked up DJing quickly, placing third in a campus competition that marked a turning point.
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ON BEING A FULL-TIME DJ
“I landed my first gig at Cherry Discotheque after winning the competition, and started sharing my journey on TikTok. One morning, I woke up to a video that had gone viral, and it changed everything. I was scouted by entertainment company WILD, who has been guiding me as a professional DJ, content creator and artist. Some highlights so far include playing at the Djakarta Warehouse Project in 2024, sharing the stage with DJs Zedd and Axwell Λ Ingrosso, and securing shows in Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok and Taiwan. I’m currently working on releasing my debut album, which is a love letter to anyone chasing a dream.”
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ON FASHION
“I gravitate toward streetwear: Baggier fits, Y2K vibes, oversized jerseys and cosy layers. I’m inspired by women who make their own style: Peggy Gou’s effortless minimalism, Rosé’s dreamy Korean aesthetic, Jennie’s sleek stage looks and Tate McRae’s sporty, casual vibes. The late Virgil Abloh was a huge influence, too. His ability to blend streetwear with high fashion and push creative boundaries resonates with me.”
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ON TRAVEL
“Bali will always have my heart. It’s my refuge when I need to reset. I love connecting with locals, experiencing their rich traditions, and soaking up their soulful, vibrant music culture. There’s something about that energy that always draws me back.”
Stylist NAVIN PILLAY
Make‑up Artist RINA SIM using NARS
Hairstylist GREGO using Revlon Professional
Stylist's Assistant EVA NATASHA