IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Ipsita Kaul chats with three fashion models setting the international runways ablaze, sans compromise

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Notoriously known as a world that prizes aesthetics and exclusivity, the global fashion industry has, of late, been witness to a new narrative. One facet of which trickles down to models not just being seen, but also understood. No more 'just' a pretty face. And in this shifting landscape, Indian models are quietly redefining what it means to succeed beyond the runway. In fact, their ascent is not just a story of crossing borders or breaking into prestigious shows; it's about recalibrating the very framework of what is valued in fashion. ELLE talks to Naman Narnolia, Nayonikaa Shetty and Bhavitha Mandava, three figures whose stories transcend the traditional measures of success in the modelling world.''

FASHION'S BLUE-EYED BOY

Narnolia's career began with a moment that many would consider the ultimate dream. He made his debut at the Hermès Fall/Winter 2022 show at the age of 21. "Honestly, even now when I say it out loud, it feels like a fairytale," he says, recalling the surreal experience of walking for one of the most iconic names in luxury fashion. Born and bred in India, a scroll through the Instagram requests folder changed his life completely. "I was studying to become an engineer, and there comes a DM from a man in Croatia, asking how tall I was," he recalls, calling it a strange experience at the time. Little did he know that it would lead to a Zoom call, immediate visa approval, and a flight to Paris, all within less than a week! Since that life-changing debut, Narnolia has gone on to walk for some of the world's most renowned brands.