Forced into modelling, byculla girl is next hot face on New York's fashion runways

The porcelain doll-faced Mumbai model is being represented by Muse Management, and is only the third Indian to walk the ramp at New York Fashion Week She has that touch-me-and-I'll-crack persona which finds her instant space on a platform that boasts of classic beauties like Audrey Hepburn. She has never bothered with the press, and yet, she's managed to eek out pleasant words from temperamental hacks. She chooses her friends as carefully as she picks her indulgences; smoking with model friends doesn't make it to that list. She is being called the ideal model by India's A-list make-up artists, photographers and designers because she has a fuss-free, non-bitchy approach to her work. And she might just become the next hot Indian face on New York's runways after she makes her debut at New York Fashion Week this September. Working with Italian design powerhouse, Valentino, is one of her primary cravings.The 24 year-old girl from Byculla, and St. Xavier's College graduate experienced her first international moment when she walked for Emanuel Ungaro, Lancu00f4me and Lacoste at Paris Fashion Week two years ago. I was in Paris for two seasons, and enjoyed it thoroughly. In fact, I continue to be represented by Elite Paris. There can't be more different markets than New York and Paris; Paris is more about fashion, New York is both, fashion and big campaigns, she elaborates, referring to her forthcoming print campaigns for US luxury retail store Neiman Marcus, and fashion and lifestyle website Bluefly. Thankfully, Diana's bite into the bittersweet Big Apple wasn't an outcome of the glamour universe throwing up its hands in Jai Ho! The hype surrounding Slumdog Millionaire didn't have anything to do with Muse representing her in New York. On my last trip to India in November (on my honeymoon!), I saw Diana's photographs at Elite Model Management. I thought she was one of the most exciting models I'd met in my career, says Conor Kennedy of Muse Management in New York.u00a0u00a0u00a0 Diana had no ambitions of being a model. In fact, Goa designer Wendell Rodricks who knew her as photographer Denzil Sequeira's niece, happily takes credit for forcing her to model for his Lakmu00e9 Fashion Week show in 2006. Since then, she has walked for Indian Fashion Weeks and is the face of Garnier. News of her replacing actress Deepika Padukone as the face of Maybelline led to speculations of a possible shift to Bollywood. The once I-cannot-act-to-save-my-life stand has miraculously transformed into: I am not shut to the idea of acting. But right now, I want to concentrate on international fashion assignments.Who else has made a a splash in New York: Ujjwala Raut, Lakshmi MenonConor Kennedy, Muse Management New YorkDiana has a unique beauty, and that's an important factor to consider. And when I met her, I found her elegant and chic. She had this sophistication that I knew would appeal to the best photographers from around the world.Clint Fernandes, make-up artistThere's something exotic about Diana, what you call the X-factor. She's a fresh face that oozes with sensuality, a superbly sexy frame and her personality is grounded. It makes for a winning combination.Atul Kasbekar, chairman, managing director BlingDiana is very pretty with a disarming innocence about her. She has the face, body and attitude to make a success abroad.When his chaddi becomes your tank topDon't throw out yer feller's drawers when the skidmarks don't wash out no more. Just cut the crotch out and wear 'em. While some style snobs might cringe at this photograph of woman wearing an inverted men's briefs to create a breezy top, we say, Hurray, woman! Great way to recycle and save moolah in this sticky recession climate. Where to buyMascara wand that oscillates Someone I know, who has tried enough eyeliners to know runny from sturdy, murky from sinister, says Lancome's permanent black eyeliner (the pencil lasts longer than liquid) has topped her charts for 3 years running because (a) It doesn't smudge unless you scrub it with a broom (b) It arches a streak that's dark enough to highlight Indian eyes, not a sorry slate grey excuse for black that most international brands feed us. The iconic French cosmetic brand opens its flagship store in Central Mumbai where you can spoil yourself silly over skincare, fragrances, and make up (try the Oscillation mascara; perfect for all you lazy bones). There's a range for men too, and a booth where you can enjoy specialised treatments and facials (Rs 1,500 for 60 minutes). And then there's a 2-week and 2-month packages for the bridezillas who want to take on getting married like it's war!At: High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel

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Forced into modelling, byculla girl is next hot face on New York's fashion runways

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