Anita Nayyar -Many Brands Want More Than Just a Model Now (6ft Russian/Indian model)

Anita Nayyar

My name is Anita Nayyar, half Indian half Russian, age 23, born and raised in Dubai UAE, currently studying business management at university of Essex, a model since 9, based in Dubai and travels for work to main markets such as Paris, New York, LA, Milan. Devoted to her job, an idol for some.

1. Tell us about your background and journey. 

Hello, my name is Anita, I am half Indian half Russian. I started modeling when I was 9 years old with the help of my mother's boutique. 

I think my first photoshoot was in Guangzhou China for my mother's brand, I was only 9 back then. I started modeling properly when I was about 12 or 13 years old, I walked for splash fashions as my first show. I was the baby in the group of models in Dubai. 

I was born and raised in Dubai so it’s practically my home, I have gone to high school there and currently finishing my online business management degree in the Uk. 

2. How did you become a model and reach this stage? 

I started off with agencies in Dubai, the first one I joined was called Diva Models at that time. 

For me at that point it was an alternative to earn more money rather than working at my mom's store, I was really into dancing back then. I had a dream to open my own dancing school and never thought modeling would be something that would be my main source of income until today and not only income. 

But I am very proud of what I have achieved so far on my own coming from Dubai where the fashion industry was not really a big thing back then. Of course, no achievements come easy, you have to fail at least 100 times before you stand up on your own feet. 

It took me a while to get to where I am today, I basically decided on my own that I wanted to take modeling seriously and started to travel when I was 16. My first trip was to Thailand and I started off with Asia to build my book and then I started focusing on the US and Europe. 

At the moment my base is Dubai but I am focusing a lot on those two markets. I was traveling until May of this year to the states but now it's kind of on a pause until the end of the year. I am working in Dubai and very happy about it as many clients actually sent their products here to shoot on me which was nice such as Savin London. 

It is still the very beginning of my career so am looking forward to all the future that holds for me, I plan to start my international path from January onwards. Go back to haute couture and fashion weeks if we will be back to sort of normal as everything that happened so far was digital and it is obviously not the same exposure and work. 

3. What is your opinion of body image created by the media and how hard is it to put up with it? 

I think right now, it is very lenient and not as strict as it was before. Everyone is looking for a body-positive image, toned bodies. I am happy being as I am but I focus on being toned and structured more now as it fits my own personal lifestyle and my modeling career. 

Obviously, when it comes to fashion weeks, there are some preparations to do ahead but nothing major as I manage to keep a healthy lifestyle routine and I shoot every day so it’s essential to always stay in shape.

4. How important is social media validation in your profession? 

Well at the moment it is because many brands want more than just a model now. They want a model that can influence the public, especially younger emerging brands want more exposure. 

It is normal and I honestly don't mind it because it brings happiness to me to know that I am not just a face but I also can bring value to the brand in terms of connections, my social platform. 

At the moment I am trying organically grow my social platform because I think it’s important and also a lot of jobs now come through promoting a product or so. 

Due to covid there are ranges in the market and sometimes models are asked to shoot from home but anyway I think it’s definitely a good thing to have a good following account and to be a good role model for other aspiring talents.

5. How can one take care of their mental health in this high-pressure glamorous field? 

I think it's very important to follow your path and not slide off on any bad influence like drugs, society pressure. You always need to know your value and not care about others and what they think. 

As a model, you constantly being judged, looked at, discussed as essentially you are a product. Therefore you have to get used to it and be yourself, not get affected by the comments or so. 

Today you are the look for the season and tomorrow your not, later you might need to adjust to the trend and change your look. So always need to hold your head high up, be ready for adjustments, and adapt to their market. 

6. What are some of your upcoming projects? 

Well, I have been very happy in Dubai, I have shot for some really great brands since I've been here. 

Savin London, Charbel Karam Couture, Gezno magazine, Hindash, a couple of beauty stuff, and then obviously I have my regular clients. At the moment I am just shooting for lookbooks, catalogs, different campaigns. 

It's all very last minute, to be honest, but am very happy to be working, and hopefully, from January onwards I should be back in Paris.

Instagram ID -@annienayyar

Anita Nayyar
Photograph Credits: Charbel Karam 
Anita Nayyar
6ft Russian/Indian model

Interviewed By - Aditi Ashok