Kerala to Victoria’s Secret: Ravleen Breaks the Mould

From Kerala to the Victoria’s Secret runway, Ravleen Varghese never imagined modelling would become her calling. Her 2026 debut at the iconic fashion show, alongside Adriana Lima, Ming Xi, Kylie Jenner and Liu Wen, propelled her into the global spotlight.

Her journey began in 2019, when Gunita Stobe, co-founder of Anima Creative Agency, discovered her on Instagram. A Zoom call with Ravleen’s father followed, with one condition: she had to finish her studies.

In 2024, Ravleen made her runway debut at Prabal Gurung’s Spring/Summer 2025 show. In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle from New York, she reflects on her breakthrough, fashion’s evolving definition of beauty and her ambitions beyond the runway.

An accidental beginning

“The accidental part was how I got into modelling, but everything since has been intentional. It’s been six years of learning, making mistakes and finding my place in the industry. I’ve gone from stumbling into modelling to genuinely loving what I do.

I never dreamed of becoming a model. I was drawn to fashion’s creative side and studied design in Delhi at 17 and a half. At 18, my mother agency, Anima Creatives, scouted me on Instagram. What began as curiosity became career. Sometimes, the things you don’t plan for take you the furthest!

From the audience to the runway

Surreal is the closest word. I watched the show’s comeback in 2024 with friends in our New York model apartment. That evening, we saw the Empire State Building lit up pink. Two years later, I was walking the runway myself! Once I stepped onto the runway, the nerves disappeared. It was pure adrenaline, excitement and the thought, ‘Oh my God, this is actually happening!

Sharing the spotlight

I had to remind myself to act like I belonged there and not like I’d won a backstage meet-and-greet! Being surrounded by women whose careers I’ve admired was incredible. What stood out was their warmth and support. There was real camaraderie backstage.

Redefining beauty

As the first Indian curve model to walk the show, I was proud to be part of this shift. Beauty has long been presented through a narrow lens, but that is beginning to change.

Women shouldn’t have to fit one mould to feel beautiful. Seeing different bodies celebrated, without one being treated as the exception, is powerful.

Indian, beyond labels

We’re getting there, but we haven’t arrived yet. It’s exciting to see Indian models considered for opportunities that weren’t always accessible. I have immense respect for my peers paving the way. True inclusivity means ethnicity isn’t the only thing defining our opportunities. I’m proud to be Indian and from the south, but I want to be seen as a model who happens to be Indian, not one limited by that identity.

Confident and dessert-ready

The preparation was intense, but I kept my routine balanced with strength training, running, good food and rest. I didn’t want to change my body drastically for one show; I wanted to feel strong and confident. And yes, there was room for fudge! I believe in working hard and enjoying the little things. Life’s too short to say no to dessert!

After the spotlight

I was still processing. I wanted to call my closest people, relive the moments and take it all in. And, of course, get out of my heels and eat something delicious!

Beyond the runway

Hopefully, somewhere I haven’t imagined yet! My journey has taught me that life can surprise you. With my fashion design background, I’d love to explore creative direction, branding and storytelling alongside modelling. For now, I’m enjoying the journey, appreciating how far I’ve come and staying curious about what’s next. Knowing me, I’ll probably already be plotting my next big thing!

Highlight: With my fashion design background, I'd love to explore creative direction, branding and storytelling