CAROL HUMTSOE IS A MODEL, A MO– — USE OWNER AT SOME POINT IN HER LIFE, AN AVID SOLO TRAVELLER AND A COLLECTOR OF VINTAGE CLOTHES. ONE THING THAT THIS NAGA GIRL ISN’T IS A RUN-OFF-THE-MILL MODEL OR A PREDICTABLE SOUL. WE TAKE A WALK ALONG THE COUNTRY SIDE, WANTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HER
Photography: Runvijay Paul
Name Carol Humtsoe
Instagram: @carolhumtsoe
Agency Inega model management.
Profession Model and business owner.
How did modeling happen It was all unplanned, just like most things in my life. I was in school when my friends would constantly push me and tell me to participate in pageants and modelling contests. I tried and I seemed to enjoy the roles I played and the effortlessness of it, like I was born to do just that. At the age of 17, I travelled to Delhi for a fashion show and signed up for Elite model management (which was huge back then). I got through Elite, without any major experience or profile to show. I haven’t looked back since.
How have things changed since then I still model and I run a fashion store. The store idea came up as a back-up plan, as a result of my travels. Travelling has opened my eyes in terms of ideas and inspirations. I came across many interesting concept cafes all around the world and knew that was something I wanted to do some day. What started as a thought translated into work and fun. The plan is to travel the world, collect wonderful and unique things, buy, sell and after that you never know what. Bigger concept stores maybe. Like I said, nothing is planned.
Five things people don’t know about Carol Humtsoe I can knit, I once jumped off one of the highest bungees in the world, a big time yoga enthusiast, I used to own a pet mouse at some point in life. My dream is to live on a mystical island.
“MUMBAI IS A BEAUTIFUL CITY. IT IS FREE SPIRITED AND PEOPLE OOZE POSITIVE ENERGY. BESIDES OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL, THE CITY HAS A MAGNETIC APPEAL”
“VINTAGE CLOTHES TRANSPORT ME TO A DIFFERENT ERA AND TIME. THE STYLE SPEAKS TO ME. IF I CAN SPEAK IT, I CAN SELL IT. THE BEST PART BEING, THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY SIZE FRIENDLY.
What inspires your style My style is driven by comfort. There is no specific term, but there has to be an element of street. I have never been drawn to luxe, maybe I do not fit in anyway. I am inspired by people from everyday, from so many places around the world, and since I travel so much, there is an element that I take from everything that I see. Life itself is inspiring, nature is.
Personal style icons Charlotte Gainsbourg and sometimes Dita Von Teese.
How is street style in India It’s interesting, it’s a big mix.
Which state has the best dressed people Dimapur, everyone should visit, as it is fun fashion.
What percentage of your income is spent on shopping 40 percent.
Who is India’s best dressed Kiran Rao never looks like she is out of her comfort zone. I like Kangana for always mixing things up. She is open to experimenting and is never spotted in a boring outfit.
Favourite Indian brands Pero, Bodice, and I have recently started to like ‘Nor black nor white’.
What are your plans for 2017 Travel more, keep calm and do some amazing work.
What makes high streets brands more popular than the home grown brands I guess the variety under one roof is an important selling factor.
Best modelling gig ever Walking at Lakme fashion week and going to Paris for a hair show (Wella Professionals).
Do you think modeling was the right decision It has been 6-7 years now and I am enjoying every minute of it.
You look very differnt from five years ago, do you believe in reinventing yourself after a few years How I look depends on how I am feeling at a particular phase in life. I respond to my moods, it changes my style. Change is refreshing and it is vital.
Why do you love Mumbai Mumbai is a beautiful city. It is free spirited and people ooze positive energy. Besides opportunity for all, the city has a magnetic appeal
THREE THINGS YOU HOPE CHANGE IN YOUR LINE OF WORK
- SHOWSTOPPERS ARE BORING AND QUITE POINTLESS.
- DESIGNERS SHOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO NEW TALENTS. THERE ARE SO MANY AMAZING YOUNG PEOPLE THAT DESERVE A CHANCE.
- MORE SALAD VARIETY IN THE GREEN ROOM. I AM SURE ALL THE GIRLS WILL AGREE ON THAT ONE.
How are models from the North East treated It has been a pleasant journey so far and I have always been treated well. I hope that it is the same for everyone, new and old. We are a very talented lot and we need to push harder and support each other. It is quite a struggle unless you respond to the lows and highs of the journey positively. I hope we will see more North Eastern individuals in the designing and modelling industry. There is a big necessity for variety and there is enough space for everyone. It is for us to decide how much we want it.
We see that you travel a lot, where did you go last I don’t plan my travels. One fine day if I feel the need, I make the plan. Also, I love my own company. It is actually the best, you save time and do what you want. The last place I travelled to was Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
What would you like to read more of in the coming issues Unfamiliar faces, new talents, distinct styles. Bikers, travel photographers and tattoo artists etc. would be ideal.
What do you do in your spare time I connect with old friends who I may not have spent time with or seen for long. By that I mean, physical contact, not virtual. I prefer the old school way of keeping friendship alive. Talk and feel.
Your hairstyle is so adorable and unique. Tell us about it. I was tired of tying my hair up and maintaining it. My hair stylist friend (Sem) got me this easy to maintain style.
“MY LOOK IS A REFLECTION OF HOW I AM FEELING AT A PARTICULAR PHASE IN LIFE. I RESPOND TO MY MOOD, IT CHANGES MY STYLE. CHANGE IS REFRESHING AS IT IS VITAL.”
