'Don't give yourself away too easily'

Chennai-native Madhavy Raj has seen the whole spectrum of high fashion.

Spotted at age 14 by top Chennai designer Rehane, Madhavy became a fixture in print advertisements. She soon shifted to the famous Parson's Design School in New York City, where she studied brand strategy and brand design. Now, back in India after 8 long years in the Big Apple, Madhavy is walking in her first Lakme Fashion Week Mumbai.

Rediff.com caught up with the intelligent beauty.

It's your first Lakme Fashion Week. Are you nervous?

I've walked before in shows, of course. But I've never walked on a platform like this, so in the spotlight. So the first show I did yesterday, I was definitely a bit nervous. But now I've done four shows, so I feel like I'm in 'automatic' mode. I'll be walking in 14 shows in total.

What have you noticed so far at Lakme fashion week, in terms of trends and patterns?

Well, these are spring-summer collections, so I've seen a lot of very cool, very airy stuff. Everything is really casual, almost 'shabby chic'. Light colours, crushed look, etc. But I've been so busy walking in shows that I really haven't had much time to observe.

What's your personal style?

Comfortable, easy to wear, a little alternative and not really following trends.

What about beauty tips and diet and exercise?

For your skin, drink lots of water and don't wear a ton of make-up. If you do, make sure you wash your face before bed. Never sleep with make-up on. Also, make sure you use a proper cleanser.

As for exercise and diet, I've always been a tennis player, so I like to exercise. I try to go to the gym about three times a week. As for food, I'm a huge foodie. What can I say? I love to eat! I've noticed here at fashion week that all the models seem to have very, very healthy appetites. We're eating more than everyone else! *laughs*

Which Indian designers would you like to work with?

I really admire the work of Arjuna Khanna, Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal and Sabyasachi. A lady designer I admire is Moshisha Jaishing.

What do you think of modelling as a career? Is it rewarding?

I think it truly depends on your personality. If you enjoy always being on your feet, meeting new people and running all over the place, you'll probably like modelling. If you are the type of person who likes a set 9-5 job where you sit in front of a computer, you probably won't enjoy yourself.

You have to be a social person.

What do you hope to do after modelling? Has modelling shaped your career ambitions?

Well, I went to design school, and I'm very interested in that side of fashion -- particularly brand design and brand strategy. So modelling has really helped prepare me for the next stage of my career. I view this whole experience as a research project, because I'm learning so much. Also, as a model, you have a unique insight into a designer's world. You know how a garment should hang, you know how a collection should be complete, and have coherence and a theme.

So when can we expect your first fashion week, as a designer?

You have to balance creativity and profitability. So I'm not sure I'll go for such high fashion, like a fashion week collection. I'd like to do something like Zara, which has a lot of appeal to the general public but is still pretty cutting edge and cool.

Any advice for aspiring models?

Be very observant initially, and listen more than you speak. It's not a very trusting industry, and just about everyone is replaceable, so you have to watch yourself. Don't give yourself away too easily.