WMH India Magazine - November - 2022

Edition Of WMH India features Koustav Ganguly as the Cover Model. Let's see what he has said in his interview.

How would you describe yourself as a person?

Well, I am person who believes that it's not about destination but the journey matters the most. I am self motivated person loves to observe life of other people closely.

What/who inspired you to become a model?

relationship between me and my parents aren't that good, so since 2016 I started teaching students, and from 2019 I started modeling, financially I used to struggle cause I do my own thing. It's quite a challenge but I accepted it.

If given a chance to change one thing in your life from the past, what would you change and why?

Betrayal, only the betrayal in life brought the Zeal to become a successful model.

To be honest I would say nothing cause every mistakes or tragedy happened with me taught me about life.

For most the journey is quite difficult, where do you think you struggled the most, to build your career in modeling?

I came from a very well financially sounded family but the

But still if I can change the relationship between me and my parents then that would be perfect.

What is your short-term goal in the next 1-2 years?

To complete most of the brands in kolkata as their face.

What’s your dream job?

To educate kids from the slums, make an institution where education will be free for only poor people.

If not modeling, then what would you be doing?

Hard to tell cause my life has chosen modeling. Maybe it was destined but yes I would have been a good professor.

WMH INDIA team wishes Koustav his best journey ahead. May he rise and shine and have bright future.

“Fashion is Comfort to Me”

Fashion Model

Aman Pal is a fashion model, creating his own identity in the Industry. Coming from Kolkata, this young model is a strong-headed individual and is proud of his work. From his early teenage years, Aman always wanted to create art and be in the fashion business.

While he was studying, a photographer approached Aman for a shoot. The shoot was about body positivity and acne. It was about how people try to change one for having imperfections. From there, a new journey begins in Aman’s life.

“It was in 2018. There was a photographer, Arka Patra who approached me. He told me I look unique and thinks I can be a model for his project. He wanted to meet me. We did a proper test which was a shoot. Then, I did the actual shoot and loved the whole concept of that. I learned a lot of things

while working with him. From him only, I learned how to pose and other essentials”. After his first project, people started approaching Aman for creative shoots and some paidup opportunities. From there, he started and soon did a shoot for a store, Dapper menswear in Kolkata, 2019. The storehouse has different brands. It was an opening for a menswear shoot that Aman did. It was a good opportunity for him. The shoot featured on Cosmopolitan, even his first shoot featured on the Cosmopolitan Magazine. Aman never thought to make it on the magazine. Therefore, it was an achievement for him to come to this far soo soon.

When Aman was 18, he started to explore fashion. He started to accept his sexual identity. Because of this, he was easily bullied in his school and college. He felt he did not belong there

and was treated like an alien. Fashion for Aman is comfort. It is also about how one carries themselves with the statement. Further, he uses fashion to promote body positivity, confidence and to show people one can be comfortable in whatever they wear, feminine or masculine.

to make my point through my work. Therefore, I started to do more projects. That is how I got into fashion.

Gender is a societal construct and fashion is beyond that. There is nothing feminine or musculine for me. I want to break the stereotype. Therefore, I use

“I started using fashion as a medium to express myself. To show myself that I am not different. It is their views that are different. I am just the same like everyone else and wanted

fashion and my statement is to be comfortable. Also, as an artist I want to do it because fashion is also about being authentic. Furthermore, I believe in social causes on how society treats men. They thought we can only wear masculine and not feminine”. Also, Aman considers fashion

can be an educator to society too. He is uncomfortable about how models are made to look so perfect. He feels that the idea of being a model or an artist or whatever one wishes to is about being true to oneself. It is not about giving false inspirations to others. Whenever he does shoots, he tries to make sure that

the makeup is minimal and as natural as it could be. The photographer keeps it simple and his flaws the way they are.

“I cannot be perfect. I do not want to change anything about myself. Moreover, I am proud of what I am. As an artist I will do projects but I will be authentic.

I want to change these these things. Further, I do not want people to look upto models or artists as perfectionist. Moreover, I believe it is not about beauty or body but about how unique one is as an individual. It is about how one is presenting their works. This is what I want to change. Also, I want to shatter the homophobic mindset of the society”.

