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10 reasons why we love this model

Last updated on: October 03, 2016 11:31 IST

Ketholeno Kense featured alongside Ranbir Kapoor in the Vogue September cover. But that's not her only claim to fame. 

Scroll down to find out why this beauty from Dimapur, Nagaland caught our attention... 

Meet Ketholeno Kense, also known as Leno.

The dusky model from Nagaland did the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar shoot in 2014 and in less than two years, she has carved a niche for herself. 

Here are all the reasons we adore her! 

1. She's so pretty that we can't take our eyes off her!

Ketholeno Kense

IMAGE: Leno was the winner of the North East Super Model Contest 2011. She went ahead to win the Hunt for the Kingfisher Supermodel 2014.
She's blessed with an incredible bod and it's a thrill to watch her sashay down the ramp at fashion weeks.   


Photograph: Courtesy Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar 

 2. She's a huge inspiration

Vogue Cover

IMAGE: Born and raised in Dimapur, Leno did not give modelling a serious thought until she shifted to Delhi. Since then it has been an upward climb for her. She was the first oriental-featured model to win the Kingfisher Calendar Hunt in 2014.
Apart from walking the ramp for top-notch designers, Ketholeno has landed a couple of fashion magazine editorials and covers too, including the Vogue September cover with Ranbir Kapoor.

Photograph: Vogue September 2016 cover

3. She is fashion's blue-eyed girl

Ketholeno Kense

IMAGE: In three years, she's carved a niche for herself in the fashion world, making it to the big league. Her first major assignment was an editorial shoot for Grazia magazine. Today she rubs shoulders with top Indian models at fashion weeks. 
She modelled for fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani's bridal and couture collection 2016. She has also been a part of Harper's Bazaar Bride India June-July 2016 edition. 

Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com.

4. She's pretty down-to-Earth

Ketholeno Kense

IMAGE: In Leno's words, "She is a simple girl who loves peace and quiet." When not modelling, she loves to read. A student of Economics, she was the tallest girl in her class back in school. 
With absolutely no godfather in the industry, she's made it to the top from scratch and is extremely hard working.

Photograph: Kind Courtesy Ketholeno Kense/Instagram 

5. Her girl-next-door candour

Ketholeno Kense

IMAGE: Yes! You're right that her travelling in a rickshaw. Clearly she's grounded and fame hasn't got into her head.

Photograph: Kind Courtesy Ketholeno Kense/Instagram 

6. She is fashion designer Atsu's muse

Ketholeno Kense

IMAGE: The model is seen here with designer Atsu Sekhose at a GQ party. "With my muse @leno_kense at at GQ 50 Most Influential Young Indians Awards night," the designer captioned this photo. 
Ketholeno has also worked with Indian designers Tarun Tahiliani and Shantanu & Nikhil. She has also appeared in a catalogue for Atsu Sekhose and landed an ad campaign for Hemant and Nandita 

Photograph: Kind Courtesy Ketholeno Kense/Instagram 

7. But she is already taken :) 

Ketholeno Kense

IMAGE: Dressed in Atsu Bridal Couture she tied the knot this year. Here's a pic of her dressed in the beautiful wedding gown, as she walked down the aisle. Atsu Sekhose, who was present at the wedding, shared this picture on his Instagram. 

Photograph: Kind Courtesy Atsu Sekhose/Instagram 

8. She dotes on her family

Ketholeno Kense

IMAGE: A household name in the fashion industry, Leno is a family girl. Seen here at a village wedding with her brother and uncle.  

Photograph: Kind Courtesy Ketholeno Kense/Instagram 

9. She can carry off traditional outfits with such ease

Ketholeno Kense

IMAGE: Doesn't she look so gorgeous in this traditional black sari? Her personal style? She loves to keep it simple and basic. 

Photograph: Pradeep Bandekar

10. But looks really hot in a bikini!

Ketholeno Kense

IMAGE: It is her hot bikini pics that take the cake! Leno rocks a white bikini on the cover of Harper's Bazaar

Photograph: Harper's Bazaar May 2016 cover