Aspiring models converged in the capital recently to participate in this season’s national model auditions for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) Spring/Summer 2011. Hosted by Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in association with venue partner F Bar & Lounge at The Ashok, these auditions have become a launch pad for some of the freshest faces in fashion and have successfully introduced the likes of Neha Kapur, Monikangana Dutta and Liza Hayden to the fashion fraternity.
The jury this season included some of the biggest and well respected names in the industry 
– Anjana Bhargav, Asha Kochhar, Gaurav Gupta, Harmeet Bajaj, Namrata Joshipura, Poonam Bhagat and Tania Lefebvre.
There were some gruelling selection rounds where the participants were rated on poise, confidence and attitude among other parameters. The competitive and multi-layered nature of the process ensured that only the best and the bravest are eventually shortlisted for this opportunity of a lifetime.
For over a decade – FDCI – India’s apex fashion body has played an important role in promoting some of India’s best young talent who have grown to become household names today. They range from apparel manufacturers, accessories manufacturers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists to choreographers, and the fashion media. Model auditions for the WIFW are an integral part of this process of bringing novelty to the biggest trade event of the fashion industry as also creating new avenues for aspiring models.
Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI said, “Modelling at the WIFW is a ticket to greatness and FDCI is committed towards encouraging new talent that can subsequently represent the best impulses of Indian fashion before the world. The models that we have guided and nurtured in the past continue to do us proud through their participation in international and national fashion events. Today FDCI humbly considers it a responsibility to continue to identify and polish such gems of talent.”
Atul Chand, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC’s Lifestyle Retailing, said, “Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is an important platform to recognise and foster emerging talent. WIFW continues to raise the bar with each edition and we look forward to the best modeling talent to walk for India’s grandest fashion celebration".
The Winning Formula – What are the jury members looking for?
Namrata Joshipura said, “At the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Model Auditions, we are looking for fresh faces with good height, personality and the right attitude to carry western as well as Indian silhouettes.”
Anjana Bhargav said, “I am looking for models who have a fit body, right height and attitude to make an impression on the ramp.”
Tania Lefebvre said, “I will be looking for someone with freshness and confidence.”
Asha Kochhar said, “WIFW audition is the fastest and surest way for fresh faces to work with the best in the fashion industry, ranging from designers, hair and make-up artists to choreographers. I am looking for someone with good height, excellent bone structure and great attitude on the ramp.”
Poonam Bhagat said, “I am looking at a complete package, sassy yet not in-your-face sexy, confident and a consummate clotheshorse with a pinch of attitude.”
Gaurav Gupta said, “I will be looking at elegance, freshness and confidence.”
