India’s growing presence in the global fashion scene has led to an influx of South Asian talent, who’re clearing pushing the envelope with global collaborations, and international runway appearances. Be it designers like Rahul Mishra, Falguni Shane Peacock, and Gaurav Gupta or names like Lakshmi Menon and Ananti Nagrath, the international fashion scene is peppered with Indian multi-hyphenates who’re leading the way, and changing stereotypes, and narratives — one global collaboration at a time.
Here are the top South Asian faces to keep an eye out on.
Avanti Nagrath
This Delhi girl’s claim to fame goes a long way back before her striking presence at the Paris Fashion Week 2024. From owning the ramp at the Ferragamo Spring/ Summer 2023 fashion show to being the first Indian model in history to walk for the luxury fashion house Versace, at Milan Fashion Week, Nagrath’s known for snagging some of the biggest collaborations — she’s also worked with Bottega Veneta, Swarovski and Alaïa — and turning everything she touches to gold.
As someone who’s equally sensational on the home shores, Nagrath’s quite an Indian designer’s darling and has walked for renowned names like Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar, Shivan and Naresh and the like.
Neelam Kaur Gill
Most recognised for being the first Indian model to be featured in a Burberry campaign — besides the time when international rumour mills were working overtime and linking her with Leonardo DiCaprio — Neelam Kaur Gill is a force to reckon with. Having walked one of the buzziest of fashion events last year—Dior SS23 in Mumbai—it doesn’t take much to ascertain that this British-Punjabi icon is the golden girl with a plan to take the fashion scene by storm. She’s graced the covers of pioneering magazines like Maire Claire, Elle, Vogue India and Harrods Magazine, and is a global voice for the Sikh community.
Madhulika Sharma
The Guwahati beauty had the world look up and take notice of her when Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand SKIM’s first IG drop from the campaign was her solo shot. There’s been no looking back ever since. Sharma has associated with designer Prabal Gurung, Anju Modi, Raw Mango, and beauty giant La Mer in the past.
Bhumika Arora
Touted as one of the leading faces in the international runway in 2024, Arora’s got an enviable portfolio of fashion designers — Stella McCartney, Fendi, Jean Paul Gautler, Balmain, Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs —under her kitty, in addition to naturally striking looks that make her a designer’s favourite for obvious reasons. So, when Vogue India labelled her as ‘The Model of the Year’, fashion insiders couldn’t agree more. The lissom Indian origin model has also walked on shows for Bottega Veneta, The Row and Palm Angels.
Shonali Singh
If you’ve been active on Instagram and well-updated with what’s happening on the fashion front, there’s no way you’d miss Shonali Singh’s enigmatic aura — clearly evidenced in her work for names like Sabyasachi, Hazoorilal Legacy Jewellers, Manish Malhotra, Calvin Klein, Good Earth and the like. Quite a bestseller even as a cover girl, Shonali’s been on the cover of Bazaar India and the editorials of Vogue Arabia and Elle UK.
India, a hot spot for global fashion
“Personally, I love and am truly inspired by the works of Avanti Nagrath, Neelam Gill, and Madhulika Sharma. Fashion trends and technology change rapidly. Staying versatile and continuously learning is crucial. The best shoots come from strong collaboration with like-minded designers, models, makeup artists, and stylists. I also believe India’s booming middle class, growing fashion awareness, and young, trendy population make it a hotspot for luxury fashion... Global brands are jumping in, customising their products for local tastes and using online platforms to connect with tech-savvy shoppers.” —— Sasha Jairam, Celebrity Photographer
Nidhi Sunil
The South Asian talent has got several big moments if one takes a closer look at her career. But, the highlights include making a splash at The Cannes Film Festival in 2021, besides having been the global ambassador of Loreal Paris, being awarded the Vogue India’s Model of the Year award in 2021, and having walked for one of India’s buzziest fashion events last year—Dior’s Gateway To India.