Aman loves to wear bellbottoms. Especially in India bellbottoms are in trend and he would love to have more of it. The trend that he actually wants to dump off is the cheetah print and wants to go back from where it came from. Though, Aman loves floral print but not that much. They are too much for his eyes. Anything that is mini-

mal and has a better statement of style is better than something that is very vibrant. Although, he loves the colorful outfit and has many printed shirts. But something that is too flashy and shiny, he does not like to put on. Talking about sustainability, Aman said, “I would like to say that people should buy sustainable clothes. They should wear more sustainable clothes, reuse and recycle. We should buy less, consume less and buy the right thing.

I did one shoot in which the clothes were made out of crap. The designer made it out of the sustainable material and it was a recycable material. The outfit was beautiful. I would like to do more such shoots”.

Aman had done a lot of shoots and projects. He has worked for Bobo Calcutta, GKP optical, Kushal Chatterjee, and done some conceptual shoots too. His journey started with one of the best pho-

tographers in Kolkata. He would also like to mention and thank Surya Shekhar Biswas who is a stylist and art director. He has helped Aman and has always brought the best out of him and also to Neal Bhaumik, the photographer. Discussing his parental support, Aman revealed,

“When I started, my mother was extremely supportive of me. She knew from where I came. Normally, there is a stigma about fashion and people do not take it as a serious job. I hate how people do not take it seriously. So, when I started, I did not have a support of my father. But later on, the kind of work that I did, I was shocked myself that he started supporting me. He went hand in hand with me and used to admire my work on how I beat conceptual constructs of society. I was extremely proud to make him proud”.

Let The Winter Unfold!

Winter is finally here, New Year welcomes you! The days are getting shorter and nights probably longer, while you are snuggled up in a cozy blanket with a warm chai on the side table. A perfect scenario, right?Now is the time to notch up your style and redo your closet into a winter one, till February bids you goodbye. What is on your checklist for winter? Here we have compiled a few winter essentials which not only will have you protected, warm and cozy, but will also make you look chic, fun and stylish. Let us keep our fashion sense intact and go fight away the cold. So just grab this checklist and get ready to embrace the hot chocolate weather!

Hoodies and Sweatshirts

Hoodies scream comfort. They are basically sweatshirts with a bit thicker material and a hood at-

tached near the collar area. Make it a casual style by layering up or be snuggly and sleep with an oversized hoodie on, comfort is all you would feel. You can wear it with track pants or shorts, with skinny jeans or skirts, it goes well with anything.

Grab that turtleneck!

Not only do turtlenecks warm you, but they also make your neck look longer! Adding to the fact that they are unisex, turtlenecks can be paired up with any outfit you want to choose. Be it a skirt, denim jeans, a sleeveless dress, or a blazer, it teams up pretty well. Having a black turtle neck has its plus points. They appear chic and are also fit for formal occasions. So go, grab that Turtleneck, and stuff it in your closet!

Do not forget your thermals

Make sure to have your thermals added to the list because they are saviors. They can be worn under anything and protect you with a warm layer beneath your normal wear. They are made of either cotton or wool with a thin lining of polyester and keep you nice and warm. Your jeans not providing you enough warmth? Wear a thermal underneath! Not only as

an innerwear, but these days we also get to see various fashionable thermals, so we can wear it as a regular fit!

Gloves and Socks

Enough of your body, now let us pamper your feet and hands, it is winter after all! Gloves and woolen socks keep your hands and feet nice and warm. Pick those colorful patterns, go with the stripes, go with whatever makes you feel good!

Swingy shawls and scarfs!

These goodies never get out of style. Be it an all-black outfit or an ethnic one, pair up shawls with anything, they will look elegant anyways! Lazy days bring carelessness, and these flowy garments will protect you against harsh winter even on those days. Just loosely wrap them around you and you are good to go.

Go aesthetic with ankle boots

Being the most versatile, ankle boots are evergreen on fashion. They do not seem to get old as they give us the satisfaction of being aesthetic and protect our feet from cold! And believe it or not, winter is the perfect time to flaunt these boots and go glamorous. Not to mention that they go with absolutely anything.

