THE ACCIDENTAL, Supermodel

Fashion was not always a part of Madhulika Sharma's world. "Growing up, style felt distant. I was more into music and literature, inspired by how rockstar Kurt Cobain and author Joan Didion dressed. Only after I started modelling did I learn more about fashion history and trends," she says.

- Joan Didion

Sharma is now a regular on international runways and a designer favourite. Her 2024 highlights include starring in the Khy campaign shot by Kylie Jenner, gracing her third Times Square billboard, and appearing on a Sunset Boulevard billboard for a David Yurman jewellery campaign. "It all still feels surreal," the 25-year-old says.

Born in Assam and raised in Arunachal Pradesh, modelling happened to Sharma by chance. "I was in college in Delhi when my friend was applying to design school and wanted to shoot a few portraits of me. He posted those online, and I ended up being scouted on Instagram. The next thing I knew, I shot my first few covers in India and racked up a roster of big designer labels." Sharma debuted in Anju Modi's 'Bajirao Mastani' collection shoot, and in the next three years, she went on to star in the campaigns of Tarun Tahilliani and Anita Dongre, several magazine covers, and campaigns for international brands, like Shop.

Amidst her jet-setting lifestyle, Sharma finds joy in culture.

"I love going to a museum or the theatres in New York City.