ON DUTY CITIZEN
SHIVANI PERSAD
1) What are a few things you do to stay environmentally friendly?
There are so many little things that we can all do that add up! I try to always take the lights off, take shorter showers, ALWAYS recycle and reduce garbage, take the subway and using a reusable water bottle (like my ODM/ODC one ;)).
2) Do you have any favorite sustainable or ethical clothing lines?
I worked with an amazing designer in India called Anita Dongre. She makes ethical fashion and her stuff is amazing. I also worked with a sustainable brand in London called People Tree, they’re really making waves in this area and their clothing is beautiful. Personally I always try to buy used/pre-loved stuff as much as possible. Any designer stuff I own is always consignment, like my Stella McCartney bag. I also love popular brands like Everlane and Reformation for good ol’ simple, ethical fashion.
3) What are some of your favorite organic beauty products?
Tata Harper makes some great products, the regenerating cleanser is so soothing! I love skincare and Shea Moisture is also a fave, they have a great exfoliating face scrub and their hair products (masks, shampoo etc) are all effective and smell scrumptious! In terms of makeup, I love Bite Beauty (it’s Canadian!) and organic, and their colour range is great for women of colour, the colour payoff is pretty stellar too.
4) On a day off, you’re heading to your favorite coffee shop. What are you wearing?
I’m at a coffee shop right now so I’ll tell you what I’m wearing! Haha – I’m wearing workout tights, espadrilles, a sports bra and a sweater. I like to be comfy and get some work done!
5) Tell me about something you’re doing simultaneously with modeling that motivates you. Another job? A project? Volunteering? A hobby?
Right now my biggest project is my podcast (www.soundcloud.com/morethanmodelradio). It motivates me so much because I get so inspired by every model that I interview, they’re all doing such amazing things and it really makes me want to push myself to do more. I’m also working on a research project for models of colour that I hope to get off the ground soon. I always have little projects in the works, but sometimes with our crazy schedules it’s hard get them finally up and running. Hopefully you’ll see some more stuff happening soon! -I'm OBSESSED with your podcast! It motivates me to to bigger, better things and think so many people can benefit from listening to it, whether they're in the fashion industry or not. Keep it up!!
6) In addition to modeling, what else may you be doing in your future, say 5 years from now?
Five years from now I’d really like to be more of a personality and activist in the fashion space. I have so many ideas for books, media and other tools of education for people inside and outside of our industry – I just need the time and resources to bring my projects to life! I look at women like Cameron Russell or Mari Malek, that’s where I’d like to be in 5 years, doing the kind of work that they do. -Amen! Can't wait for what else you plan to do Shivani!
