Sania Shaikh

Sania Shaikh

She's 19. And, at 6 feet and 1 inch tall, currently the tallest model on the Indian fashion plateau.

Sania Shaikh is comfortable with it though. "The height runs in the family," she says. "My dad is 6 feet 3 inches and my mom, 5 feet 8 inches tall." It explains why the highest pair of heels she’s ever worn were six inches high -- with a gown by Valentino at a recent fashion show by the designer.

The path to modeling for this bubbly woman began in 2004 with Channel V’s show Get Gorgeous. No, she didn’t win. In fact, she didn’t even make it to the finals. What helped was the fact that she was ‘spotted’.

She has been modeling for the past six months and has walked the ramp for international designers and labels that include Valentino, Trussardi, Gianfranco Ferre and Guess.

Originally from Mumbai, Sania grew up in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. She moved back to the city three years ago for further studies. Apart from modeling, she is also doing a course in food and nutrition, and has just finished her exams. Luckily for her, apart from being tall, she is also genetically lean –- a killer combination in the world of international fashion.

"I can get away with eating anything, even cheese, chips and mayonnaise," she says. "And, being in college, junk food is unavoidable." Nonetheless, she heads to the gym three times a week and "takes care of herself." This involves weight training, as part of a weight-gain program.

Want to look as tall as Sania does? She has a few tips:

~ Vertical stripes not only make you look taller, but slimmer.

~ Go for trousers/pants with an A-line shape (a straight cut).

~ Avoid wearing high-waist pants.

~ Wear solid colours. Don’t go for prints.

~ Mix and match your clothes.

~ Hot accessories include a simple pair of ‘big’ sunshades, and broad belts.

Age: 20 years

Height: 6'1" (The tallest model in India)

Weight: 58 kgs

Vitat stats: 39-32-37

Home town: Bangalore

How I got into modelling: I was in college at the time (I just graduated from SNDT, Mumbai) and my friend recommended I get into modelling, given my height.

I was reluctant at first, but I got my portfolio made and did a few small ramp shows for the experience of it.

I even tried for Channel V's 'Get Gorgoeus' but was eleminated in one of the early rounds. Then Elite picked me up and my first big break was with Marc Robinson for his Italian shows.

Skin tips: I have an oily T-zone so I make sure I cleanse regularly and use a good toner. I also make sure I wash my face often.

Good side: I get to look like a million bucks in the best clothes and make-up, get photographed and get paid for it (and well) what could be better.

Negative side: The crazy schedules, irregular meals and stress can be terrible.

At fashion week we sometimes leave the venue at 2 am and have to report for the next day at 8 am. So it can be exhausting.

The superficiality of people also tends to get to you sometimes, but there is a bad side to any job.
Plans after Fashion Week: Well I've been working non-stop for 2 months now.

I walked for Wills Fashion Week and was at the Vogue shoot in Jodhpur, so right now I'm looking forward to a vacation.

Career graph: I'm originally from Assam and first started doing ramp shows in Delhi.

Then came Milan, China and now Mumbai, where I've been for the last one year.

Diet: Again, I tend not to put on wieght, but I try to stay off oily food for my skin and drink lots of water.

Free time: I don't usually party unless its a friend birthday bash or a good place to network. I prefer spening time with my familt, n catching a movie.