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Super models Vidisha Pavate and Fleur Xavier on life beyond the ramp
‘Modelling spurs other careers’
Photo: K.V. Srinivasan
Imagine doing a Take Two in 15 minutes! That too in a cramped green room! But jet-setting super models Vidisha Pavate and Fleur Xavier pack in so much in the limited time. Away from the flashbulbs too, the two are striking – Vidisha with her pomfret pout and trademark Oriental look, and Fleur with her sweet smile and here-to-eternity legs. Having staked their claim on the national runways for a decade, the two are now seriously looking at switching streams and exploring other avenues of work. T. Krithika Reddy caught up with them after the duo.
Vidisha Fleur, we’ve been living out of suitcases. It’s become a way of life. I feel bored if I sit at home for long. What about you?
Fleur Initially, this lifestyle was killing. Now, I love travelling. Just can’t be in one place for more than a week. I have to see an airport. Otherwise, I get withdrawal syndrome. (Laughs)
Vidisha It’s been a decade since we first set foot on the ramp. (With a far-away look) Modelling has become so big now.
Fleur: I’m glad that people are looking at it as a full time career. Now, it’s on top of every other girl’s wish list. But aspiring models must understand that modelling as a career is short – 10 to 15 years. We have to accept it and explore other avenues after that. Modelling opens up amazing opportunities. It is a springboard to other careers. Vidisha Yes. You see, now, I’ve joined my husband and we import wines. Wines are a big fashion statement. All our contacts from the fashion world are bound to make a big difference when we switch streams. And you too Fleur, you are already into interior designing, isn’t it?
Fleur Yes, it’s three years since I started. And the going has been good.
Vidisha It’s important for us to widen our horizon after a point.
Fleur It’s a nice coincidence, Vidi, that both of us haven’t turned to Bollywood. Can’t imagine you doing a Bollywood ka role. (laughter)
Vidisha I’m not against the film industry.
But the fact is that when you enter films with the modelling tag, people don’t look beyond the glam quotient. So models hardly get performance-oriented roles. It’s sad. It takes a long, long time to prove.
Fleur Somehow, I can’t relate to films. So I had this clear ‘No’ in my mind as far as films were concerned.
Vidisha But for a number of models, that seems to be a natural progression.
Fleur: Yes, and even television. (Laughs) See, we go back to the fact that modelling is the launch pad for other careers.
Vidisha And, it’s the right time for people to get into modelling. There are so many shows happening. Fashion has become a big industry.
Fleur: It’s nice for us that we have four national fashion weeks happening. But somewhere, there is a lack of direction in the weeks. Designers join in based on opportunities. There is no striking distinction in terms of design between Mumbai and New Delhi fashion weeks – unlike New York and Los Angeles.
Vidisha Yes, but from what I’ve noticed, in Mumbai, the clothes are more casual and kitsch, while in New Delhi, they are more classy, elaborate and workmanship-oriented.
Fleur Okay, Vidi, tell me, what are your strengths on the ramp?
Vidisha (Gushes) You should tell me that.
Fleur I think it’s your typical Oriental look and good bone structure. You are photogenic as well.
Vidisha You know what’s your USP? You are very classy. You can make even a crazy outfit look elegant and stylish. Okay, let’s move to serious issues confronting modelling. Both of us are such chilled out creatures. We have managed to stay clear of any controversy. So everything seems hunky dory.
Fluer Yes, but coming to our profession, anorexia is now becoming a serious issue. With international models coming to India and vice versa, girls here are beginning to ape their Western counterparts. They are becoming thinner and thinner unaware of the health implications. This trend I feel must be nipped in bud.
Vidisha Yes, at several fashion capitals in the West, anorexic models are banned from shows.
Fleur Designers too have a role to play. They must not design miniscule clothes and expect models to get into them. I’ve seen girls cut down drastically on their diet before shows – just to get into the garments!
Vidisha For that matter Fleur, both of us are not into rigid workout or diet regimen.
Fleur True, I love running and do sporadic workouts. (Laughs) But I eat what I want – in moderation though.
Vidisha Thankfully, we don’t have to compete with anorexic models here. At least now. (Laughter)
PHOTO: K.V. SRINIVASAN
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