IT engineers, economic grads, fashion designers are the new head-turners on the catwalk; first timers at WIFW 2014 are walking tall on the belief that fashion is ephemeral, like most things in life
For Parul, fashion is not just about being a ramp-scorcher, but also understanding the process of designing, maybe thats why this Pearl Academy of Fashion graduate decided to change tracks. I grew up in Bhopal, and was mesmerized by the arch lights, so after a fashion degree, I gave modeling, serious thought, says Parul Duggal, a first timer at WIFW 2014. And if you are five feet, ten inches tall, it always helps!
The first runner-up at I am She, 2011, the Ms. Universe contest, run by actress Sushmita Sen, Parul understood the finer aspects of this craft, from Lubna Adams, who motivated her to get her walk right. Grooming changes your mental and physical landscape. I also participated at the Ms Globe International, Cyprus, where I met beautiful and talented girls from different nationalities; it opened my horizons to a completely new, unexplored world. Modelling helped me grow and evolve too; I dressed better and felt more confident about who I was, she admits.
After studying design, Parul worked with Kazo for a bit and turned her focus on to modeling full-time, even as for a self-confessed tomboy, catwalk was a unfamiliar high. Growing up in Bhopal, you are far away from the world of captivating glamour and style, but what I have learnt is that one must be oneself and not get swept away by the baggage this world brings along with it, she smiles.
And with a Plan B in place, Parul hopes to launch her label one day, when the shimmering lights no longer interest her and the allure gets faded into oblivion. Hoping to offer the modern woman a mix of Western tailoring with an Indian soul, Paruls focus will be on a brand which understands the changing needs of a working girl. I love Sabyasachi Mukherjee and his design aesthetics. How he transforms, a simple outfit into something magical, thats the power of design. And I want a part of that magic! So my line, when it does come into existence, will be a mix of Indias best embroideries but presented in a non-ethnic way. Till then I am happy being a clothes horse, she concludes.
Leno comes from the culturally rich city of Dimapur, Nagaland and this economics student, who is hoping to do an MBA in finance never thought modelling would be her career of choice. But being too tall for a Naga girl (five feet eight inches), she was chosen for the Kingfisher Calendar shoot and then as they proverbially say, there was no looking back.
I was quite raw when I came to Delhi last June; I had no idea how to give the right expressions or strike a pose. But participating in this contest helped me see how other contestants took up a challenge and surpassed everyones expectations, she adds.
Understanding that models have a shelf life, Leno, 23, knows that it will remain just her favourite past-time till she equips herself with a degree and maybe in the future get closer to doing her dream job—- investment banking.
For another first timer at WIFW, Pooja, it was a shift from being a stage performer to a model. I was born in Uttar Pradesh and brought up in Gujarat. And while doing my engineering in information technology, I got a taste of style and I was hooked, she admits.
Pooja believes in an industry dominated by looks the biggest challenge is to always look perfect. But on the flipside, its the positive part also you are always well-groomed, she adds.
A big admirer of young gun Masaba and her innovative prints, this IT expert is on a roll but knows nothing lasts forever!