Protect your ears with caps and beanies

Give your head some attention too. Beanies are the best for protecting your ears and head. Known for their versatility; they go well with everything and anything. It gives you a bold and cute look depending upon the outfit you choose while protecting your ears all along.

Go chic with leather jackets

Want to add a touch of coolness to your wardrobe? A leather jacket is the answer! They pair well with anything and give you a hot, bold, badass, and chic look. Pair it with ankle boots and high waist jeans, and let the visuals explode.

The basic Sweaters and jackets

Let us not forget the basics this winter. You can wear sweaters over collared shirts, jeans, midi skirts, and trousers and they will still look as pretty as forever! You can go simple this season and go for these basics. These are the must-haves of every winter fashion, so do not cut slack on them.

A friendly tip! Oversized sweaters also work as dresses. So, pair them up with high boots and a belt and let the fashion flow!

Let’s wrap it up

‘Winter is not a season; it is a celebration’

Padded jackets or puffers, jeans, overcoats, and blazers can also be added to this list, which can be worn according to how harsh winters are in your region and hence make your winter magical!

Remember to stay warm this winter because your health matters the most. Stay warm and rock those outfits you choose! Get the weather under check and dress accordingly. Prepare a warm, slurpy chai and get the pillows, and fluffy blankets ready, winter is at our doorstep.

Veronika Sch

Instagram: veron_ph

7 ways to always look stylish in the Winter!

In this article, we will talk about 7 tips that will help you look your best and give you famous Fatale looks. In the summer it's easy, but in the winter, it is a little bit trickier, and you have to pay a little bit more attention to the details.

• Remove all the dust and hair from your coat

Using a scotch rental roller, you roll it all over your clothes and take off all the dust. In the winter especially, we tend to wear a lot of beautiful coats. When you have darker coat color, it tends to accumulate all the dust and hair. It is not a pleasant look for the eyes and in o ways makes you look chic.

• Let your boots steal the show

If your feet are warm and dry, you are automatically going to feel a lot cozier. We recommend that you start all of your outfits with

footwear. This season here are some amazing winter boots on offer. We are not talking about the traditional clumpy snow boots you would wear when you’re sliding, but boots that are almost like combat boots. Some have lug soles, and rubber soles and they may a shearling type lines boots; some of these boots are stylish. They’re going to be super practical as well. Building different

outfits around tour footwear are different and is a surefire way that you equipped for those really cold, rainy, snowy days.

• Become a layering pro

It is as simple as that. Layers are the perfect way to keep warm but being able to peel off layers when you go inside or go and hop on to the bus, or when it is appropriate.

Finding a couple of really fine layers which you can wear underneath your outfit so that they don’t add extra bulk is the key to making sure you stay warm without overheating at times. Also, you can look and feel great in pieces that you love but stays under pieces that are doing arduous work.

• Let trend stake a backseat

This does not mean that you have to completely forget about them. It is adding some trend focus to your winter outfits in the way of accessories. So just, for instance,

this winter, bright colors are in. bright oranges and zesty limey colors, and hot pinks. An effortless way to add a bit of a trend focus but still keep warm is to look at some trending colors that you can add to easily say in the form of socks or scarves. Also even one of the bold eyewear that’s happening at the moment is a very simple way to protect your eyes and also add just a little bit of a fashion flare, but you’re still staying warm.

•

Wraps and ponchos for the win.

Nothing feels cozier than wrapping yourself up in a big warm scarf. Things like ponchos are great for keeping warm and again let’s go back to belting. You can belt these scarves and build ponchos just to create a bit of a fashion edge. So don’t underestimate how wraps and big blanket scarves and ponchos will give you that comfort and warmth simultaneously.

Winter is also a wonderful time to embrace fur. It is a timeless classic piece that you can wear casually and can throw on if you’re going out for a special event at night. It is one of those pieces that is going to last you for an exceptionally long time. All faux furs are not created equal. So, in our opinion, it does pay off to spend a little bit more money and then you get faux fur that feels a bit softer and more snuggly and not scratchy. So faux fur is also something that is a times option for keeping you warm, adding that little stylish extra layer.

