Julia Datt is the newest model on the block with her svelte silhouette and smouldering gaze. The 23-year-old 5' 9'' tall gazelle has been modelling in Mumbai for a year now. A Melbourne native and the youngest in her family, Julia completed her education at Melbourne Girls Grammar School and then obtained a degree in International Business at university. Self-described 'independent, easygoing, silly, friendly and with a cheerful outlook,' Julia hails from one of the oldest Indian families in Melbourne. The model credits her cousin and established model Shonal Rawat 'for taking her under her wing.' Starting alone was difficult. 'You can't wait for the world to give you confidence so it's essential that you believe in yourself and find an agency who believes in you. It's been a learning curve because I was able to see who had faith in me as a model and was willing to give me a chance.' Scouted at the age of 12 while on holiday overseas with family she was 'ecstatic and from then on it was an obsession with modelling.'

Thankfully her parents were adamant she complete her education before entering the industry and she 'fulfilled their wish and it is because of this that I have complete freedom to pursue it.' Her big break arrived when designer Swapnil Shinde asked her to be his showstopper for the Finale at Goa Fashion Week. 'I was humbled and elated that he gave it to me! Walking that runway alone whilst wearing a amazing sparkling dress was one of the most uplifting experiences of life!' A forerunner of Kingfisher Calendar Hunt 2012, for Julia it was 'an amazing experience and a crash course in modelling.' Whilst being mentored by Milind Soman and Ujjwala Raut, Julia hung onto their every word of advice. 'We were working insane hours and there was a lot of laughing and horsing around in between shoots, and Ujjwala in particular was supportive.' Another career highlight was when designer James Fereira asked her to feature as a young Indira Gandhi for his look book for WIFW SS 2012. Since then there has been no looking back and Julia has worked with stalwarts of the industry.

Fashion is 'everything' for her and she has 'a random sense of style, which is dependent on mood. I can go from rock chick to girly in an instant.' Within India, she is a fan of Narendra Kumar, Swapnil Shinde, James Fereira, Valaya, Wendell Rodricks, Anupamaa, Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi. Overseas, she loves Chloe, Lacroix, Vera Wang, Stella McCartney and I love my Aussie brands as well: Zimmermann, Colette Dinnigan, Nicola Finetti, Rachel Gilbert and One Teaspoon. She considers it wonderful to see India establish and maintain its place in the fashion landscape, with designers presenting a mix of Indian wear as well as their interpretations of Western garb. 'I really encourage and support new designers as they think outside the box! I love the ingenuity of Quirkbox creations. Very cute stuff which I love wearing!'

Thanks to a burgeoning workload, her love is her work! 'I have been in love with him all my life.' What is her future plans? 'I plan on continuing modelling and eventually get into films as I am a trained actress and have been doing so since the age of five.'

— FARAH PALIA FOR EXPLOSIVE FASHION