IMAGES: The latest wannabe catwalk-queens!

We catch up with the latest lovely modelling aspirants auditioning for Lakme Fashion Week's winter installment.

The Lakme Fashion Week Winter Festive 2011 audition held at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai on June 27 was a sober affair in contrast to the glitz and glamour seen last season. We reached the venue at 2 pm -- exactly two hours into the proceedings -- and realised that we did not miss much. The number of contestants had dwindled from an aspiring 118 to a mere 20 or so already.

As usual, the photogs outside the audition room were a thrilled lot, and while they flashed their lenses at the brief line of long-legged beauties awaiting their turn, the girls responded with ease and comfort, some posing away to glory, others taking time out to brush up their networking skills, exchanging numbers and e-mail addresses between quick smiles and handshakes.

Most girls were dressed in short, sleeveless tops and hot pants and stood nearly a foot taller than the 5'7" criterion, courtesy their fancy heeled footwear that clearly augmented their gait and confidence. Meanwhile, the model coordinator kept briefing them about each audition round and what they were expected to do. "Walk straight, do not slouch. This time when you walk, pause for two seconds before turning away. Do not keep your hands in your pockets," she warned, loud enough, only seconds prior to the second-last round.

With just close to fifteen female contestants making it so far, there was an expectant air of excitement, hope and disappointment at the Grand Salon, where panelists ranging from designer Aki Narula and choreographer Marc Robinson to models Anu Ahuja and Monikangana Dutta were seated. In the adjacent room, there was commotion and nervousness as young aspirants exchanged envious glances, careful not to let their body language give voice to their minds.

We caught up with four promising female contestants hailing from different parts of the world and got them to share their views on their profession and offer tips to youngsters on what to expect along the way. While most of them had good things to say about the profession, the reality seemed far murkier for those who had learned lessons the hard way.

Move on to the following pages to hear their stories and find out how to make the right impression from the judges themselves.

Name: Aprajita

Age: 21

Hometown: Chandigarh, India

Education: Degree in Architecture

Why modelling?

I was passionate about modelling. And I believe if you are passionate about something, you need to take it up and follow it through.

The good

The good part about modelling is that you get to live your dream and fulfill your passion about being popular. It's been just a few months for me, but I was shortlisted among the top 10 finalists at the Femina Miss India 2011 pageant. I also won the Miss Beautiful Hair and Lavassa Vivacious titles. I got to work with designer Satya Paul recently. So it's been going well for me.

The bad

Although you may learn a lot, you have to accept that it's a shortlived phase. I have been careful to complete my education. Those who start out early and make it big lose out on an education. So, having a formal degree is extremely important, in case you don't make it to the top. Things may not always work in your favour. You should be ready for challenges. You should always have a Plan B in store.

The ugly

You will meet people who will make you feel uncomfortable. You may not have the right people to guide you when you need it. So it's a lot to do with your upbringing, to decide between the choices you are offered and the choices (read compromises) you think you should make.

Name: Noelia Barrero

Age: 25

Hometown: Spain

Education: Degree in Tourism

Why modelling?

I wanted to travel. I was born in Spain, and during the course of my education, I realised that I wanted to travel beyond my country. Modelling was one way I could do it free of cost.

The good

You get to meet different people and work with different designers. The canvas is huge for you to perform and so is your exposure. For example, I realised that Spanish will not get me too far. If I had to travel to a new country, I had to learn a new foreign language. So, that way, when you travel to a country, you get to learn new things as well.

The bad

You have to stay away from home. You have to think twice before you eat something -- if you eat the wrong food, you can gain weight or develop some other unpleasant side-effect. You can't stay hungry, you can't overeat. You have to be careful about a lot of these minute details. You will also have to make sacrifices. For example, if you start early, you have an advantage of earning more and with age comes experience, but then since you will be constantly travelling, your education will be at stake. Not many parents will like that choice.

The ugly

You should be mentally prepared to be rejected at an audition/show or by a designer. You will not meet the right people all the time. You will have to make tough decisions that may not always be right for you.

Name: Maria

Age: 22

Hometown: Ukraine

Education: Degree in International Relationships

Why modelling?

Well, when I was 12, I loved photography, the art of . That's when I decided to take it up seriously. And everyone loves being clicked, isn't it? I also loved the attention, the spotlight!

The good

You are the centre of attraction. People stand in a line to watch you, click you and talk about you. You get to wear designer clothes. Modelling is a great opportunity for you to experiment with your looks when you are young. And you are paid for it.

The bad

Be ready to be a mannequin. Makeup artists and designers will do just anything to make their outfits look good. You have no opinion whatsoever, you are just the messenger. The schedules are tough, you will be working round the clock. Your bags need to be packed all the time.

The ugly

You will be playing with your body your face, your hair et all. For example, you may not want to colour or trim your hair, or even get a body tattoo, but you will have to take that tough call. If you are rigid and stubborn about yourself, you may even lose out on good projects and designers. People may not call you again. Saying no may not always be a good decision for you.

Name: Karen Lima

Age: 22

Hometown: Brazil

Education: Class XII

Why modelling?

I was 16 when I started modelling. I was too young when I made that choice. I had no clue what was in store for me.

