An interview with Trisha Krishnan, a model, who has won the Miss Chennai crown and has her own show on TV.

How should a person go about preparing to enter this field?

It is necessary for people entering this profession to keep their portfolios ready as this is the first thing modeling agencies ask for when you approach them. There are photographers who offer a package deal inclusive of make up and hairstylist, but separate payments have to be made for developing and printing the photographs. Once the portfolios are ready you need to approach or send them to model coordinators who help you secure assignments. There is a fair amount of public relations needed in the industry. One has to be in constantly in touch with the coordinators because one seldom comes in direct contact with the clients. It is the model coordinators who arrange for assignments; take care of payments and other formalities.

I was interested in this profession during my higher secondary school days. I had a friend who was already in this profession and introduced me to some coordinators.

How is the fashion scene in South?

There are very good designers, coordinators, cameramen and technicians in the south. However, sometimes they shortlist models from here but then bring in a model from Mumbai for the shoot. Despite models out here getting due recognition, the opportunity factor however is not high as prevailing in a city like Mumbai.

How do you compare ramp modeling to modeling for ad shoots/films?

Ramp modeling is much more alive and you have your audience right there in front of you. The impact has to be immediate. In the case of ad campaigns however, you have time to make the audience sit up and take notice. Ramp modeling is more exciting though stressful because you have very limited time to model the whole collection, while ad shoots can even stretch to a few days and one can take things slowly. Both these forms are thrilling in their own way and personally I like doing both.

At times the crowd tends to become unruly and spoil the whole scene, has it ever happened to you?

It is generally so in school and college fashion shows that the crowd tends to be very rambunctious, but in professional shows the crowd is sober and responsive. I have done a fashion show organised by NIFT where the crowd was very appreciative.

Designer wear very often tends to be highly impractical, have you ever felt this was so?

Yes, I have often felt that many of the clothes that I model are quite impractical, and I have also questioned the designer about this. They are but, more bothered about the cut, the material, textures and design. One cannot however, categorise all the creations as outlandish as some of the designs are wearable like salwar kameezes and night-wear.

Models are used in fashion shows so that clothes can be displayed in a better way, and people can see the cut, fall and design clearly. Don't you think sometimes, this concept is lost on the audience?

The audiences are supposed to look at the clothes and the fit but more often they stare at the models. The designers are trying to show their creations through us, which will help her\him to sell the clothes. People do tend to forget this and end up praising the model instead of the clothes she is modeling.

Indians have of late become highly fashion and beauty conscious and even work out regularly. Any comments?

Indian models are making their presence felt on the international modeling scene. As a matter of fact if today a lot of people are becoming fashion and health conscious, it is all thanks to these well- known models and beauty queens. There is nothing wrong if a person wants to look good.

Modeling is perceived as a very glamorous field, can you present a clearer picture of this field?

This profession seems glamorous because there is a very high level of media exposure. What people fail to acknowledge is the hard work, which goes into each and every fashion show or an ad shoot. Not just by the models but also by the people who work in the background and without them it would be impossible to put up a show. We work under tremendous pressure with long hours of practice to put forth a successful show. It is not as easy as it looks from the outside.

However, there are people in this field who tend to act unprofessionally and exploit the models. If you are a person with a strong set of morals, have your head firmly set on your shoulders, then you will not get swayed by these people. I have not modeled for products I don't believe in nor have I worked with people who make me uncomfortable. Everyone in this field should have their own set of principles and if your foundation is strong then you cannot go wrong.

What about monetary benefits and life beyond the ramp?

An aspiring model may not be really well paid, but once you are established and make your presence felt, then you can command your price. Modelling has a very short life span. Personally, I feel it is better to have a good education so that after a career in modeling it will help you in life. Models who retire either set up grooming schools, become model coordinators or branch out into other areas of the fashion industry.

MALINI SURYANARAYANAN