If there’s one thing we can all agree on is that life can be super unpredictable. Anything is quite possible and you never know where your next destination may be. That is precisely what happened with Nargis Suleymanova who didn’t know how her destiny was about to change. The gorgeous model from Baku moved to Pakistan after marriage and since then embraced the culture and the people, stating how the country is so very different from what the media projects and hopes the misconception about the country is eradicated completely, allowing people to embrace the country in all its majesty! Read more from our intriguing conversation. Read On:
SD: Share with us a little about your childhood- where did you grow up and any special memories?
Nargis: I was born and grew up in Baku. My parents are Georgian Azerbaijanis. I’m sure you are confused and thinking what does that even mean? There is actually a big population of Azerbaijanis living in Georgia and my family belongs to them. Thus, all my childhood memories are in Georgia as we went and stayed there all summer during the school holidays. But I wouldn’t say there is any special memory since I was a silent, disciplined kid who would just aim to focus on her studies.
SD: When did you first feel you wanted to become a model?
Nargis: I am 5’9 and always have been fit all my life, so naturally whenever someone was meeting me for the first time, the first sentence was: You should be a model with this height and physique, it’s God-gifted. Before I was not taking it seriously, only as a compliment, but then I realized I am destined to get into this field! This is how my modeling journey began.
SD: Did you go through any professional training?
Nargis: Not really. However, I’m following many modeling pages and channels in order to educate myself. I believe modeling needs more years of experience rather than training because only with time do you get to understand your best angles, best poses, and your own personal methods. Still, if I get any chance for professional training, I’d love to do that!
SD: How did you decide to move to Pakistan?
Nargis: After meeting my husband, I decided to move with him to Pakistan after marriage since he lives here. Pakistan was never in my future plans, and was an expected but pleasant surprise!
SD: How is modeling in Pakistan different from modeling in Azerbaijan?
Nargis: Modelling in Pakistan is very different from Azerbaijan in general. Either it’s the clothing style, as in Baku we wear only Western clothes, or the make-up looks are in contrast. In Baku, brands prefer bold makeup, especially on the eyes, and distinctive face contouring is done, with usually nude shades on the lips. While here in Pakistan, they ask for soft glam. It’s the natural, pinkish blush look most of the time. Even the poses should be feminine here which I’m not used to before, but I got used to it and it’s honestly so much fun trying new poses!
SD: What remains your favorite shoot to date?
Nargis: It’s definitely the one at Emaar seaside. I was wearing a saree for the first time in my life on that day! The speed of the wind was 51 km/hour, just imagine someone wearing a saree for the first time in the middle of the storm trying to walk on the sand, standing on the rocks, and posing. It was crazy, but definitely worth the photos! They came out majestically!
SD: How do you bring your own edge of style to your modeling?
Nargis: My personal fashion sense is based on the latest Western fashion trends. In Pakistan, the shoots are happening mostly for Eastern clothing. Therefore, it gave me the idea to combine Eastern and Western clothing styles in my future fashion brand to bring on a totally unique style of clothing. And I’m super excited about it!
SD: Would you ever consider doing movies or dramas in Pakistan?
Nargis: I was always a big fan of Bollywood movies from childhood. So if given a chance to take on something creative, I would love to! I mean life is so unpredictable, anything can happen. If someone had told me 5 years ago, I’ll be moving to Pakistan to work as a fashion model, I would have gone ‘Shut the front door.’
SD: What remains your favorite thing about Pakistan?
Nargis: Beyond any doubt, the people here. They are so kind, hospitable, and welcoming towards me. Always ready to help, asking about my liking of food. By the way, I can’t eat spicy food, so they always try to find alternatives for me, how cute is it? I really enjoy their company.
SD: What is the biggest misconception about this country you want to clear to the world?
Nargis: I love this question as I do want to talk about it! Across the globe, people think Pakistan is extremely dangerous due to unfortunate terrorism issues in the past. But there is nothing like that, it’s a safe and peaceful country with a beautiful population all around. I already recommended my family and friends to visit its extraordinarily beautiful nature in Hunza and Kashmir. I hope this misconception about Pakistan fades away soon.
IN A GLANCE
Believing in the beauty of my dreams.
Your favorite model?
Bella Hadid
A major fashion look that is timeless?
A little black dress.
The one thing that is a mood killer?
Not having coffee in the mornings
Three things you have with you all the time?
My phone, AirPods, and an iced coffee
Which season is the best style statement?
Spring and Fall time when it’s not too hot or cold. In Karachi, I’d say Winters
Morning Person or Late Nights Enthusiast
Morning person
Desi Wear or Western
Western
Deepest Fear
Losing my loved ones
Biggest Regret
I regret not having enough confidence in the past.
Most Prized Possession
My health, peace of mind, and my family
Biggest Strength
Creative thinking, organizational, and communication skills
Someone, you wish to meet?
Cleopatra, Coco Chanel, Princess Diana, Van Gogh, Charles Darwin, Mark Zuckerberg
Top 3 things on your bucket list
Go to a yoga retreat, take an art class in Italy, and walk the Red Carpet
The best thing about your work:
Open up to new experiences and learn different techniques
The worst thing about your work:
It’s a physically and mentally challenging profession, not easy as it looks from the outside
Your favorite brand?
Dior, Chanel, and Hermès
What people don’t know about you?
I’ve studied in the Czech Republic, and I’m an interior designer.