“Modeling taught me how to Hustle”,

Fashion ModelSevina

Kahlon

Sevina Kahlon is a fashion model from Kolkata but surprisingly, she never considered modeling as her career. She always wanted to be an actor and studied theatre all her life. Modeling happened by chance. When Sevina was 18, a designer told her that she liked her face and wanted her for a shoot. She was naive, inexperienced, and did not know what she was going to do. Finally, when she decided to take it up, Sevina did a lot of research and collaborated with photographers for portrait shoots.

Sevina is into different styles and it depends on her mood. She does not have a particular style and is picky about what she wears. Sevina loves vintage clothes, from bohemian to grunge and she takes inspiration from the 60s-70s. She mostly prefers to wear dark colors or nudes. Moreover, she has a fetish for boots and believes they make outfits more interesting.

“When I got the opportunity, I took it as a good experience. I wanted to get into the film industry and I warmed up to loving it. It still took me two years to gain the required experience and grooming. Also properly decide whether or not I wanted to take it up seriously. It took me a long time to build that self-esteem and maturity that is needed to face the industry”.

Sevina learned a lot of things on her way. She knows her selfworth and knows how important it is. She knows where to draw the line and say no when directly negotiating with clients. Talking about her schedule, Sevina said,

“As soon as I get a confirmation for an assignment, I block the date on my calendar. A full day shoot is usually 8 hours, but sometimes we might shoot for less time. And can take up multiple shoots in a day which usually happens before the festive season. It can get very hectic, as

sometimes we have to travel to far locations, long work hours and shoot back to back for days on end”.

was not a huge surprise for her family. However, Sevina’s parents were always concerned about her well-being. They constantly advise her and want her to be safe. The industry is not an easy place for a young woman, especially as a freelance model. Moreover, her parents raised her to be independent and have always trusted her decisions. Sevina studied stagecraft, acting, directing, and more for many years. She is currently in 3rd year of her graduation pursuing BSC.

Sevina hails from a mixed background. Her father is a Punjabi and her mother is Australian. She had lived both in India and Australia. She is lucky to have them as parents and they have always been supportive of her decisions. Her grandmother was a model in Australia in the 50s and 60s so it

“I never really saw myself as fit to be a model. I worked on myself and groomed myself for the camera by practicing my poses, posture and more. Modelling is much more than what meets the eye. It’s about who you are, how you express yourself and of course,

how you take care of your body”. Sevina takes a lot of inspiration from supermodels from the 90s such as Claudia Schiffer, Elle Macpherson, and Cindy Crawford. She really looks up to Deepika Padukone and feels that she is effortlessly graceful. Every shoot for her is rewarding. One of her proudest moments was when her

friends from other cities told her about her advertisement. It was a surreal feeling for Sevina.

Sevina loves working with creative people and the outcome is really validating and rewarding.

She believes the downside is that there is a lot of pressure and competition. Further, she feels there are so many beautiful and talented people that sometimes it is difficult to compare oneself to others and question whether or not one

deserves to be there. Although, she is precise and clear about her goals. Adding to which, she said,

"I am going with the flow and being a better version of myself everyday. I am grateful for the

kind of opportunities that come my way and hopefully gain some more recognition along with it. Also, I am happy to see wherever it takes me and I have faith that I will get what I deserve as long as I continue with this mindset and energy”

To Sevina, fashion is more about the person who is wearing it than anything else. It is a form of self-expression and a part of one’s identity. Discussing her beauty routine, Sevina said,

“I feel that for me, less is more. Basic moisturiser and cleanser is a daily must for me. I sometimes mix moringa oil when my skin needs an extra boost. Furthermore, I like Vitamin C products for glowing skin, and I occasionally use chemical exfoliation when needed. I swear by the bioderma micellar water to remove my makeup without harmful and harsh additives”.

