Modelling was always an area I thought about when I was younger and then was something I wanted to get into. I’ve modelling for many years and have taken part in various shoots for independent labels as well as many charity fashion nights and walked the catwalk in aid of breast cancer for The Frock Exchange for Fashion TV. I have also done a few corporate shoots. Most recently I modeled some gorgeous dresses from Emma Tindley (Couture Bridal) and I also modeled for London Bridge Magazine working with a fab team of creatives to create a 1920s style bridal look where I got to wear some beautiful outfits from Ritva Westenius.
Within the fashion Industry- I am totally in love with a few designers for various reasons – Miu Miu for their stunning, elegant handbags, Michael Kors for the stunning range of evening dresses and gowns and Chloe for just everything they have to their name. I really admire them all and would love to work with them or any newer designers and even graduate fashion designers. I love all styles of clothing and my height is definitely more suited for commercial modelling. Model wise, nowadays, I admire the Hadid Sisters, Kendall Jenner and I also love and respect the gorgeous Tyra Banks. She’s a true superstar, a very successful lady and of ethnic origin which makes me and I’m sure many others believe we can do anything if we put our minds to it!
Coming from a Performing Arts and Media background, as funny as it sounds to people, I treat everything as my stage, I love catwalks, stages, film sets and studios, nothing phases me to the point where I am sometimes nervous when it comes to modelling but in a good and positive way where I am always grounded and thrilled to work with new and existing teams of people- I am lucky enough to have worked with some great people and hope I have done them proud when it comes to selling and showing off products.
Years back, I was so lucky enough to attend the MP Conservative Associations Christmas party in London a few years back and met the fabulous Dame Vivienne Westwood – this was such an honor, she really is a charming and extremely stylish lady. Full credit goes to her for her many skills and talents.
I have a really amazing management company who are so supportive and have a great scope and so we been talking to a few people and have been putting the word around as I am trained and experienced in TV Presenting, Acting and Modelling. We also have a very exciting project in the pipeline for me which involves launching my own luxury brand of swimwear where I am not only involved in the modelling of it but also the designing. I’m super excited to see this progress so watch this space! I have a very beautiful and supportive and loving family behind me which I am very grateful and thankful for and they are always in my thoughts and I know I couldn’t do it without them and they keep me determined and make me the girl I am today.
I would say that its certainly harder for Asian women to break into the fashion world, but over the years we are seeing more and more ladies, as well as men achieving this and we are building the gap and the ethnic cultures are being recognized for their talents. I would like to know that Asian women one day can maybe look up to me, see what I have achieved and know that anything is possible and one thing is to never give up. When I see others doing well and wanting to be like me, that inspires me to work even harder and achieve higher goals. I never give up and its nice to see people appreciate you.
Modelling and acting are both my passions and something which I studied heavily but I would say work wise, I more focused on the TV side as that is where I got most of my work. I would love for a role in a British soap or drama, or a Bollywood movie, that would be my dream as I am quite versatile and have a Mediterranean / Asian look to me. I don’t rule out anything work wise and would love to take on projects within the Brit-Asian film and TV industry.
It’s a tough industry and there is so much competition so hard work and dedication, professionalism and determination is the crucial but I also believe networking is key and being in the right place at the right time too has also been proven. Be proud of who you are and never give up. Dreams are there to be made into reality and anything is possible. Its a multi-culteral world out there and we are all as important as each other. Take pride in what you do, be the best you can and smile!
Aside from modelling and looking to the future, I would love to get into bigger TV projects and certainly would love to be part of a UK/Indian series/drama. Aside from that, I am pretty much open and love the industry as a whole, so acting (Film & TV), presenting and modelling – bring it on! I love working with new people and would one day also like to co-present a show with my idol, the amazing Davina McCall.
I look forward to seeing everyone at some major fashion events in the near future! For more information on me and to keep updated please follow me via Twitter @MrsSunnyAndrea and checkout my official website www.sunnyandre.co.uk