A Positive Step towards a Diverse Industry

It is a correct step in the right direction to witness a multicultural industry and encouraging for aspiring Indian models who wish to enter the high fashion or commercial niche. The more diverse range of models witnessed on the catwalk or fronting campaigns will inspire and influence decisions of models from Mumbai, Mangalore, Delhi and Bangalore.

Bollywood has certainly celebrated Indian beauty putting actresses such as Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra and Dayana Erappa in the spotlight. It is a great way for young Bollywood actresses to also secure modelling gigs and Hollywood roles. Priyanka Chopra’s ticket into the film industry was from winning a beauty pageant becoming Miss World in 2000.

Neelam Gill Shares Her Story

Neelam Gill talks about her experiences of working in the fashion industry and her opinion of how the profession is evolving. Modelling for the Burberry campaign launched her career and allowed for her to feel accepted in the fashion world.

Unfortunately, previously Neelam has been a victim to racism online and at castings yet overall her experience of the industry has been positive. She explains how one bad comment or remark can outweigh all the lovely comments especially when aimed at her race, which should not be brought into the equation.

Be Aware of Social Media

It is a problem that social media brings where individuals believe that they have the right to state their opinion via a tweet yet it is hurtful and unnecessary the majority of the time. Social media can create blurred relationships where individuals feel as though they know the person due to a series of images and have a right to comment. However, in reality they are strangers.

Neelam describes: “The comments I’ve received have been 90 per cent good, but one bad remark can ruin your day. I don’t care if people call me ugly but when it is about your skin colour that is unacceptable. I can’t believe some messages aren’t taken down from news sites.”

Indian Models to Follow on Instagram

Of course, hit follow on Neelam Gill’s profile – like right now! – but let’s take a look at other top models Instagram accounts that have caught our attention. The hottest Indian models who have us scrolling through their grid daily.

Pooja Moor

A series of effortless pictures from model shoots to friends faces.She also likes to throw in an inspirational quote now and again.

Bhumika Arora

An Indian fashion model who has graced the cover of ELLE, Grazia and Harpers Bazaar. She is very proud of her culture and will never go topless or wear sheer clothing on the runway. Hoping to inspire other Indian girls with her presence in the industry, she has noticed a dramatic change in diversity she started.

Diva Dhawan

A mix of holiday adventures, fitness inspiration and modelling shoots, this beauties Instagram account is certainly one to follow. She hit fame with the Garnier ad and has worked in the industry ever since.

Angela Jonsson

She got her big break after she won the Kingfisher Calendar Model Hunt in 2011. Since, Angela Jonsson she has appeared on the cover of Vogue India, Elle Magazine and Darling Magazine.

Ashika Pratt

Her flawless selfies, enviable beach shots and workouts make Ashika Pratt one to watch.

Rasika Navare

Rasika Navare stepped into the international spotlight with her campaign for Smashbox Worldwide Cosmetics, which was a huge success and led to many more roles with top brands. She lives in New York yet travels the world with her modelling career.

Nidhi Sunil

You won’t want to miss a new upload on Nidhi Sunil’s stunning account. You’ll find a mix of her modelling work, incredible yoga moves and travels.

Ujjwala Raut

She has been given the title of India’s most successful overseas model with her work CV that includes the likes of Yves St Laurent, Gucci and Valentino; to name a few. Ujjwala Raut has certainly earned her title by working with a long list of top designers.

Merrilyn Boro

Her huge following is for a reason. Merrilyn Boro’s Instagram account is stylish, chic and unique. She is definitely ruling the Insta world now as one of the hottest Indian models of the moment.

Erika Packard

Spotted whilst shopping for groceries in a Bandra market with her mother, Erika Packard’s initial reaction was a definite no to the thought of a modelling career. Lucky for us she changed her mind as her images are just incredible and she became one of the hottest models from India. She comes from a family with a background in the spotlight as her father was Bollywood’s favourite white rogue in the 90s.

Padma Lakshmi

Author, actress, model, television host and executive producer – is there anything Padma Lakshmi can’t do.

She Is the First Indian Face of Burberry

That being said Neelam admits that the fashion industry is significantly improving and is proud of her achievements to date, which include walking in a Burberry fashion show and featuring in the campaign that was shot by Mario Testino; successfully becoming the first Indian face of Burberry!

Both Neelam and Burberry are proud of this fact and hope to inspire Indian women. It will encourage other designers to hire a beautiful Indian model to front their brand and walk in their fashion show. Young girls need to witness models that they identify with giving confidence and self assurance.

Since, due to the power of Christopher Bailey, her career has spiralled with her landing various opportunities, which include walking in Kanye West’s Adidas show, featuring in British Vogue and appeared on the cover of Elle India. The modelling world in now her oyster as well as other Indian beauties who wish to strive to become a successful model.