The good

I learnt a lot, the hard way of course. I matured early, compared to my peers. I was groomed about how to eat, how to talk to people. So this profession teaches you a lot about image-building and how to make the right public impression.

The bad

Since I started early, I had no formal training. I did not know how to cook, when I stayed away from home, I felt lonely and would start crying. But then I had no one to fall back on. It's a hard life for beginners. You have to be ready to make a lot of sacrifices. Although I wanted to be a model myself and my parents supported my decision, I wouldn't advocate the same for my daughter. I would not suggest she make a career in modelling. I am certain about that.

The ugly

Do not expect yourself to be taken care of. There are people who want to take advantage of you all the time. The modelling business is about exploiting your body and presenting and packaging it as a product -- in the end, it's all about how you look. You may have a bad day, but you will be asked to look good on the ramp. Be prepared to wear a shield above your personal choice. You don't have a personal life. Besides, people tend to get wrong impressions about you from the clothes you wear. You need to be on your guard and stay grounded if you do not want to lose your dignity.

While the girls were anxiously waiting and hoping to qualify, we also got to speak to the judges who will make or break their LFW aspirations.

Says designer Aki Narula, "Modelling is a very promising career option for people who have a flair for fashion. The opportunities are vast, the remuneration is rewarding. At a very young age, you get to travel to different countries and if you are good enough, you get to work with the best in the business. So staying away from family should not be a matter of concern, when you are getting so much out of it. If you want a nine-to-five job, fashion/modelling is not for you. You have to grab the opportunities as they come along and make the most of them. You have just a few seconds to prove yourself."

Model-turned-choreographer Anu Ahuja adds, "I would say if a girl wants to pursue modelling as a career, it's a great decision and she must stick to it. According to me, modelling is all about the right attitude than the right figure. So age is not a criterion, but fitness and maintenance is. However, I think 18 is not a bad age to start. A minimum height of 5'7" and a well-toned body is all you will ever need to get into this profession. The rest you will learn along the way. Although the competition is huge, the market is international and it's growing each day. And with models turning to acting and Bollywood, there is always the need for more models."

Meanwhile, choreographer Marc Robinson, a former model himself, thinks that modelling should not be pursued fulltime. He says, "Modelling is a great hobby, but do not consider it as a full time profession unless you are focused enough to make it to the mainstream. This profession is good only as long as you are minting good money out of it. It is always advisable to finish your education alongside, so that in case you feel like going back, you will have an alternate career to consider."

On that note, Aki retorts, "How can you have an alternate career plan at the age of 18? You have to take that risk and stay focused towards making your mark, rather than entering the profession with two minds. The competition is such that you have to be able to give it your 100 percent."

Continues Marc, "For girls who like to travel and know how to communicate with their bodies, modelling is a great career option. You get to learn a lot, and if you have the right attitude, you can go places."

Anu Ahuja, who has been a successful example in the profession has more advice for aspiring youngsters. "A career in modelling is no longer restricted to ramp walks. I have been in this profession for over 12 years. I think if you are fit, and you can carry yourself well, age will not come in your way. Further to your career as a ramp model, you can always look towards options like fashion designing, choreography etc. That way you need not quit your area of interest. If you have your feet in the right place, you will realise that modelling is not really a short-lived profession."

Aki Narula also has a word of advice for parents. "Allow your children to do what they want to. I think 18 is a good age to try out modelling and anyone who is focused will definitely make the cut, so one should not worry about modelling being the 'wrong' profession. It's all about creativity. Anyone with self-confidence and a strong personality should definitely give it a shot."

But Marc warns about losing out on life and other harsh realities. He explains, "You have to stay away from family. You can't have too many friends in this industry. It's a short lived tryst with fame, unless you become a supermodel and there are enough people who are ready to work with you despite your age."

"I have met a lot of model friends who have stayed single and are regretting it now. So be careful about making the right choices at the right age. There is quick money and fame, but there's a quick exit too. You need to retire gracefully and walk out of it, before being asked to."

So, is modelling for you? We decided to sum up all we learned at the LFW about the industry.

• You will get to travel.
• You will get to wear designer clothes.
• You can experiment with your looks.
• You will work with leading Indian and maybe international designers.
• You will improve your public image.
• The remuneration is rewarding.
• The market is international.

The disadvantages

• You will be exploiting your body.
• You cannot exercise your own opinions at work.
• You will have to stay away from home for long periods of time.
• People may take advantage of you.
• Models have a short shelf life and little time for a personal life.
• The competition is huge.

Tips for aspiring models

• Complete your education in a field of your choice, in case you want to reconsider it later on.
• You need to develop the right attitude, right body language and maintain regular physical fitness.
• Learn a foreign language; it could be useful while travelling to a new country.
• The right networking will get you introduced to the right people.
• Don't expect yourself to be taken care of all the time. You need to be independent enough to take your own decisions, sometimes between tough choices.
• If you are not comfortable about something or someone, learn to say 'no' immediately.
• Do not let people take advantage of you.
• Remember to keep interactions as professional as possible.

The Lakme Fashion Week Winter 2011 is scheduled between August 16-21 this year. For updates, keep watching this space!