Indian Models Are Dominating Global Runways Like Never Before
- Nandini Gulati
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
As fashion becomes more inclusive, Indian models are increasingly taking centre stage on global runways. Recently, Bhavitha Mandava made history as the first Indian House Ambassador and opened the Chanel Métiers d’Art show—a big milestone. Similarly, Avanti Nagrath walked for Etro F/W 2025, further reinforcing this shift.
Moments like these have started important conversations about South Asian representation on a global level. Their presence no longer feels like just a formality, but more thoughtful and intentional—especially as the demand for luxury continues to grow in the South Asian market.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Stalwarts like Pooja Mor, Neelam Gill and Bhumika Arora have been instrumental in bringing this shift and paving the way for today's generation. Mor's debut as a woman of colour for the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2016 Show in 2015 was the moment it all began. At the age of 18, Gill became the first Indian model to feature in a Burberry campaign for London Fashion Week. She made headlines again as she became the first British-Indian model to walk the ramp for the Victoria's Secret show in 2025. Today, Indian models are not just participating—they are dominating fashion weeks across Paris, Milan, London, and New York. Names like Avanti Nagrath, Dipti Sharma, Diya Prabhakar, and Neil Varel are now regulars on global runways, walking for houses such as Dior, Hermès, Fendi, and Michael Kors.
Sangeeta Bhatia, Founder & CEO of TOABH Talent Management, reminisces, "A decade ago, Indian models were rarely seen on major international runways or campaigns. Today, that narrative is slowly changing."
INDIA IN THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE
Amrita Masani, Founder and Director, Faze Management, shares, "Over the past decade, fashion has become far more global. As brands speak to audiences across different regions, there’s a growing awareness that campaigns should reflect a wider mix of faces. India is also emerging as an important luxury market, hence there is more attention around Indian representation."
Representation at such global platforms also makes an impact back home. For brands, this means that they are able to target a completely new audience. It also signals the direction in which luxury is headed. In India, luxury is no longer aspirational. With brands like Galeries Lafayette making an entrance, the space for luxury is just growing stronger. "For decades, the visual language of luxury was largely Eurocentric. The increasing presence of Indian models on global runways and campaigns is helping re-contextualise that narrative," Pankaj Arora, Director, Inega Model Management, adds. This signals that high fashion is truly global, and aspiration is not tied to geography. Arora further states, "Luxury today is moving toward a more inclusive visual language that reflects both cultural diversity and the realities of emerging markets like India."
WELCOMING INCLUSIVITY
Looking back to a time when Indian skintones were not appreciated as much, this feels different. Seeing women of colour on the runway, representing India, helps young girls back home feel seen, boosts confidence and gives the next generation a chance to dream big. There was a time when Indian skin tones and features were underrepresented, often sidelined in favour of a narrow beauty ideal. Today, that narrative is being rewritten.
As industry insiders point out, there is now “a sea of Indian faces with all shades of skin tones and features” visible on global platforms—something that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. Masani further elaborates, "A decade ago, Indian representation in global fashion was relatively limited. When Indian models appeared in campaigns or editorials, it was often positioned as a statement on diversity. Today, however, the shift feels more organic, and their presence has become a natural part of the global fashion landscape."
THE FUTURE
Even with all this progress, the journey is not without challenges. Limited access, visa issues, high travel costs, and the need for strong industry connections can still make it difficult for Indian models to grow internationally. There are also changing perceptions around South Asian beauty in some markets, which are slowly evolving. As Anita Masani points out, while the industry has become more inclusive, representation is still growing step by step. That said, the direction is clear—this presence is only going to increase in the coming years.
As the industry gradually opens up, the focus is now on preparing the next generation for global opportunities. Leading modelling agencies stress that success doesn’t happen overnight—it starts with building a strong foundation. Developing professionalism, understanding the craft, and creating a versatile portfolio are key first steps. International opportunities often come when a model already knows their identity and positioning.
Sangeeta Bhatia highlights the importance of confidence and discipline, encouraging models to treat modelling as a serious profession rather than just glamour. Staying consistent, taking care of one’s health, and being grounded in one’s identity can make a big difference in the long run. Pankaj Arora echoes a similar thought—today’s fashion industry is more open to diverse talent than ever before, but being prepared is crucial. Working with the right agencies, especially those with strong global networks, can help models find the right opportunities at the right time.
Overall, while challenges remain, the shift is undeniable. The industry is opening up, inclusivity is becoming a real focus, and brands and agencies are actively building more diverse talent. Indian models are not just entering the global stage anymore—they are steadily making their place on it.
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