However, friends and family insisted that she tried her hand at modeling and after her studies she signed with London model agencies. Sophia is represented by BMA model agency and Whittaker Enterprises Ltd in London as well as Catwalk model management in Leeds, England. Sophia’s modeling experience includes many fashion shows, including bridal and lingerie and has also modeled in front of Prince Charles and The President of Pakistan.  She also models at fashion exhibitions in England and Europe, fashion showrooms and does photographic work for magazines, look books and commercial print advertising. Sophia has also participated as an extra in movies, commercials and music videos.

In her spare time, Sophia trains weekly to keep fit and takes part in a healthy diet. She also loves going to the movies and theatre, traveling and checking out the latest fashion trends on the high street. I had the opportunity to speak with her about her profession and her ambitions and dreams for the future.

Darius KADIVAR: Tell us about yourself and your background?

Sophia (Sepideh) Nooshin: Well, I was born in London but both my parents are Persian. As a young child and teenager I loved the performing arts, especially ballet and trained for many years to become a dancer. But destiny had other plans and at the age of 22 I signed with London model agencies and started a career in modeling. Sophia Nooshin

DK: It seems that the fashion of the Swinging 60’s have made a remarkable comeback in recent years. Why do you think so? Although not born at the time do you also feel a connection with that era?

SN: I think the sixties signified a time of change and challenge, women’s skirts got shorter, men’s hair got longer and everyone talked about love! people did what they wanted and nobody cared, it was a fun time for teenagers and I feel that people wished things could go back to the way the sixties were hence the comeback in fashion styles. Because many people tell me I have a sixties look sometimes I do feel like a sixties model!

DK: What is the typical working day for a model?

SN: The main areas of modeling are catwalk and editorial or press advertising photographic work. A typical working day for a catwalk model would be rehearsing the show schedule from morning to around midday, then there could be fittings with the designers for any final adjustments to the garment. During the actual show there is very little time allowed for models to change outfits and the atmosphere can be hectic. Photographic models work in a studio or on location. In photographic work models have to follow the photographers directions on pose, movement and facial expression. The work involves sitting, standing, moving and posing, while looking natural and relaxed. Photographic sessions can be lengthy, with periods of inactivity while the photographer adjusts the set and lighting.

DK: What ties have your kept with your Persian Roots?

SN: Well I celebrate the Persian New Year ‘Norooz’ with my family every year, giving presents and visiting friends. I also try and keep abreast with what’s happening in the world of music and film and try to see the latest film releases. For example, next month I am going to see the much talked about film ‘Persepolis’.

DK: In recent years particularly in Britain we have witnessed some outspoken critics made against slim models judged as anorexic. You definitively don’t look like a