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Designer Swap With Fashion Model Shivani Persad

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Anh Pham

Designer Swap with fashion model Shivani Persad

Shivani Persad is a young, gorgeous, aspiring Canadian model and with her exotic attributes and talents she was scouted by one of the top modeling agencies here in Canada. Not only does she have the looks and the body, but she had worked extremely hard during her 4 years at McMaster University and has recently graduated with Honours in Political Science and has a B.A. in French. We honestly couldn’t be more proud of her.

Shivani – who we consider a very dear friend of ours – has definitely come along way to get to where she is now. Like many people, she had and continues to have big dreams which she strives to reach. This is exemplified through her willingness to work hard and her dedication at honing her craft. Seeing her in many magazines – including the most recent within Flare magazine – and a full bulletin board ad on the most busy street in Toronto, it is easy to see why Shivani, had helped inspire us to pursue our big dream.

Today, we’re truly honoured to welcome Shivani into the DS world and have the opportunity to squeeze in a short interview to find out more about her life as a fashion model. Let’s get up close and personal with our very own Canadian fashion model and be sure to check out her exclusive fashion photos.

How did you start your modeling career?

I started modeling after going to Canadian Idol with my dance team and having one of the judges telling me I should go for it. Back then my parents didn’t want me to, but I knew I wanted to eventually – so I went about it on my own for a bit before finally settling on my Mother Agency (Spot 6 Management) in Toronto.

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Name 3 people who had a major influence on your modeling career?

It’s hard to say. I remember seeing a couple powerful women of colour in fashion growing up; whether it was Naomi Campbell or Tyra Banks. But, I also remember watching a lot of Bollywood as I was growing up, and wondering why there weren’t more Indian girls represented in mainstream media.
I’d have to go with Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell and Kajol (an Indian actress)

What is your most memorable modeling experience?

I think my most memorable experience was going to Mallorca, Spain to shoot the Littlewoods catalogue. I don’t have any pictures from it, because they were only available in print in the UK – but that was the first time I had ever actually been flown somewhere for a job. And it was also at a time when I barely had any money, and although my parents were willing to help me, I really wanted to do it on my own. So, as much as it was a job – it was a much needed vacation and confirmation that I just needed to take a breath to realize that I could do this.

What are your top 3 designers that you’ve worked for and what were your experiences like?

I did the last Fall 2014 Lookbook for an awesome active lifestyle brand called MICHI, it’s Canadian and it now retails in Holt Renfrew! I love their stuff, the designer Michelle Watson is the sweetest human being and the quality of their garments is incomparable. They’re my new go to workout clothes! Michelle and I got along so well we even took a dancehall class together afterwards! I’ve also modeled a couple times for Andrea Iyamah. She does the most amazing swimsuits and gowns! She’s one of my good friends also, so that makes shooting fun! Her designs are so unique, and that’s why they’re so popular! I’ve had so much fun shooting her lookbooks over the years, she always uses diverse models as well, which of course I appreciate.
I recently shot the Fall 2014 Lookbook for Fatherduck London. We shot it in Toronto but it’s only retailed in River Island and Topman in the UK. The whole team that day was incredible and although it’s a menswear brand, I LOVED the clothing! The designer Marcus Grant is only 22 – how amazing is that?! It was such a blast on set with the other models, and the images are some of my favourites in my portfolio.

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Which designer(s) would you like to model for?

I adore Alexander Wang. I just love chic simplicity and he does it best. I also love Celine. I was once on hold for their Lookbook and I almost fainted. I didn’t get it but just the fact that I was considered was enough for me! Again the designs just have such a chic quality of effortlessness that I love. As much as I love comfy clothes, I think structure is so dope. Balmain has some of the best-structured dresses and jackets I’ve seen in a while. I love the style, and I’d love to work with Olivier.

How would you describe your own personal style?

I’d say I’m very comfy chic. On a regular day-to-day I’m usually in comfy jeans, an oversized sweater, a huge scarf and boots with a small heel. I just like outfits you can throw together and be comfortable on a daily basis. If we’re getting fancy though, I like to make a statement. I like structure and clean lines for evening wear. But overall I just like to look chic and effortless.

What is your favourite feature?

On me? I like my skin tone. I think so many women of colour have a problem accepting their skin tone but I’ve grown to love mine.

 

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Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

Honestly, I’d love to keep modeling and traveling the world, building my network. The great thing about social media for models is that it’s allowed us to grow our networks and become our own brands. So in 10 years? I’d like to be my own brand of some sort, still running my blog and YouTube channel, still modeling and maybe even working with different companies on their branding as well.

What are some of your next scheduled gigs?

I’m currently in London having a fabulous times modeling with:

o Oasis Fashion
o Lipsy London
o You Magazine
o Missguided

Come check out Shivani’s blog Glasses n’ Lashes to learn more about her day-to-day life as a fashion model!

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Do you have any questions for Shivani? Feel free to leave us a comment and Shivani will be gladly to answer all your questions!

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