In her inspiring TEDx talk titled “Fashion Beneath Imagination,” Aisyah Thoriq shares her journey of empowerment influenced by iconic characters from Barbie to Disney and films like “Legally Blonde.” Growing up immersed in these narratives, Aisyah reveals how fictional figures have modeled resilience and ambition, encouraging her to dream beyond limitations.
She emphasizes that heroes are not defined by perfection but by their courage and authenticity. Aisyah recounts the story of Elle Woods, the fashionable protagonist of “Legally Blonde,” who defies expectations to succeed at Harvard Law School, reinforcing the message that one can embrace their unique identity while striving for greatness.
Through her personal anecdotes, Aisyah advocates for the importance of recognizing one’s worth and wielding the “secret superpower” of being underestimated. She calls upon her audience to embrace their inner strength, pursue their passions unapologetically, and thrive in their individuality. A powerful testament to self-discovery and resilience, Aisyah’s talk inspires listeners to let doubt fuel their determination and prove their critics wrong.
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Author Video Description
Did you know that research shows that people who read fiction tend to be more empathetic? That same power of stories can shape who we are and who we dare to become. From “you can be anything” Barbie to Disney’s flawed yet fearless heroes, to Elle Woods proving brilliance and pink can coexist, this talk will surprise you, move you, and maybe even change the way you see yourself. What if Barbie, Disney princesses, and Elle Woods could teach us more about real life courage than we ever imagined? In this inspiring TEDx Talk, Aisyah Thoriq shares how fictional characters shaped her self belief, resilience, and the powerful lesson that being underestimated can actually be a secret superpower. Through heartfelt stories and pop culture icons, she reveals how the sparkle on the outside is always fueled by the fire within. TEDxAvicenna Cinere School is a TEDxYouth event that brings together young minds, passionate thinkers, and inspiring speakers to share ideas worth spreading. The event is a collaboration among teachers, staff, students, and speakers, supported by the school and sponsorship. TEDxAvicenna Cinere School celebrates the brilliance and potential of the next generation. Join us for an unforgettable experience that empowers, educates, and inspires youth to shape the future. Aisyah Thoriq is an 11th grader at Avicenna Jagakarsa Senior High School, a 17-year-old girl from Jakarta. She finds comfort in sketching, painting, and styling outfits that reflect her mood. Whether she’s curating collages or experimenting with color, Aisyah uses fashion and art to express her thoughts and tell stories. From school projects to Instagram posts, she’s always done it in her own style. She will be one of the speakers at the TEDxAvicenna Cinere School Pre Event on May 24th, 2025. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
About TEDxTalks
TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “Fashion Beneath Imagination | Aisyah Thoriq | TEDxAvicenna Cinere School” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks