Pritika Swarup

Was modelling always your first choice?

I was scouted when I was 14, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I never thought I would be model!

Do you prefer fashion shows or campaign shoots?

I love both, but if I had to pick I would choose campaigns. We get to take our time and really enjoy the clothing and shoes/accessories!

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What is your fitness and skincare regime like?

A healthy body starts in the kitchen so I watch what I eat. I try to eat a balanced diet with protein, veggies and carbs and lots of water! The same philosophy applies to skin - if you eat and maintain healthy decisions, it’ll show on your skin. I don’t smoke and in addition to eating well, I make sure to wash my skin twice a day and moisturize. I’ll scrub once a week and do a rejuvenating mask once or twice monthly.

Modelling as a profession is very challenging. What, according to you, help you survive it? What is the mantra for lasting longer in the fashion world?

“Everything happens for a reason” and “don’t take it personally.” We get told “no” a lot and when we start modeling so young our feelings can get hurt because we tend to take rejection personally. Also, my mother is my best friend and whenever I would have a hard time here in New York, she is always just a phone call away and I can always go back home and see her. She is my rock.

Are there any beauty products that you swear by?

I have been using the same moisturizer for the past 10 years and I love it. Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré. I also use Clean & Clear advantage Acne Spot Treatment to prevent and clear my occasional breakouts.

If not a model, then?

If I had never started modeling, I would have gone to University in France to study Economics or Finance.

Natasha Ramachandran

From India to New York. Tell us how you started

I had no prior plans of modeling until I happened to be in mumbai post college and decided to randomly audition for Lakme Fashion Week. That’s when I met my mother agency Anima creatives in mumbai and it’s been a whirlwind since. They’ve been pivotal in getting me representation with agencies abroad. Representations, travel, jobs etc kept following one another. I’ve been represented by some amazing agencies abroad and am with One Management in NY as well agencies in london, germany, spain, milan, sweden, and japan. It’s been an incredibly adventurous journey.

So, how did New York Fashion week happen?

Once I was represented in NY by my agency I started castings for fashion week and shoots.

Is there any particular memory from the fashion week where you learnt a very important lesson about your career and life in general?

The one thing I love the most about my job is all the travelling it entails which has taught and shown me so much. I love that I get to see different cultures, people and places around the world as part of work. It doesn't feel like work to me then. Also the incredibly infectious and dynamic vibe and energy you get from all the creatives you meet is amazing. You get to learn so much and it makes you highly aware of life everywhere.

Were you always inclined towards fashion or modelling or was it just luck?

It was totally unplanned and happened just by chance. I had no prior plans of modeling but have always had an inclination towards fashion and still do which is why I did my bachelors in fashion design at NIFT in New Delhi.

How challenging is modelling industry and how do you tackle them?

Every job has its ups and down and so does modeling. Although I try to keep all aspects on a positive note. Castings, traveling and jobs can get hectic and exhausting at times but I just try to balance everything out. Whether it’s my work or family. I try my best to make sure I give both equal time and love.

We heard you are a big foodie. How do you manage to keep up with your fitness regime?

Haha yes I am a foodie. Good food is what keeps me going. But I try to keep frequent work out rituals going just to keep my stamina on fleek and energy going. Just basic cardio, light weights, body weight exercise and stretches. This helps me maintain my fitness levels. I make sure to drink ample water throughout the day as it easy to forget about it when it's cold and sometime you don't realize that the body is dehydrated and is in need of enough fluids. Also, I try to include a lot of greens and fruits in my diet. Basically I try to stick to clean eating and drinking most of the days because a clear stomach and system almost always reflects on my quality of skin.

Do you have any tip that you think would be beneficial for all the aspiring models?

You just have to be physically strong and mentally prepared to get through all the castings and long hours on shoots. Be in your best physical form and have a determined and positive attitude towards your work.

Pritika Swarup

You have experienced both fashion shows and campaigns; what piece of advice would you give to young models that are entering the industry? I would suggest to young models that they should condition themselves to hearing the word “no”. It’s not only a major part of being a model, but just in life in general. That being said, through commitment, perseverance and hard work, those "no's" will become less and less frequent and aspiring models can achieve their dreams.

2.

Was modelling your first choice? Modeling was not my first choice, as I never thought of it as an option. Having come from a family of physicians, I always thought I'd end up as one too. Modeling is something that came to me. My manager, Daryl, scouted me while I was on vacation with my family at Disney World. Once the incredible opportunity presented itself, I decided to give it my all.

3.

We feel, these days, modelling industry is progressing in terms of selecting models based on their body type, sizes or colour. What is your view on this? I believe that the modeling industry, like many societies in general, has opened up to the idea that there is no set body type, size or skin color that is beautiful. That’s not to say that we still have more work ahead of us, but I love that so much diversity is being embraced.

