Hi
I was interviewed by the London Bangla Newspaper early this year. It was a privilege to be interviewed and I appreciated the feedback I got from all the readers. I attach the full interview below.
Lots of Love
Gulzaeb x
www.londonbangla.com
London Bangla Newspaper.
GULZAEB BEG ALI
Model & TV Presenter
1. What interested you in fashion?
I have always loved fashion. I used to dress up as a little girl in my Mum’s clothes and put on fashion shows with my sisters. Fashion is a big part of my life. I am obsessed with catwalk trends and like to incorporate key looks into my own signature style.
2. What got you into modelling?
I was 15 when I was spotted by a Make-up artist on Green St in East London. She asked me if I was interested in modelling and being her Model for a shoot. I was revising for my GCSE exams at the time, studied all night and then went to the shoot the next day. It turned out to be a bridal shoot for Asian Woman Magazine! I did the shoot. I kept getting booked and re-booked by other designers and clients and haven’t looked back since.
3. I understand you also do some presenting? Describe some of these experiences.
I have been Modelling for over 10 years. I had done global TV commercials, graced many front covers, high fashion photo shoots abroad and walked the runway in fashion shows. I needed a challenge and a new direction. Fortunately an offer to present my own show was given to me, I was delighted. I am a perfectionist and I wanted to be qualified to do the job. I studied TV Presenting at London Film School and was mentored by British TV Presenter Sally Gray. Here I learnt many skills about TV and I think they helped me a lot in projecting myself. I then signed a four-year contract with Brit Asia TV to host my own weekly show. I have filmed two successful series of my show, The Chart Show. I have interviewed great artists as Gurdas Maan, Jassi Sidhu, Jazz Dhami, Imran Khan and Juggy D to name a few.
4. What do you love more, presenting or modelling, and why?
Without sounding cliché, I love both. Modelling is very glamorous and I’ve travelled a lot because of it. I was flown out to St Tropez for a fashion shoot for a glossy and I’ve been fortunate to work with the best make up artists and photographers in the country. Modelling will always be my first love. However with presenting, I’m really enjoying myself. I’m confident in front of the camera and I like the adrenalin rush of filming live. With Modelling, you’re told what to wear and you’re promoting a product or beauty service. In contrast, presenting is about me. I’m styling myself and it’s more personal. I got a lot of emails from young girls after my show aired wanting advice. I guess they felt connected to me in some way which is very flattering.
5. What degree did you attain in University (if any)? Did you always want to model?
Education is highly important in my family. I come from a family of doctors, bankers and solicitors. I attained straight A’s in my GCSE’s and in all 3 of my A-Levels. I studies BSC Investment, Finance & Risk with Mathematics at CASS Business School. I achieved a 2:1 and graduated at 20 years old. My plan was to always work in Banking like my Dad. After I graduated I worked at Deutsche Bank and then moved onto JP Morgan as a Senior Analyst. Modelling has always been a part-time job but as it got busier, I eventually had to leave and pursue my Media career full time.
6. How does it feel to be one of the most attractive Asian women in the world?
It is so flattering and I am honoured to be seen as one of the most attractive Asian women in the world. It is humbling and I feel blessed for what God has given me. I have a strong family who support me and keep my grounded. It does overwhelm me sometimes with the amount of support people have shown me. I get a lot of emails and messages from young girls who tell me they look up to me. I try to remember that in every assignment I do.
7. What do you enjoy more, fashion shows or photo shoots?
Fashion shows are great fun because of the banter back stage. I have walked the ramp for many top fashion shows. My first catwalk experience was for Bibi Russell in London Fashion Week. Since then I have done Zee Carnival at London Olympia, Asian Bride Shows at Cafe Royal and opened the Asiana Bridal Show at the RiverBank Plaza.
Photo Shoots are more relaxed and I am pampered. My tea is brought to me, we have more time on hair and make-up and everyone has a laugh!
8. Who are you favourite stylists/photographers/makeup artists?
It would be unfair to pick as I have been fortunate to work with many talented people. No two photographers or Make-up artists are the same. I am friends with many of them so picking one would get me into a lot of trouble.
9. Who is your role model and why?
In terms of Modelling Cindy Crawford is amazing and she still looks great at 40. She is also a clever business woman and has used her fame in projects that are important to her. She’s an inspiration. Personally however, Queen Rania is someone I am in awe of. She is beautiful, compassionate and an unbelievable philanthropist. I would like to dedicate more of my time to charity work. I think it is important to use your fame and status for a good cause. I will definitely get involved with more charity projects.
10. What are some upcoming projects?
I am the face of a clothing company called Desi Rags (www.desirags.co.uk). They produce top quality T-shirts aimed at the young British Asian Market. I have shot two major campaigns for them. They are planning to distribute globally and I look forward to shooting more campaigns for them.
