ALICIA KAUR TALKS MODELING

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

You were not always the supermodel you are now. What did your early beginning look like?

My journey hasn't been easy. Since I was three years old, I dreamed of becoming a model, and my parents supported me wholeheartedly, wanting to help me achieve my dreams. I tried out for kids modeling-agencies and for acting roles, but from age fifteen to nineteen, I faced constant rejection. In Melbourne alone more than forty-five agencies turned me down, and my attempts overseas didn't go any better. I had bills to pay and dreams of traveling the world, so I was determined to rely on myself and not my parents. I worked part-time during school and gave everything I had. Finally, at nineteen, I got an agency in Melbourne. Things improved briefly, but I wanted more than just Australia. Despite many rejections, I found a chance in China and moved there, seeing it as a boot camp for modeling.

It was in China that I discovered my passion for modeling, I thrived and knew I wanted to aim high. Although things didn't work out in other countries, India changed everything. A model friend from China introduced me to an agency in Mumbai, and within two weeks, I was working in Bollywood. India has become my home, where I've had the best moments of my career and life. Living here for the past ten years has been life-changing, especially being named Supermodel of the Year in 2023, a moment I'll always treasure. But my journey isn't over. I am determined to keep growing, personally and professionally, breaking boundaries and reaching new heights.

When was your first photoshoot?

When I was three I did my first ever photoshoot, that was when I really wanted to be a model, but I was a shy kid who hid behind my mum’s legs most the time. I used to perform my own fashion shows at home, changing clothes three times a day most days. And driving my mum completely mad wanting to wear summer clothes in winter, and winter clothes in summer, always a season ahead. It wasn’t until I was eight years old I had my first polaroid shoot at a child modeling- and acting-agency, but I didn't like the pictures at all. I thought they made me look ugly and worried they would stop me from getting modeling and acting jobs. From a young age, I struggled with how I felt about myself. Kids at school teased me for being tall and skinny, and some even called me a boy. It was these bullies that introduced me to the anorexia, bulimia and transgender thoughts. My parents couldn’t believe when I came home asking them what these words meant. Despite these challenges, I was fascinated by super models and their grace and beauty. I wanted to be like them. Becoming a model meant more to me than just a job. I wanted to break stereotypes and show people that anyone can succeed no matter what others say.

Is that what you hope to inspire?

I hope to inspire others and to bring hope to a world that can be harsh and judgmental. For me it was like turning an ugly frog into a princess, showing that beauty can come from unexpected places. I never wanted to be a model just for the glamour, fancy clothes, cars, and living like a superstar in a superficial way. My goal is to use the money and resources I earn to give back to the world in meaningful ways. I feel most passionate about supporting non-governmental organizations that help the environment, orphanages, education, and addressing climate issues. My biggest dream is to contribute to world peace. Helping the world is my ultimate goal in life.

What were so different in India?

Modeling brought me to India, but I've always felt a strong pull to this country. It feels like a place I've known in another life. India holds a special place in my heart because of its culture, beautiful weather and scenery, friendly people, and amazing food. It feels like home to me. I always say Mumbai is where people come to make something of themselves, and I can feel the hope and dreams in the air. The modeling industry on the other hand is very complex. There are many different paths you can take, like freelancing, fashion shows, TV commercials, and working with different kinds of agencies. Some agencies are good, but others take advantage of models by paying them very little or making false promises. In India, the industry doesn't have clear rules or standards, so it can be confusing. People don't always know how much they should charge for their work and sometimes, models here work for free or very little money just to add a big brand to their portfolio. Unfortunately, there's a lot of corruption in the industry, some people promise things they can't deliver and there are cases of harassment and manipulation, even more for men. It can be tough. But if you're patient and believe in yourself, the industry can change your life. Living and working in India has taught me important lessons. I've learned to be patient because things here can be complex and sometimes challenging. It's taught me to stay calm, and keep going even when things are tough. I've also learned to stand up for myself. In the modeling industry here it's important to speak up for what's fair and right. I've become better at setting boundaries, speaking out against unfair treatment, and negotiating well in difficult situations. Overall my experience in India has been a school for resilience and self-confidence, and these lessons have helped me grow personally and professionally.

How would you describe your own sense of fashion and style when you’re not working?

I prefer simplicity and comfort, so my wardrobe consists mainly of versatile outfits suitable for any occasion. I opt for black because it's slimming and choose tight pants and crop tops that allow me to be ready for polaroid shoots, castings, or workouts without changing.

You just opened fashion week by walking the catwalk backwards, what are the coolest experiences you have had so far?

One of the coolest experiences I've had was walking backwards on stage, at Lakmé Fashion-Week for Shahin Mannan. It was something I'd always wanted to do, and I got to open their show that way. It was scary but incredibly cool! Working with Sabyasachi has been the most rewarding experience for me. He's a true artist in every sense and it's inspiring to watch him work. Also one of the proudest moments of my career was seeing my photo displayed in Times Square in New York City. I am forever grateful for my childhood dreams coming true, thanks to Sabyasachi.

What would you say it really takes to be a supermodel at the level you’re at, is it ever a day off?

Being a model requires true dedication to your body, mind, soul, and spirit. It's one of the toughest jobs because your physical appearance is constantly scrutinized. It takes a lot of courage and confidence to handle rejection repeatedly and still keep going with a smile. Some people might try twenty to hundred times in their lifetime to get a job, but in modeling, I've faced thousands of rejections and still need to get up every day with a positive attitude. You need patience, discipline, and a strong focus on self-esteem. Taking care of your body with healthy eating and regular exercise requires serious determination, a consistent skincare-routine is also essential. Moreover, becoming comfortable in front of the camera takes extensive training.

What sets a supermodel apart from others?

As a model my goal is always to have ninety-nine percent of the photos taken usable out of every hundred shots. The years of training I invested in my modeling-career are paying off. Clients sometimes comment on my rates, but they understand the value of working with an experienced model, while it might take an hour for a less experienced model to get the right shots, I take pride when photographers capture their desired shot in just three clicks.

Having already turned many dreams to reality, what is next. Is there anything you hope to achieve?

I still have many goals I want to achieve. One of my big dreams is to work in America as a famous supermodel for top designer brands like Chanel, Gucci and Prada. It's also been a goal to play a character in a Netflix series or even work in Hollywood, unless Hollywood comes to Bollywood. I would love to collaborate with movie stars like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Jessica Alba, Leonardo DiCaprio, there are so many. I hope and pray that I can reach these dreams soon. I believe that whatever I achieve in my career is meant to be. So, I will keep working hard and stay open to whatever the universe has in store for me.