Talking more about herself, Sevina believes social media platforms are extremely helpful and have become a public portfolio for models. Especially for freelance models, the majority of the clients approach them through social media. Moreover, it has become very convenient because one’s profile can be shared instantaneously. Also, through tags and shares, one can gain more exposure and access to more clients.

“Modeling has taught me how to hustle. I know more about how to deal with all kinds of people and believe it or not, I get an exposure of business knowledge too. Everyone says this, but modelling is definitely not as flashy and glamorous as it seems on the outside. There is a lot of struggle, hustle and slogging behind to create the beautiful things that we do, and it is definitely not suited for everyone”

From a young age, you’re told by everyone and everything, what fashion shields look like. From Disney channel transformation to Tik Tok trends. At some point you might have felt like everything that you wear is simply wrong. We’ve all been there. There are so many unique style types in the world. There are endless possibilities, but we feel it is important to know the fundamentals. We have made a list for you which feel like includes the most common ones and the ones that we see people speak about the most.

1. Avant-garde

The dictionary definition for this is the advanced group in any field, especially in the visual, literary, or musical arts whose works are characterized by chiefly unorthodox and experimental methods. This is an aesthetic that you will be able to appreciate artistically even if you don’t see yourself styling in it. It can be referred to as

being visionary and futuristic. If you are someone who encompasses this style you won’t be following any rules or will be defined in any perimeters. You will fully be going outside the box.

2. Minimalist

The dictionary definition says a person favors a moderate and slow approach. A minimalist style can be translated in a bunch of diverse ways. Some people might say it is a very general style aesthetic of clean and minimal lines, with no crazy details. It would include clean, limited textures and not mixing too many textures. For some people, a minimalist aesthetic might mean toning it down. Not wearing too much and going with the theory of less is better.

3. Maximalist

A dictionary definition is a person who favors a radical and immediate approach. So basically, max-

imalists can be considered the complete opposite of minimalists. This is going to somebody that wants more and more. Whether it's bold prints, bold colors, tons and tons of accessories, or just some ‘out there’ sort of patterns, maximalist is somebody that’s taking their style out to their max.

4. Contemporary

In the present time, modern. You can think of contemporary in line with minimalism. Contemporary is always cleaner lines look.

5. Streetwear Comfortable yet trendy, pulling inspiration from hip culture. Some are hype beasts who seek hype like limited edition sneakers. Comfortable yet trendy clothes very much drive the streetwear culture. But what’s happening these days is that people are taking it up a notch and giving it a new angle of streetwear chic. You

do that by taking a lot of casual, edgy streetwear vibe and then adding a little bit of elevation of femininity.

6. Sophisticated

By the dictionary definition, it is considered as reflecting an educated taste. Specifically, it has a more mature appearance and it can be exceptionally clean. Usually, it is going to be a lot more tasteful and not showy. The wonderful thing about this style is that there is a wide range of it, so it is a lot of fun as you can play with it.

7. Androgynous

This style by the dictionary means a style that is neither masculine nor feminine in appearance. This is also the perfect description because many people assume androgynous to learn more about the boyish aspect of it, more tomboy-like. The better way to say it would be that t has a more gen-

derless approach to a style. You could also look at it as a balanced style.

8. Sporty

This style means wearing clothes designed for or suitable for sports. Especially these days, with people embracing the yoga pant look or the loungewear look. People are getting into the sporty vibe. It can be translated in so many different ways. It can be feminine, it can be masculine, it can be sexy, and it can be anything you want it to be. This aesthetic is a fun one that can easily be translated to your liking.

9. Classic

It means the first or highest quality class or rank, serving as a standard model or guide. When we think about classics, we think more about quality and timelessness. We see somebody with a classic style that values and pri-

oritizes timeless pieces. Speaking to the definition, it is going to be the highest level, the highest grade of clothes because timeless things are the things that have withstood the test of time.

10. Boho/Bohemian

A person is an artist or writer who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices. Bohemian derives from the gypsy vibe, the flowy skirts, the crop tops, and a very free-spirited vibe. It has come into our current time and our current trends and has translated into more flowy feminine type pieces. It is beautiful, elegant, and lovely. It is a fun style as it adds contrast to the other styles.