A lot of young girls dream about the glamorous world of fashion, but only a select few make it. Bangalore-born Nikhila Nandgopal is one such girl, for whom the dream turned into a reality. Presently a student of class 12, she entered the world of modelling after winning the May Queen Pageant in 2011 at Bangalore Club. After tasting success, she wanted to continue modelling as a career. She says, “I believe that each show or shoot that I do is a milestone as it reminds me of the fact that I am living my dream.”
But it surely can’t be easy balancing school and work. “It isn’t easy, but my family as well as those within the industry support both aspects of my life which makes it manageable,” she says.
The model, who did her first show in 2011 with Prasad Bidapa, started modelling seriously in the summer of 2012, after class 10. She has since worked with designers like Haider Khan, Devang Singh and participated in fashion shows in India and abroad. Her most challenging assignment till date, she recalls, was the Colombo Fashion Week. She adds, “One day of work was pretty tiring and after three days I was exhausted. But each night, after the show, I felt that the effort was worth it.”
Favourite designers: A designer I really admire is Tarun Tahiliani. His clothes never fail to catch one’s eye.
On a bad hair day: I love high buns. They match any outfit, enhance your face structure and salvage a bad hair day.
Wardrobe must-haves: Blazers. They can be paired with any pair of jeans and make the outfit look chic yet simple.
Personal style: I believe that elegance lies in simplicity. My clothes reflect this. I prefer wearing clothes that are free of embellishments like solid colours and classic combinations. But I also enjoy adding an ethnic twist to my clothes.
Favourite shopping hangouts: In India, my favourite place is UB City. But I do most of my shopping in San Francisco, California.
Favourite accessories: I love earrings because they have the ability to change the look of the entire outfit.
Fashion pet peeves: Shorts with boots. Shorts are meant for warm weather and boots for the cold. Why would someone match the two is beyond me.