Abhishek Mande
With lovely lookers from across the world descending upon the Indian catwalk, it certainly looks like times are changing for our fashion industry.
Even as veteran Indian models are not exactly excited with the idea of a whole new breed of international competitors arriving on the Indian fashion scene, the fact remains that this is not a phenomenon that is going to die out anytime soon.
While most of the younger lot comes to India for a few months to a year at a time, others of a more entrepreneurial frame of mind stay on and try to lay down roots here.
The supply of these heavenly bodies, however, is never disturbed. At any given Indian fashion week, you'll see a handful of them walking past every now and then.
We connected with some of these models, who are represented by various agencies in Delhi and Mumbai and got them to share their India experience. In the following pages, we try to find out just what it is that makes this country such a wonderful work destination.
'My parents were worried'
Photographs: Courtesy Orange Models Management
Alina Galushka, 27 came to India from the Ukraine about four years ago and has pretty much made the country her home. This enterprising model has walked the ramp in China, Thailand and Singapore and runs Orange Models Management, a modelling agency in New Delhi.
Initially, Alina arrived in the hope of finding out more about our culture and traditions. Her parents, though very excited about their daughter's plans, were worried about her health, what with the pollution and water-borne diseases.
'People would turn up late for shoots'
Photographs: Courtesy Orange Models Management
Alina's first visit to India was not very pleasant. When she landed in the country 'beggars and lots of dirty areas' welcomed her. At sea because she couldn't find a cab and didn't know where to change her money, the initial shock wore off and she has since grown to love the country.
She tells us that she enjoys the work culture here and finds that much has changed. "Initially, people would turn up late for shoots. Now they don't," she says.
She confesses she'd like to stay in India for as long as she can. Her modelling agency is flourishing and she's now planning to open a new branch in Mumbai, tying up with an international agency soon.
"Things are looking up," she says.
'Modelling in India involves a lot of saris'
Photographs: Courtesy Inega Model Management
Evelyn Lakshmi Sharma is 23 years old and landed on Indian shores a few months ago from Germany.
The 5'7" model has largely done commercial modelling, appearing in magazine editorials overseas and here too. Having largely worked in Germany, the US and Hong Kong, Evelyn tells us that she'd always dreamt of coming to India.
"I'm half-Indian, from my father's side. So of course, all my life I've wanted to come here!" she enthuses.
Evelyn says she finds India to be extreme and intense. "Every day I get so many different impressions about the country. But I have to say I love India. I think Indians have so many things to be proud of. The unique and colourful fashion, the most fascinating religion and history, the architecture and the funniest comedians in the world!" she says, adding, "It's nice how suddenly everyone likes to call me by my middle name -- Lakshmi. No one ever did that before!"
Modelling in India, she says 'involves a lot of saris!' "But besides that, there isn't much difference in the work culture," she suggests.
'I can't leave before I've crossed off everything on my India-to-do-list!'
Photographs: Courtesy Inega Model Management
Work, Evelyn says, has been great. Her blog online tells you that she's just shot one of her first billboards and is currently in Nagpur fretting because 'it isn't orange season yet'.
She says she wouldn't mind staying in India as long as there is work coming her way. For now, though, she is waiting for 'the festival season to begin'.
"Everyone keeps telling me about the amazing festivals! And I can't leave before I've crossed off everything on my India-to-do-list!"
'I was blown away when I landed in Mumbai'
Photographs: Courtesy Anima Creatives
It has also been a few months since Australian-born Samantha Cannon,18, arrived in India. The bikini bombshell is here to build her portfolio before she goes back home.
Of her parents' reaction to her decision, she says that they were very supportive. "My parents said it was an opportunity that I couldn't give up and I'd have an amazing experience that not many 18-year-old girls would've had so far," she says.
This is Samantha's first visit to the country and she describes her experience as being simply 'crazy'.
She explains, "I was blown away when I landed in Mumbai and was being driven from the airport to my apartment. I was petrified by the crazing driving! As weeks have gone by, I have learnt to appreciate and embrace this buzzing country. The people in Mumbai are very friendly and I feel very safe here."
'Jobs can be quite unorganised'
Photographs: Courtesy Anima Creatives
The work culture, though, is quite the opposite, she points out. "I have noticed that on some occasions, not always, jobs can be quite unorganised and take three times longer than they would in Australia. Also, the simple studios are very different from home, where there are much bigger set-ups. I find India can make the most beautiful pictures from the simplest supplies and sets," she says.
Samantha plans to go back home in the coming months. Meanwhile, her plan is to travel as much as she can and make some moolah while she's at it.
'India is very different from many other Asian countries'
Photographs: Courtesy Orange Models Management
All of 20, model Nadya from Uzbekistan came here with some amount of work experience, having walked the ramp in Japan and Indonesia, among other countries.
She has worked for Suneet Verma and Tarun Tahiliani among others in India and says that she's been very happy with her stay here.
The almost 6' looker tells us that she's been modelling for a long time now and came to India in order to experience its culture.
'I want to go back to studying now'
Photographs: Courtesy Orange Models Management
I was really shocked when I came here the first time. India is very different from many other Asian countries. Now, though, I feel very happy here," says Nadya.
A person of few words, she says she finds the work culture in India very enjoyable and plans to stay here till the end of September.
"I want to go back to studying now!" she shares.
'I'm here to work towards my dream of buying a home'
Photographs: Courtesy Orange Models Management
Nina, 21, came from the Ukraine to India so she could fulfill her dream of buying a house back home.
Having modelled in Turkey, China and Lebanon, Nina has catwalked for Rocky S and Tarun Tahiliani, among others.
She remembers vividly the day she landed in India earlier this year.
"It was incredible to see people living on the streets and how they survive in all kinds of weather. Despite their condition, people here are so happy and positive," she says.
Nina adds that working in India has been a great experience and she has been made to feel welcome. "People here are very warm and treat you well," she adds.
'The best time'
Photographs: Courtesy Orange Models Management
Busy with her ramp shows and editorial shoots, Nina says she has never had a better time modelling anywhere else other than here.
Ask what her future plans are and she replies, "They're not very grand. I am working towards buying a house. Once I do that I plan to take it easy and enjoy my life!"
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