How do you think your experience has made you look for surprises in the industry? The fashion industry is ever changing; there are many factors that you can't control, so I welcome these surprises! A lot of it isn't what it seems on the surface, so I always try to look at everything in depth. My life experiences have taught me to first and foremost trust my instincts – which have definitely been instrumental to me in and outside of the fashion industry.

5.

Modelling as a profession is very challenging. What, according to you, help you survive it? What is the mantra for lasting longer in the fashion world? My relationship with my parents has helped me survive the challenges of being a model. They are extremely supportive and never hesitate to tell me if I should do something differently. Their love and support makes me feel as if I can survive anything. As for having a mantra for lasting longer in the fashion world, I’ve only been at this a short time, but my mantra in general is not to sweat the small stuff and enjoy the moment.

Pritika Swarup

What is your fitness and skincare regime like? I usually work out three to four times a week and focus on different areas of the body during each session to keep myself balanced. When I'm in NYC, I try to mix in a few classes such as Megan Roup's bench class or yoga at Sky Ting with my routine. I do everything from weight training to band resistance and I love trying new exercises. You have to keep challenging your body. I keep my skin care routine very simple because it's better to stay away from chemicals especially when it comes to your face. In the morning, I exfoliate my face and apply La Mer Eye Concentrate around my eyes and La Mer Soft Moisturizer evenly. I use Glossier Coconut balm to really hydrate my lips. At night, I always remove my make up and wash my face. Then I apply my under eye cream and heavily moisturize. Additionally, I use aloe vera gel to balance the ph, cool the surface, and further hydrate my skin. A few times a week I use SK-II hydration masks as well.

Where do you see yourself in five years from now?

The last five years have been so unpredictable and dynamic, so it is difficult to say where I will be five years from now. I do know that I want to continue pursuing all things that I enjoy such as modeling and business, while trying to make a difference through my involvement with organizations such as Operation Smile.

Pritika Swarup Biography

Virginia Beach, Virginia native Pritika Swarup is of one of the fashion industry’s most admired new faces. Having appeared in advertising campaigns for H&M, MAC Cosmetics and Abercrombie & Fitch, she has also appeared in such respected industry magazines as Allure, Love, Cosmopolitan and international editions of Vogue, Elle and L’Officiel.

Outside of modeling, Pritika is tireless in her commitment to charity work. She recently became an ambassador for Operation Smile and is currently working on integrating the Change Maker Campaign into the fashion industry, aligning publications with the nonprofit organization to spotlight medical mission trips, and participating in a mission trip in September to India.

Currently studying financial economics and psychology at Columbia University (where she has a 3.8GPA), Pritika is also an advocate for equal opportunities and practices in the fashion industry as a member of the Model Alliance and was recently named one of New York’s Top 100 Influencers by The New York Times and Business Insider.

RASIKA NAVARE

What inspired you to become a model?

I love to travel, and that is what helped me make my decision to pursue modeling.

How do you start your day?

My day starts early, I start at about 7 am with a bowl of fruits and whatever fresh I can get my hands on, something that is tangy and filled with Vitamins. I also LOVE my coffee so I have this version of butter coffee that I make using a half a teaspoon of organic ghee. Then the routine comes into play which involves exercise, work, travel etc.

Is there a fashion icon that has been your inspiration?

Coco Rocha is someone that I am inspired by. I adore her.

Do you have a five-year plan that you are keen on working?

No, I don’t have a five year plan as yet because, i’m not limiting myself or my career with anything. But in the near future I really see myself working for animals whenever possible.

Modeling as a profession is very challenging. What, according to you, help you survive it? What is the mantra for lasting longer in the fashion world?

Modeling is a lifestyle that we have chosen, but one has got to learn how to move away from the daily grind, relax, revive and step back and return better and stronger. That is the only way to last longer and keep yourself going.

What is your fitness and skincare regime like?

I am obsessed with Pilates. I have followed different fitness exercises/regimes overtime and have realized Pilates to be my go to fitness activity. Its the best thing you could do for your body.

Toners, serums, oils are regulars in my skincare routine. I do change things around a bit with changing seasons and what my skin needs at that time. I love masking once a week at least. I try to stick to natural and clean products.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with aspiring models?

Don’t be an audience all the time. Give suggestions that you think will improve things, do not take rejection to heart. Give your all to every job, always.

RASIKA NAVARE BIOGRAPHY

Rasika Navare is a native of Pune, India. She has been represented in America for about 4 years now with Wilhelmina Models and also represented by Anima Creatives since the year 2012. Anima Creatives is the agency from Mumbai who first found Rasika Navare through Facebook in 2012. Anima Creatives has been the core agency for Rasika's work in India as well as internationally.

Rasika is represented by seven agencies around the globe. In her career she has worked with brands like Sephora / Anastasia Beverly Hills / Marchesa Bridal SS19 / Smashbox / Anita Dongre / Sabyasachi. She has also been on the covers for magazines such as Elle India / Harpers Bazaar India / India Today and many more. Most recently she has been working with Anastasia Beverly Hills and is currently in New York.