The hottie who quit a career in designing for modelling

Meet Parul Duggal who discovered she’d rather prefer to be in the limelight.

Parul Duggal is a fashion graduate from Pearl Academy of Fashion, Delhi.

It didn’t however take long for her to realise that the one thing she loves the most is being in the limelight.

Soon enough, Bhopal-born Duggal packed her bags and set out to make it big as a model.

Here’s how she made it:

Why did you quit a design career for modelling?

When I was designing clothes in college, I realised that I liked being in front of the camera.

I loved the limelight and the adrenalin rush I got from walking the runway.

I was tall and realised that with a little hard work I could get the desired body and shape required of a model.

Tell us about your first modelling assignment

I was presenting my own collection in Delhi when model turned choreographer Kaushik Ghosh spotted me.

I walked for him and received my first paycheque of Rs 3,000!

Please click NEXT for more...

Kindly click here for full coverage of Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014.

How did Lakme Fashioon Week happen to you?

After completing my graduation in 2011, I had a small chat with my father about my career plans.

He encouraged me to pursue it and pointed me to an advertisement for Lakme auditions in Mumbai a try.

I flew down to Mumbai in 2011 and made it to the top five.

But in the last round, the judges told me that though I was good, I did not have the desired experience and exposure.

At first I was a little disappointed, but then I realised that if I made it this high among 100 aspirants, I must have some potential.

So I worked on my skills, did a few assignments and applied again in 2012.

This time I was selected and since then I have been walking at the fashion weeks here.

Who are the designers you’ve worked for so far? What’s your most memorable experience been?

I have worked with Ritu Kumar, Shantanu-Nikhil, Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Anita Dongre.

Walking for Sabyasachi last season was a dream come true.

I have always admired his clothes and collection.

I think every girl wants to wear a Sabyasachi at least once in her life.

I felt like a princess.

Please click NEXT for more...

Kindly click here for full coverage of Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014.

Who is the one designer you’d want to work with?

Tarun Tahiliani! He has a unique sense of style.

I love the way he does the drapes, very feminine and it looks wonderful.

I also admire (the British designer) John Galliano’s work.

He knows how to create drama and extravaganza with simple outfits.

It’s just amazing how he works.

The one model who inspires you…

That has to be Carol Gracias.

I can’t take my eyes off her every time she is on the runway.

The poise and ease with which she walks is just unbelievable.

What kind of regime did you follow to become a model?

I was into basketball and swimming since a very young age so fitness was never a problem for me.

Also, I guess it’s in my genes.

My father is very lean too. I never went to a gym.

Please click NEXT for more...

Kindly click here for full coverage of Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014.

How do you stay fit now?

Now, I don’t get to play basketball or indulge in sports.

So I work out for at least one and half hour in the gym every day.

A day before a shoot, I avoid sweets and have a light dinner.

How has life changed for you after becoming a model?

It has changed in many ways, mostly for good.

I get to travel a lot.

I have been to Dubai, Bangkok, and almost every other metro in India for shows.

Whenever I go out, I shop a lot and that is the high point.

But the best part is I’m independent and am in a position where I get to make my own choices.

I get to choose what shows I want to do and refuse what doesn’t interest me.

And it helps that the remuneration is also good.

Please click NEXT for more...

Kindly click here for full coverage of Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014.

Describe your personal sense of style…

Casual and comfortable. I like whites and pastels a lot.

The one trend you think that is out of fashion this year…

Skin-tight clothing.

Be it pants or blouses, avoid wearing anything that squeezes your body this year.

Since summer is near, it would be best to go with comfortable cottons, and loose flowing garments.

Where do you shop from?

It’s a mix of street shopping and luxury end.

In Delhi, I like to shop from Sarojini Nagar.

I also like Zara, Promod, and Mango.

One accessory you cannot do without…

Kajal

One make-up tip you swear by…

Always use a primer by Mac.

It sets the right base for any kind of make-up.

Also, at the end of the day, remember to scrub it all away and let your skin breathe.

Please click NEXT for more...

Kindly click here for full coverage of Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014.

Your advice to aspiring models…

You have to be passionate and focussed to your goal.

You’ll need to work hard and stay fit and you cannot just eat and drink whatever you like.

The work hours are odd and hectic, so you have to eat well, drink a lot of water and sleep well.

The flipside of this career…

A lot of people pretend to be someone else once they get to the top.

They lose their identity which I feel is a huge sacrifice they’re making.

It’s just not worth it.

Kindly click here for full coverage of Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014.