Beauty with brains, Kelly Ramsawak has her roots in India which she wants to unearth and explore the origin of her versatility. The modeling, acting and fashion perusal keeps Kelly on her high-heeled toes. Unlike backstage to ramp confined models, Kelly claims to see fashion from every angle – working as an intern with designers to an associate with Teen Vogue.
Apart from being a complete fashion package, Kelly is a quiet always thinking girl who loves her family and dreams to make big. Fascinated by Indian fashion she loves to dress in Indian Sari. So here is Kelly Ramsawak in a candid conversation with fashionfad about her life, ambitions and take on Indian fashion.
Tell us something about your academics and early life?
I was originally born in New York, from Indian parents. I’m first generation American. I studied in New York throughout high school and began studying business marketing in Pennsylvania. Two years ago, I moved to Los Angeles to study fashion at the Fashion Institute in downtown LA. I am currently a merchandise product development student, and modeling & acting on the side.
The dizzying heights you touched make you stand apart from the rest. Tell us something about your journey from a simple starry eyed lass to a ramp scorcher.
It was very hard for me starting out, everyone wants to be a model and be famous. So there are certain things I had to do to separate myself from the rest of the crowd. Going to fashion school and studying merchandising really helped me to see the industry from behind the camera. Models really have it easy when it comes to work. But now that I’ve been equipped with a strong foundation I am able to bring more than just modeling to the table. When I graduate in June, I will be able to have the beauty and the brains. I can model and go into marketing and branding, as well as line development. I’ve worked really hard to get internships with designers and I’m currently working with Teen Vogue, not as a model but as an associate, which is cool because it has taught me another aspect of fashion.
How modeling happened to you?
I began modeling when I was 17. Modeling has always been something that comes naturally. I really want to begin modeling internationally. The international market is so much more interesting
to me than the states. It has always been a goal of mine to go to India and model and experience the fashion industry there! I am planning a trip soon! There is so much more life and more colors and beading…Fashion is more fun in India it seems!
How do you plan your future what next goals have you set for yourself?
I have many goals for myself, one of which is to become an Actress or TV personality. Currently in Los Angeles, I have been going to a ton of auditions and practicing my speech, drinking lots of water and eating healthy to make sure I keep my look together because you never know what opportunities will be available. As of right now I will be graduating from Fashion School in June and have gotten some wonderful modeling opportunities for jewelry lines and up and coming fashion lines in downtown LA.
How do you see the future of fashion in India?
I have been researching fashion in India and I am so impressed because it makes fashion in the US seem so boring. Don’t get me wrong, I love fashion in all countries. But fashion in India is so glamorous and exotic and I feel it is truly over looked by people all over the world. The future of fashion in India is very bright! I am excited to witness it continue to grow and flourish.
Having been in one of the most glamorous industry how do you see fashion as from an insider’s point of view?
Being a fashion student, I know and understand fashion from all angles. I know the business side of fashion, as well as the design part. I am also familiar with trend forecasting and line development. It’s not so glamorous when you are in the studio with a designer who is designing a line. There is so much pressure and many deadlines that you have to meet. I’ve been to New York Fashion Week last fall. Take it from me, behind the scenes is not glamorous AT ALL! There is a lot of hard work and dedication that has to go into putting on a fabulous show. All the hard work pays off in the end.
Fashion in India has undergone dramatic changes in a very short span of time and has grown manifolds as well and you have been associated with it so how would you word the changes in the fashion scene?
I think fashion in India has grown dramatically. It is funny to me because my grandparents would always wear Sari’s and Indian jewelry and I would always want one- but would never know where to get it. In New York, the sari look is BIG. I think Indian garments are absolutely gorgeous, especially with the beading and embroidery. All Indian handmade clothing is truly fabulous to me. Indian fashion has even become a little more edgy and sexy. I love it! India even has its own fashion week! I never knew this until recently! I wish it was promoted more in the US. The world needs to know what India is doing in the fashion industry!
How is Kelly as a person, what 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 am a very ambitious and strong minded young woman. I enjoy reading books about love and enjoy stories with happy endings. I am usually very quiet but I am always thinking. I think about ways to further my career and I am always wondering what are the necessary steps I need to take, in order to get where Iwant to be. I enjoy acting. I’ve acted since I was in the 4th grade. Being able to walk in someone else’s shoes while acting is such a wonderful experience. IT teaches me about different walks of life and helps me express myself. It is an art that I enjoy and hope to continue acting in the future. But besides modeling and acting, I am a big advocate for knowing your culture and knowing where you come from. I think it is important to research your history because it will give you a whole new meaning of life.
Tell us also the story backstage about your interactions with the choreographers, model co-ordinaters who put together such a picture perfect show?
Backstage at fashion shows is the most hectic experience. It is pure madness before the show. Sometimes clothes don’t fit, or buttons fall off or shoes break –
It is absolutely crazy! But I wouldn’t trade it for the world because after the show everyone is happy that it was a success.
What is the secret of your beautiful skin and perfect body?
My secret to having beautiful skin is drinking a lot of water daily! I also try and stay away from soda and fast food. I am naturally thin so I don’t have to work out as often but I want to begin working out on a regular basis. It is good to stay healthy and maintain a healthy lifestyle. That is the key to a long life.
What is your greatest achievement till date?
To date, I am proud of an audition that I went to this week. It was to be the host of a new TV show. I feel I did very well in the audition and it was my best audition to date. I practiced really hard and I was very proud of my audition performance.
I am now waiting to hear if I’ve been chosen! My fingers are crossed so wish me luck!
Quick Snippets
Favorite Indian Designers and why?: My favorite Indian designer is the label Abdul Halder. His dresses make women look stunning, and remind me of Princess Jasmin from Aladin, which is my favorite movie. His gowns look like a fairy tale story but the brand also caters to modern contemporary women, which is nice!
Favourite food. Salad: Because it’s healthy
Favourite holiday destination: Fiji
Favourite perfume: Chanel No. 5
Favourite lingerie brand : Victoria Secret
Your greatest fear: That I won’t be successful and not make my parents proud
What do you love and hate most? I love being able experience new things in life and expanding my horizons. I hate when I feel trapped or feel as though things are getting boring! Life should never be boring!
