Candice Pinto: 'I don't follow fashion trends'

Top Indian model Candice Pinto kicked off her career in high fashion in style: the Mumbai native won the Gladrags Mega Model 2000 contest, Miss India Tourism 2002, Miss Tourism International Worldwide 2002, contest, and Miss Fresh Face 2002.

Since then, during her illustrious 7.5-year career, she's become a perennial regular at Lakme Fashion Week and Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week, and a fixture on fashion magazine covers. Add to that a stint doing international modelling, and it's easy to see why Candice is a prized commodity in the Indian fashion scene.

Rediff.com caught up with the half-Goan, half-Mangalorean beauty on the First Day of Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.

What's your personal style?

Casual and comfortable. And I don't follow the latest fashion trends.

But what are the latest, hottest trends?

Bright colours are definitely in, heavy embroidery and handwork is in. Flats are also in this year, as we models are hardly wearing any high heels this year.

Do you have any beauty tips, in terms of make-up?

I believe in using light make-up. And to care for your skin, it's important to have a quality cleanser.

What about exercise and diet?

Well, right now we're really busy, running around doing shows. So it's hard to exercise regularly. But when I'm not doing shows, I try to get to the gym for exercise. As for food, I like to eat. I'm a foodie. But because I'm not able to exercise right now, I have to be careful. You always have to balance the two, exercise and diet.

How is modelling as a career?

It just happened to me. I didn't plan it. But now that I'm living this life, I don't have time to do anything else.

Do you date only male models?

I don't believe in dating!

Any advice for aspiring models?

Complete your education first. Then you can go on to do whatever you'd like!