A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
VIKTORIIA PANDEY. WE FOLLOWED HER FOR ONE DAY AND WHOA, WAS IT FUN! FROM POSING FOR FASHION GLOSSIES TO BEING A HOMEBODY WHO KNITS HER OWN BIKINI. HER LIFE IS A ROLLER COASTER RIDE BETWEEN THE FAST MODEL LIFE AND GETTING BORED. FORTUNATELY FOR US, IT WAS A GOOD DAY
Age: 21
Instagram: vikki_panda
Agency: anokhi talents
First thing in the morning Check my phone.
A quick five-minute meal Oats with water and honey, mixed with a few nuts, cinnamon and a banana!
Make up takes Twenty minutes.
Your coffee is Black, no sugar and no milk.
And it tastes best with Croissant and Oreos.
Calorie count I do not count calories. I control my sugar intake and eat dinner by 7p.m.
When was the last time you had pizza The last time I had pizza was last week. Pizza is the most popular order at shoots. Just because it is easy, everyone orders pizza. they do not understand that we need to keep in shape.
Modelling is great because It is a good opportunity to travel around the world, meet interesting people and enjoy your youth while being independent. the best part is you get free hair and make-up lessons, photography and styling tips. if you are clever and hardworking, this profession offers a lot of other career opportunities.
How long was your longest wait Six hours!!! it was for a TV commercial casting (that I didn’t get!). modelling is all about waiting. you wait for hours at castings, then you wait for hair and make-up, you wait for photographers and stylists to do their thing. then you wait for images to release and the longest wait is the money! you need a lot of patience to be a successful model.
Weirdest modelling gig In china there are jobs where you just stand and Chinese people take pictures with you and you get paid for it. it was awkward and fun at the same time.
Shelf life of a model Not so long ago, I met a 51-year old male model. I think it is about how you adjust and accept growing older and make the best of it.
Your style is I like casual and super easy styles. my signature ensemble is a simple dress, a hat and boots. I enjoy
the whole process of getting up and deciding my outfit for the day.
Is being stylish important to this profession It makes me happy when stylists or designers compliment my outfit. Style is very important. It introduces you to people even before say a word. Thanks to my job, I can try on new styles and learn some cool tricks.
Pros of being a model Travelling, being independent at a young age and the experience of learning many different skills.
Cons of being a model Loneliness and fake people.
I learnt to crochet when I was 10. It also works as therapy. The best part is you can make copies of any designer outfits you fancy.
Everyone has a song that brings them home. Mine is ‘Use Somebody’ by Kings of Leon.
I love fashion photography. At shoots, I keep a close eye on what kind of lighting and other techniques photographers use. I ask questions about the camera, lenses etc. If given a chance, I think I can pull off a good fashion shoot as the photographer.
I got my first board when I was nine years old. Then, a year ago, I bought a pretty pink skateboard in Shanghai. I feel so free when I am riding my skates and have good music on.
“Girls interested in modelling should understand and realise that it’s hard work. You can go to a shoot in the morning and not even shoot until 10 p.m. – and still be there at 5 a.m. the next day. Then, if you still haven’t got the shot, you’ll have to go back the next day and start again.” – Kate Moss.
Bloggers are not competition to models. Fashion is a huge business and everyone has a role to play. Actors and bloggers will never be a threat. While actors generate publicity, bloggers give it a personal touch and we models make the clothes look better.
Should aspiring models sign up with an agency or freelance Agency, if you are looking for success as a long term model, they introduce you to the right people and refine you as a brand.
Ten years from now you would be I would be running my own business. no more waiting at castings.
Your favourite hangout in Delhi Summer house cafe is a nice place.
Best country to party in China! I made so many friends there and a lot of amazing memories. I am planning to make a trip to china again but this time not for work. I did not do so well in china because of my dusky complexion. the clients there prefer fair skin.
Models are born or made Made. not everyone with good measurements can be a model, but someone who trains and works hard can always develop a model figure.
A rumour about models that is not true We are not anorexic and we are not born fit. Models work out a lot to maintain a good physique because that is our job, we are paid for keeping fit.
Should modelling be a job or a hobby What you like should always be your job.
Biggest risk you have ever taken I am someone who plays it safe and does not take risks. So, when i decided to travel the world for my dreams it was the biggest risk I took. It is not easy to live the model life, to make new friends in ever y city, to fit into every agency and get along with everyone on the sets.
Photography: Runvijay Paul
