Is diversity just a trend or is the modelling world seriously committed to showcasing a real spectrum of colours and faces? Three Indian models talk to Parizaad Khan Sethi about their experiences with colourism
The global fashion industry has been a whitewashed space for too long—especially where models are concerned. But over the last few years, fashion morphed from a rarefied universe into a spectator sport with VIP access for everyone via social media. This soon led to call-outs on the lack of diversity and questions like ‘Where are models that look like me?’ It was time to update the proverbial cover girl. And in this brave new world, models of colour have begun breaking barriers: In 2018, Winnie Harlow stepped on to the Victoria’s Secret runway and became the first VS angel with vitiligo. In 2017, Halima Aden became the first hijabi model to not only make her New York Fashion Week debut on the Yeezy runway but also landed the cover of Vogue Arabia, British Vogue and Teen Vogue. In 2013, Neelam Gill became the first Indian model to walk for Burberry in the label’s 160-year history and went on to front their beauty campaign. Pooja Mor has a slideshow-worthy set of Vogue covers, while Bhumika Arora’s list of global runway appearances is quite literally a mile long. But is this change being felt in India? Three Indian models unpack the effect of colourism in the modelling industry and explain how the call for diversity is slowly changing the landscape.
LAKSHMI RANA
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Current affairs
Elif Shafak’s work abounds with references, memories and a deep love of Istanbul. She talks to AANCHAL MALHOTRA about the significance of home and those who shape our recollections of the past
A drop of nostalgia
A whiff of Chanel N°5 L'Eau acts as a memory portal for TARINI SOOD, reminding her of the constant tussle between who we are and who we hope to become
Wild thing's
Zebras hold emerald-cut diamonds, panthers morph into ring-bracelets that move and a turtle escapes to become a brooch -Cartier's high jewellery collection Nature Sauvage is a playground of the animal kingdom.
Preity please
Two surprise red-carpet appearances and a movie announcement have everyone obsessing over Preity Zinta. The star behind the aughties’ biggest hits talks film wardrobe favourites, social media and keeping it real.
Honeymoon travels
Destination locked, visas acquired, bookings madewhat could stand between a newly-wed couple and pure, unadulterated conjugal bliss in some distant, romantic land? A lot, finds JYOTI KUMARI. Styled by LONGHCHENTI HANSO LONGCHAR
La La Land
They complete each other’s sentences, make music together and get lost on the streets of Paris—this is the love story of Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth.
A SHORE THING
Annalea Barreto and Mavrick Cardoz eschewed the big fat Goan wedding for a DIY, intimate, seaside affair that was true to their individual selves.
7 pheras around the buffet
Celebrating the only real love affair each wedding season: me and a feast.
Saving AI do
From getting ChatGPT to plan your wedding itinerary to designing your moodboard on Midjourneytech is officially third-wheeling the big fat Indian wedding
Love bomb me, please
Between breadcrumbing, cushioning and situationships, the language of romance seems to be lost in translation. SAACHI GUPTA asks, where has the passion gone?