The Latvian lass Ieva Kuzma’s story to modeling is out of some fairy tale. From the shadow of an ordinary life in a small town to the glittering glamour of the high streets, Ieva has an innate distinct charm which made her mount the ladders of fame in no time. School girl meets femme fatale look of Ieva is arresting enough to let the men gasp and women envy, where the girl loves to bask in the glory.
So here is Ieva Kuzma revealing her inner side to the readers of the fashionfad.in…
Tell us something about your formative years and family?
I’m a small town girl. I have wonderful parents and an elder brother. Always been a tomboy. Growing up with animals around turned me into a big animal lover. Most of my time was spent in school.
Tell us something about your journey as a model. How it happened to you?
Well it started long time ago. I started when I was 15 but at that time my main focus was on school so I barely travelled. Last year I graduated and now I’m full time modeling. For a year now I’ve been living in India and working on my portfolio. That’s about it.
Don’t you think modeling comes with a very short shelf life? So what plans have you held for yourself?
Comparing with other professions it does. For now I don’t have any big plans. I know I will study something eventually. Actually I don’t like to make big plans for the future because you never know what is going to happen.
How difficult is it for a foreign model to get work in India?
In my opinion if an agency has done everything right and selected the right look for market then everything should be fine. India is not the hardest place because the market is not too crowded and every model has a chance to do some work.
What do you like and dislike most about modeling?
I like opportunities this carrier gives – travelling, meeting people, discovering cultures. I dislike wrong opinion people have about this business. Another thing that sometimes girls are too young to travel and then they go crazy – party’s, drugs etc. there should be some limits.
The green rooms have always been a land of wonder and curiosity for an outsider…..Tell us something about how you girls gel up, what you talk, what you think et al? Give us a brief into backstage through eyes of Ieva.
It’s a mess but fun also. People scream and run because normally everything is delayed.
It’s not easy to get 15-20 models ready on time even though you start early. Normally girls gossip about everything and everybody. A lot of girls read or listen to music. It’s not like we sit around and do nothing till show starts. We have rehearsals and we need to get ready hair, make-up. We have to spend hours in green rooms to perform for 10-15 minutes on ramp.
Which designers have you walked for nationally and internationally? Who appeals your aesthetic senses most?
I’m not really a runway model. But I have walked shows for such designers as Lina Tipnis, Ankita Chaudhary, Charu Parashar, Archana Kochhar and few others.
It is often said that models in India are quite less paid than their contemporaries around the world. Do you really think so? What’s your take on this?
It really depends. Here system is different, I mean in India you get paid for day but in other places in Asia payment is per hour, so yeah, I would say 50:50 .
Modeling industry in India is often alleged of working in cliques based on favoritism. How hard is it to move ahead in this industry?
It’s hard is if you are new to the market, even harder if you are new in business. In India you need to prove that you’re a good model. Once people know you it is easier.
How is Ieva as a person, which books do you like, what sort of music do you enjoy and all that comprises the most essential part of you other than modeling?
I love reading. One of my favorite authors is Paulo Coelho. Music… my taste has changed a lot, for now I would say house music is my favorite.
What is your fitness and beauty regime? I mean, what do you do to always look so presentable?
I guess working out at least 3 times a week – gym, yoga (what is available). Of course I’m eating as healthy as possible and I’m always removing make-up before going to sleep.
What is your greatest achievement till date?
Being where I am at the moment without losing myself.
How does Ieva like to style herself up?
With a lot of different accessories. My style changes a lot because I always dress how mood is. I love big rings, necklaces and bangles.
How do you spend your leisure time?
Doing things I like – sleeping, working out, reading, watching movies, taking pictures, hanging out with friend’s etc.
Peek – A – Boo
Favorite food: Of course my Mom’s made.
Favorite holiday destination: Always wanted to go to Bali.
Favorite perfume: For now it’s Nina by Nina Ricci.
Favorite fashion brand: D&G.
The man you find hottest: I would say Johnny and Orlando.
Favorite Movie: I don’t have one favorite. I enjoy watching movies based on true story’s.
Your greatest fear: Spiders.
What do you love and hate most? Of course I love my family the most. I have a big crush on food – I could never be one of those starving models… ha ha…
I’m not a hater. But there are things I don’t like as people who pretend to be someone they are not.
What are you addicted to (if any)? Shopping.
Your Ultimate Shopping Haven: Anywhere where I can do it for few hours at the time.
Guilty Pleasure: Late night snacks.
