Disagreeing with the prevalent notion that entry into the world of glamour is confined to only those with the right kind of backing, Marc Robinson feels that “in fashion industry one does not need godfathers anymore”. One can’t disagree considering he is a veteran in the industry. He started as a model and moved on to direct many successful fashion shows. He adds, “The fashion industry has become a lot more structured, a lot more open minded and a lot more competitive. If you are young, talented and have what it takes, you will definitely get an opportunity. You don’t have to be somebody’s son or daughter to get a break.”
Going further on the subject Marc observes that even though the common people view the fashion industry with certain scepticism they should see Bollywood actors who have gone on to become successful models. “I think the common man should look at people right now who are in Bollywood. Many of the successful actors like Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, Dia Mirza or Priyanka Chopra became models. Most of the actors who are in Bollywood started with modelling. Fashion industry is a platform to expand one’s career.”
In the Capital as part of the jury for the audition of Max Elite Top Models India 2015 Marc points outs that there is a huge difference between a beautiful face and a model. The latter has to have a strong structured face with strong features. “For Elite the basic age requirement is from 16 to 22 years with authorisation from the parents with the participants having a strong personality and attitude. It is not mandatory to have a beautiful or an attractive face. Other pageants don’t have any such requirements but being a model one is required to have a youthful charisma, features and attitude.”.
Sharing his journey in the fashion world, Marc reveals that he had no thoughts about modelling. In fact, initially he was working with an international airline. “It was all due to chance when I was recognised by Rohit Khosla, a pioneer in Indian fashion and Prabuddha Dasgupta, the ace photographer. Thereafter I modelled for a long time and when I got an option I got associated with Channel V and also did a couple of films.”
Moving on to become a show director and a choreographer, he worked with international fashion designers, including Valentino, Cuarzo and was the national director of Femina Miss India for six years. “I kept improving and learning to enhance my skills. And now as an entrepreneur I have partnered with Elite and as a licensee with them I have to choose India’s international model who will represent the country.”
Marc, a die-hard fan of the English football club, Manchester United, manages to find time for playing the game despite a busy and hectic work schedule. “I make time for it. Whatever you enjoy, you make time for it like you make time for your family, you make time for your sport. You make time for your work as well. So, I practice every Sunday with Ranbir and Abhishek, if I am in town. If you like something, you make time for it and you’ll find a way.”