I am also resuming filming for my TV show. After the huge response from the first two series, my production team are working very hard to keep my show fresh.
I am endorsing a new clothing catalogue called Cuckoo Fashion. They produce quality salwaar kameez, sarees and hijabs. The catalogue is seasonal and the first catalogue was released in January this year. I am also the face of Claim Today Solicitors, the same firm endorsed by Shah Rukh Khan. I have a contract with them to film new adverts until 2012.
One project I am very excited about is charity one raising money for orphaned children. I can’t talk too much about it but I’m meeting with my design team this week. Fingers crossed.
11. When do you feel your success catapulted?
I am such a workaholic that I rarely get a chance to sit back and reflect. I think making the Top 50 Most Beautiful Asian Women List in the Times of India this year was when it hit me. As the only UK Asian Model on the list alongside Bollywood beauties as Bipasha, Katrina and Aishwariya Rai was an eye opener. I can retire now. Hahahah.
12. What advice can you give to aspiring models?
My first piece of advice would be to get your family’s support. My dad was very reluctant to let me pursue Modelling as I was academically bright and it’s not a desirable career choice. I assured my family that I would continue my education and never do anything that would compromise my beliefs. I am very selective about the work I do. I approve the clothes first and don’t wear anything revealing.
Secondly, Modelling is a business so treat it like one. Do not work for free and get contracts in place before committing to a shoot. Check credentials of the clients booking you.
13. What is your background, Pakistani, Indian...?
I am a British Pakistani.
14. Where do you love to shop?
I love Topshop. You can always find something there.
15. What is your must-have (purses, shoes, makeup...)?
That’s obvious, shoes. I have over 400 heels and it’s a growing addiction. Shoes can make or break your outfit. When I was presenting my own show on TV, I got a lot of messages from girls asking where I got my shoes from.
16. Who is your favourite designer?
I like to keep on top of British designers, Stella McCartney is an inspirational designer and always designs girlie ensembles. Her pieces are timeless and work with almost everything in my wardrobe. Her daywear collections are reflective of my own personal style.
A personal favourite is designer Zuhair Murad. I actually messaged him after seeing his “Winter Rhapsody” collection for 2010 and he replied. He gets the embellishments on his dresses just perfect. His outfits are perfection. If I ever get invited to the Oscars, he is designing for me! InshAllah.
GULZAEB BEG ALI
Model & TV Presenter
I was interviewed by the London Bangla Newspaper early this year. It was a privilege to be interviewed and I appreciated the feedback I got from all the readers. I attach the full interview below.
Lots of Love
Gulzaeb x
www.londonbangla.com
London Bangla Newspaper.
GULZAEB BEG ALI
Model & TV Presenter
1. What interested you in fashion?
I have always loved fashion. I used to dress up as a little girl in my Mum’s clothes and put on fashion shows with my sisters. Fashion is a big part of my life. I am obsessed with catwalk trends and like to incorporate key looks into my own signature style.
2. What got you into modelling?
I was 15 when I was spotted by a Make-up artist on Green St in East London. She asked me if I was interested in modelling and being her Model for a shoot. I was revising for my GCSE exams at the time, studied all night and then went to the shoot the next day. It turned out to be a bridal shoot for Asian Woman Magazine! I did the shoot. I kept getting booked and re-booked by other designers and clients and haven’t looked back since.
3. I understand you also do some presenting? Describe some of these experiences.
I have been Modelling for over 10 years. I had done global TV commercials, graced many front covers, high fashion photo shoots abroad and walked the runway in fashion shows. I needed a challenge and a new direction. Fortunately an offer to present my own show was given to me, I was delighted. I am a perfectionist and I wanted to be qualified to do the job. I studied TV Presenting at London Film School and was mentored by British TV Presenter Sally Gray. Here I learnt many skills about TV and I think they helped me a lot in projecting myself. I then signed a four-year contract with Brit Asia TV to host my own weekly show. I have filmed two successful series of my show, The Chart Show. I have interviewed great artists as Gurdas Maan, Jassi Sidhu, Jazz Dhami, Imran Khan and Juggy D to name a few.
4. What do you love more, presenting or modelling, and why?
Without sounding cliché, I love both. Modelling is very glamorous and I’ve travelled a lot because of it. I was flown out to St Tropez for a fashion shoot for a glossy and I’ve been fortunate to work with the best make up artists and photographers in the country. Modelling will always be my first love. However with presenting, I’m really enjoying myself. I’m confident in front of the camera and I like the adrenalin rush of filming live. With Modelling, you’re told what to wear and you’re promoting a product or beauty service. In contrast, presenting is about me. I’m styling myself and it’s more personal. I got a lot of emails from young girls after my show aired wanting advice. I guess they felt connected to me in some way which is very flattering.
