Indian Models Talk About Their Experiences With Colourism
VOGUE India|May 2019

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

Shahnaz Siganporia
Indian Models Talk 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 May 2019 edition of VOGUE India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2019 edition of VOGUE India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM VOGUE INDIAView All
The Real Deal
VOGUE India

The Real Deal

Triptii Dimri's unfiltered spirit shines through as she races ahead on her journey to the field of stars.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March - April 2024
Mrs.Prada
VOGUE India

Mrs.Prada

Almost everyone refers to Miuccia Prada in the most formal of ways, but she herself has never been one to stand on ceremony. WENDELL STEAVENSON meets a designer who has built an empire in her own image: iconic, iconoclastic and  enormously influential.

time-read
6 mins  |
March - April 2024
Happily ever laughter
VOGUE India

Happily ever laughter

South Asians have long clamoured for a seat at the comedy table. Now, Vidura BR, Sabeen Sadiq, Hari Kondabolu and Abby Govindan are in on all the jokes

time-read
7 mins  |
March - April 2024
Anchors aweigh
VOGUE India

Anchors aweigh

Having moved houses almost every year of her life, KALYANI ADHAV's experiences are proof that home is not a place, it's a feeling

time-read
3 mins  |
March - April 2024
Console sisters
VOGUE India

Console sisters

India's female gamers are rewriting the age-old narrative that views women as objects of desire or damsels in need of saving.

time-read
4 mins  |
March - April 2024
Soft serve
VOGUE India

Soft serve

His untimely disappearance from the big screen nine years ago may have caused serious heartburn, but Imran Khan is ready to pick up where he left off-with a few upgrades.

time-read
6 mins  |
March - April 2024
The end of olitter?
VOGUE India

The end of olitter?

Or are we just at the beginning—of a new era of microplastic-free, perfectly-healthy-to-eat sparkle. TAMAR ADLER reports on glitz to feel good about

time-read
5 mins  |
March - April 2024
Smooth operator
VOGUE India

Smooth operator

Can retinol pack the wrinkle-reducing power without the irritation? Chloe Malle test-drives a new generation of kinder formulas rebooting the superstar skincare ingredient

time-read
4 mins  |
March - April 2024
The great gamble
VOGUE India

The great gamble

At the Gucci Ancora showcase in Singapore, Vogue India got within a hair’s breadth of Sabato De Sarno’s debut collection. ROCHELLE PINTO reports on the new direction

time-read
2 mins  |
March - April 2024
Blue jean baby
VOGUE India

Blue jean baby

LEE X Suneet Varma's collaboration featuring Sara Ali Khan merges classic denim with Indian couture.

time-read
2 mins  |
March - April 2024