Kingfisher Calendar girl Elena Fernandes loves her pizza and Pringles, but not before a heavy bout of workout. The half Goan-half South American who splits time between New York and Mumbai, and dotes on her cats and dog, tells t2 what it takes to look like the way she does, before walking the ramp at Kingfisher Final Wave 2015 in Goa for designer Manoviraj Khosla.
Every girl would be jealous of you! What is your workout like?
I have a trainer who trains me every single day. Each day the workout is completely different which includes anything from boxing to lifting tyres to about 500 squats. And this is like every day… one hour of strength training. I need to do that to keep looking how I am. And I can still have my pizza as long as he is training me for that one hour, which is what I think I’ll have tonight! (Laughs) Otherwise, what’s the point? You should be able to enjoy the chocolates and the Pringles. Don’t get me started on Pringles! But I think I deserve it. After this one-hour training, it’s definitely worth it!
How has your workout changed over the years?
I have always been very sporty. I always used to swim a lot and I was the captain of the netball team in school. Then when I got requested to meet Victoria’s Secret, I started focusing on being fit and lean instead of being skinny. I try to eat healthy… it’s about balance… mixing it up, taking the steps instead of the lift, walking instead of taking a rickshaw… these little changes make a difference.
Tell us about meeting Victoria’s Secret...
I was so scared. The building is massive and incredible. You see pictures of Adriana (Lima) and Candice (Swanepoel) and you think these people wanted to meet me! I am preparing with my fingers crossed. The casting will be done later on in New York this year. That’s what I am working towards. I have to support India. I want to become the Indian Gisele (Bundchen)!
Who is your favourite Victoria’s Secret angel?
It probably has to be Gisele and Candice. These girls are literally athletes. They are at the gym every day. Everyone has their own trainers. They do boxing… ballet. Being a model currently is all about being fit and lean. Everyone wants to be toned with those abs and look sexy.
Why is Gisele Bundchen such an inspiration?
She had the support of Brazil and turned herself into a brand. That’s really inspiring because I feel India doesn’t really have a model who has done well internationally. I am considered a supermodel here…. Now, it’s about TV commercials and then making the transition into films.
What’s your fashion like?
It depends on which city I am in. When I am in New York, I’ll always wear skinny jeans with a shirt. Here, especially in Mumbai and in this heat, I cannot wear skinny jeans. So, I’ll wear shorts and a T-shirt which I will mix with boots. In Goa, I completely stick to beachwear. I’ll have a complete collection of bikinis and then I’ll just wear a kaftan on top. I love my shirts.
Your Instagram pictures are fab. You look so comfortable in your skin...
Look at the mirror every day and say you are fabulous. People sometimes say I am too skinny and that makes me angry sometimes because I work hard on my body. But as long as you feel happy with yourself… no matter what shape or size you are, you honestly are beautiful. Never listen to what anyone else says. Do and be as you feel comfortable.
How has modelling changed you internally?
I was always very awkward growing up because I was always one of the guys. I generally had more guy friends, but I think modelling has taught me to be more comfortable with myself and who I am. Because you get criticised a lot, I really have a thick skin. You just got to take it on the chin. Otherwise, you are going to be depressed all the time. Modelling has made me comfortable as a person and it has given me confidence. I am still shy. I like living in my little world with my cats, dogs, books, chocolates, pizza, Pringles, fish and chips. Then I am happy.
Who is your kind of man?
The guy has to love animals. He has to be able to make me laugh. It’s all about the personality. You never need to impress me. I am not going to turn down diamonds, but you don’t need to impress me. (Laughs)
ELENA AT A GLANCE
♦ Vital stats: 34-24-34.5
♦ Height: 5’10’’. I am generally taller than everyone in heels. In heels, I am 6’2”. The tallest pair I have are a six-inch Azzedine Alaia heels which was a gift to myself when I first went to Victoria’s Secret in April last year.
♦ Favourite fashion icon: Probably Anna Wintour. I also like her as a person. She is so strong-minded and independent.
♦ Favourite model: Gemma Ward. She set off the whole baby-doll era around 2010. I think she is incredible.
♦ Favourite designer: I love my favourite Indian designers, Nikhil Thampi and Rahul Mishra. Internationally, it’s Givenchy.
♦ Currently reading: The Mayan Resurrection by Steve Alten. I love my conspiracies!
♦ Comfort food: Mashed potatoes and steak. I try not to eat too much meat.
♦ Cheat food: Pringles, chocolates, pizza, an English breakfast.
♦ Men are: Interesting.
♦ Love is: Unconditional.
