The proud super geek, Elena Fernandes grew up in Central London loving animals, fighting siblings, reading and studying riding her wild creative horses. Born to South American mother and Indian father, Elena is specialized in law which she makes best use of whether it is the cruelty to animals or modeling specifications. Fun, bold and independent Elena Fernandes has her own unadulterated take on everything.
Read further to know more about Elena speaking her heart out.
Tell us something about your home?
Well, I grew up in central London next to Hyde Park and I’m one of six kids so it was always pretty crazy and super noisy. Combine that with three cats, two dogs and a hamster and it’s a mad house, but a fun one.
Tells us briefly about your family and schooling?
My mother is South American, she is from Peru and my Dad is Indian he is from Goa and I was taught French and Spanish from a young age. Unfortunately not Hindi, but I am trying to learn it whilst I am here in India. I have four brothers and one sister, so it was always fun growing up and always a lot of commotion. Birthdays and Christmas’ were always so much fun as there would be so many presents and food, it was jut manic really. I was brought up Catholic so I was sent to Catholic schools. My favourite subjects were always the arts, like English and History. Once I finished sixth form I took a gap year, where I gained experience working in Law firms, and following that I studied for my degree at Kings College, specializing in Law. My favourite modules were tax law and criminal law. I love studying and reading so I am a proud super geek.
What is your parent’s viewpoint on you choosing modeling as a career?
My parents have always been very supportive of my modeling career. This year when I did an exclusive show for London fashion week, I was able to get my parents tickets and all I could hear was my mum screaming ‘Elena, I love you, Elena I love you’, so I guess supportive is an understatement. It was hilarious though. When I got booked for my Vogue editorial my parents were screaming and my mum always gets my editorials out whenever we have guests over, including the priest which can be hilarious and sometimes slightly embarrassing when the swimwear editorials are shown!
When and what was your first modeling assignment?
My first assignment was a jewellery campaign for La Diosa shot in London’s Chinatown. It was quite overwhelming as so ma
ny people stopped to take pictures and it was a really hot day, surprising for London weather. But I absolutely loved it and I still love modeling. I love all the drama, the make up, the clothes, the different people you get to meet.
What all assignments have u been a part of?
I do a variety of editorial and runway. My favourite is definitely editorial as I love seeing the end result in print. Also because you get more of a chance to be creative and become a different character.
How important do you think is education for a model?
Education is very important as it is vital to have something to fall back on. Modelling does not last forever so you have to think long term about what you want to do after.
What’s your opinion of the Modeling Industry? Are substance abuse/suicides etc as predominant as depicted by the media?
I think you have to be particularly thick skinned to be in the industry and not take things to heart. There have been issues regarding weight and substance abuse that is frequently depicted in the media but they have been addressed by industry officials over the year. Also, I think we must also remember as well that there are issues in all types of industry such as corporate and even schooling, its just that at times its not brought to light as frequently as it is highlighted in the fashion industry. A lot of good points of the fashion industry are forgotten as one general bad point can overshadow several good points.
How has the industry evolved in all these years?
The industry has evolved in particular to the acceptance of different body shapes. If you look at Crystal Renn and Lara Stone fashion houses are much more embracing of curves and a lot of designers stock up to size 18-22. In London the BFC also introduced a minimum age limit of models to walk the catwalk and a minimum BMI to ensure the healthiness of models.
Tell us about your fitness regime..
I have recently started to do bikram yoga, which really challenges your inner core muscles and is great for strengthening and toning. I have always enjoyed sport from a 
young age, I love to swim and horse ride. I also love doing spinning classes as results are instant. I think its important to have some form of exercise regime just to keep your organs healthy and that in turn shows on the surface.
Beauty regime?
Exfoliation, moisturizer and lots of water. Also I don’t wear make up, jut a dash of mascara. If I go out at night then just a bit of eyeliner.
What did you aspire to become as kid?
An astronaut and a spy
Quick Q & A
Favorite Food? Mash potato and steak
Favorite Perfume? Body shop white musk
Favorite Lingerie Brand? Victoria Secret
Favorite Designer? Balmain, Chloe, Chanel!!!
Favorite Holiday Destination? Wherever my friends are
You hate: mosquitos
You love: cats and dogs
You are scared of: the dark
Favourite Night Spot: Jalouse in Hanover Square, London
Favourite Magazine: Grazia
Favourite Icon: I don’t have any icons, I just aspire to be the best that I could be and live a life with no regrets.
Zodiac : Leo
DOB : 10th August
Fav Photographer: too many amazing ones to choose from
What sort of music do you listen to?
I like everything – from cheesy pop to hard core rock.
Your greatest achievement?
Working and living abroad in foreign countries and raising my pets.
What do you think of Bollywood as a career option?
I do not think I would ever go into Bollywood as acting is not a path I am passionate about. I would rather write a script or direct a film.
What is your idea of an ideal date?
Dinner, a film and my favourite chocolates…Godiva praline milk chocolates
When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing?
Either reading, playing with my dogs and cats, watching films with my boyfriend or hanging out with my friends.
Any Social cause that you feel strongly for and want to be (or you are) associated with?
I used to do a lot of volunteer work at the Mayhew Animal Home in London. I am extremely passionate about animal causes and the prevention of cruelty to animals. When I was in Delhi for a little bit, it used to take me an hour to make the five minute journey to the market as I used to feed all the dogs on the way. I believe 
education is key in making a change. When I studied law I learnt that an individual’s ability to be cruel to an animal made them more inclined to be a criminal in respect of murder. Many serial killers when they were young had been shown to torture small animals like rabbits and kittens. People forget that animals feel pain as well.
Five essentials to be followed by an upcoming model?
Always be yourself 2. Stand up for what you believe in 3. Research your market 4. Ignore the haters 5. Believe in yourself no matter what
Difference between Indian Models and Western Models. Who is a more viable choice internationally and why?
I think culture plays a huge part in respect of the difference in nudity. For example during Lakme fashion week it was pivotal that a girl always had to wear a bra or some form of tape. Whereas in the western world, nudity is embraced and is not shied away from. But this predominately comes down to a difference in culture, so it would be difficult for an Indian model I think to work in the western world. As when you’re backstage at a show you’re expected to just strip and change in front of males and females. Whereas in India, there’s a lot more preservation on nudity. But then if a western model comes to India, she should respect the different culture and respect their views. I think success comes down to compromising and respecting the works of either culture to determine who would be the more viable choice.
What is has been the most touching moment of your life?
When my cat beat cancer. I have had my cats since I was 9years old, so I’ve grown up with them, they’ve gone through my highs and lows. I used to revise by saying it out loud to my cats, so they’re well educated in regards to law, history and languages. For me, I know most people would say ‘oh yeah but it’s a cat’ but to me, my cats are my children. Those few months were probably the worst, as I love him so much and the thought of losing him just broke my heart. I’ve brought them up, they’re part of my life, so when I got the news he had cancer, nothing else in the world mattered to me I just wanted to make him better. It has been now nearly a year and touch wood he is cancer free and so happy and healthy.
On a completely different note, when my bookers told me I was going to shoot a 12page editorial for Vogue in Bali was a particular touching moment. I think they can verify that I was speechless and in total shock.