5. What degree did you attain in University (if any)? Did you always want to model?
Education is highly important in my family. I come from a family of doctors, bankers and solicitors. I attained straight A’s in my GCSE’s and in all 3 of my A-Levels. I studies BSC Investment, Finance & Risk with Mathematics at CASS Business School. I achieved a 2:1 and graduated at 20 years old. My plan was to always work in Banking like my Dad. After I graduated I worked at Deutsche Bank and then moved onto JP Morgan as a Senior Analyst. Modelling has always been a part-time job but as it got busier, I eventually had to leave and pursue my Media career full time.
6. How does it feel to be one of the most attractive Asian women in the world?
It is so flattering and I am honoured to be seen as one of the most attractive Asian women in the world. It is humbling and I feel blessed for what God has given me. I have a strong family who support me and keep my grounded. It does overwhelm me sometimes with the amount of support people have shown me. I get a lot of emails and messages from young girls who tell me they look up to me. I try to remember that in every assignment I do.
7. What do you enjoy more, fashion shows or photo shoots?
Fashion shows are great fun because of the banter back stage. I have walked the ramp for many top fashion shows. My first catwalk experience was for Bibi Russell in London Fashion Week. Since then I have done Zee Carnival at London Olympia, Asian Bride Shows at Cafe Royal and opened the Asiana Bridal Show at the RiverBank Plaza.
Photo Shoots are more relaxed and I am pampered. My tea is brought to me, we have more time on hair and make-up and everyone has a laugh!
8. Who are you favourite stylists/photographers/makeup artists?
It would be unfair to pick as I have been fortunate to work with many talented people. No two photographers or Make-up artists are the same. I am friends with many of them so picking one would get me into a lot of trouble.
9. Who is your role model and why?
In terms of Modelling Cindy Crawford is amazing and she still looks great at 40. She is also a clever business woman and has used her fame in projects that are important to her. She’s an inspiration. Personally however, Queen Rania is someone I am in awe of. She is beautiful, compassionate and an unbelievable philanthropist. I would like to dedicate more of my time to charity work. I think it is important to use your fame and status for a good cause. I will definitely get involved with more charity projects.
10. What are some upcoming projects?
I am the face of a clothing company called Desi Rags (www.desirags.co.uk). They produce top quality T-shirts aimed at the young British Asian Market. I have shot two major campaigns for them. They are planning to distribute globally and I look forward to shooting more campaigns for them.
I am also resuming filming for my TV show. After the huge response from the first two series, my production team are working very hard to keep my show fresh.
I am endorsing a new clothing catalogue called Cuckoo Fashion. They produce quality salwaar kameez, sarees and hijabs. The catalogue is seasonal and the first catalogue was released in January this year. I am also the face of Claim Today Solicitors, the same firm endorsed by Shah Rukh Khan. I have a contract with them to film new adverts until 2012.
One project I am very excited about is charity one raising money for orphaned children. I can’t talk too much about it but I’m meeting with my design team this week. Fingers crossed.
11. When do you feel your success catapulted?
I am such a workaholic that I rarely get a chance to sit back and reflect. I think making the Top 50 Most Beautiful Asian Women List in the Times of India this year was when it hit me. As the only UK Asian Model on the list alongside Bollywood beauties as Bipasha, Katrina and Aishwariya Rai was an eye opener. I can retire now. Hahahah.
12. What advice can you give to aspiring models?
My first piece of advice would be to get your family’s support. My dad was very reluctant to let me pursue Modelling as I was academically bright and it’s not a desirable career choice. I assured my family that I would continue my education and never do anything that would compromise my beliefs. I am very selective about the work I do. I approve the clothes first and don’t wear anything revealing.
Secondly, Modelling is a business so treat it like one. Do not work for free and get contracts in place before committing to a shoot. Check credentials of the clients booking you.
13. What is your background, Pakistani, Indian...?
I am a British Pakistani.
14. Where do you love to shop?
I love Topshop. You can always find something there.
15. What is your must-have (purses, shoes, makeup...)?
That’s obvious, shoes. I have over 400 heels and it’s a growing addiction. Shoes can make or break your outfit. When I was presenting my own show on TV, I got a lot of messages from girls asking where I got my shoes from.
16. Who is your favourite designer?
I like to keep on top of British designers, Stella McCartney is an inspirational designer and always designs girlie ensembles. Her pieces are timeless and work with almost everything in my wardrobe. Her daywear collections are reflective of my own personal style.
A personal favourite is designer Zuhair Murad. I actually messaged him after seeing his “Winter Rhapsody” collection for 2010 and he replied. He gets the embellishments on his dresses just perfect. His outfits are perfection. If I ever get invited to the Oscars, he is designing for me! InshAllah.
GULZAEB BEG ALI
Model & TV Presenter