Tokenism Has To Stop

Unfortunately, a lot of brands use models to cover their backs. The beauty speaks of her frustration with the industry. She feels the ratio of non-white girls to white girls is low. However, she openly acknowledges that the fashion world is adapting to change yet challenges the industry to expand their open-mindedness further to avoid being labelled as a token gesture. Her break into the industry does show that Indian women are hired to model fashion. The more that hopefuls try the more opportunities will arise!

Neelam shares her thoughts on the industry: “The industry is improving – but there is a long way to go. There needs to be a major change in model casting. A lot of shows cast non-white models as a token thing. I have never seen a show with more than one black, Asian or Indian girl, which is frustrating.”

“If Christopher Bailey hadn’t believed in me I don’t think I’d be where I am now. It takes someone with his power to make mainstream fashion accept you. I don’t even think I would be cast in India.”

Advice for Young Models

The face of L’Oreal Paris encourages for models to be true to themselves. Never allow yourself to feel insecure if you’re the only woman of colour in the room. Being different is what makes you beautiful.

Be proud of the colour of your skin. Allow for role models like Neelam Gill to inspire you to follow your dreams despite discriminations. The aim is for a diverse industry without token gestures; a reality that can only come to fruition with confident individuals who are ready to change the fashion landscape.

The Lowdown

• The fashion industry is welcoming diversity with more female models of Indian descent gracing the runway.
• Neelam Gill launched her fashion career by featuring in a Burberry campaign shot by Mario Testino.
• Young aspiring talent will feel inspired by witnessing international models that they can identify with.
• There remains a long journey ahead for the industry to become fully diverse.
• Neelam hopes that more non-white models are cast to avoid becoming a token gesture.
• Young women need to be true to themselves and proud of the colour of their skin.

The post Indian Models Place in the Industry appeared first on UK Models.

With successful asian models shaping the fashion landscape the modelling world is welcoming diversity. Let’s take a journey and explore how the asian market began and has developed. 

The First Asian Model

Photo Credit: nymag.com

Surprisingly, back in 1956 China Machado became the first non-white model in the beautiful world of couture. Her debut role was as a fitting model for Givenchy in Paris after being spotted at a cocktail party. An encounter she describes as ‘It just happened to me.’ Two years later she graced the runway for the likes of Valentino, Dior and Pierre Cardin. 

Fashion photographer Richard Avedon, spotted China at a Givenchy runway show in New York where she opened the show on a ladder in hot pink, bat-wing pyjamas. Struck by her high cheek bones he believed for her to be ‘probably the most beautiful woman in the world.’ 

In awe of her striking, exotic look, Avedon captured photographs in his studio about three days later, which were published in the February 1959 edition of Harper’s Bazaar; iconic, modern pictures that remain relevant today establishing himself as a photographer who had a strong vision far removed from the 50s conservative ideals. 

The beginning of many firsts for Asian models! Runway and photography collided – an unusual concept for fashion modelling of this era. 

Breaking The Race Barrier

Photo Credit: www.bbook.com

Prior to the feature, fashion magazines did not showcase Asian models. Breaking the race barrier began at a time where the world was changing especially in the indulgence and extravagance of 1960’s Paris. 

Initially, the Hearst corporation refused to accept China (pronounced Chee-na) until Avedon threatened to resign if the images were not published. Robert F. MacLeod, the magazine’s publisher in the late fifties declared. ‘Listen, we can’t publish these pictures. The girl is not white.’ A tale only revealed to China 20 years later. He tried to protect her from the narrow minded views of the time becoming a great, lifelong friend. 

An iconic moment in modelling history that allowed for the fashion industry to diversify slightly from their perception of the ‘norm.’ China was discriminated against with Southern buyers refusing to buy the dresses she modelled and to be told she would never make a lot of money due to her ethnicity. After 6 years as a model, she accepted a job as fashion editor at Bazaar after becoming tired of the fickle nature; another impressive accomplishment for her era. 

A Tale of Firsts

A tale of debuts as Asian models carve their place in the fashion industry. It is encouraging to witness a diverse industry that continues to accept a variety of ethnicities and cultures. As new and established Asian models navigate the modelling world it is only natural for a list of firsts to build and continue to grow each year. Being the first to model for Victoria’s Secret, Louis Vuitton, Burberry or Marc Jacobs is a stamp on fashion history; an impressive achievement that speaks volumes. 

Asian Model Agencies

You can even expect to find specialist Asian modelling agencies to help you make a successful career as a model. With the market growing considerably the need for specialist modelling agencies is much greater than ever before. 

Also, mainstream model agencies will accept Asian models onto their books creating a diverse organisation that caters for a wide range of talent. It is important for agencies to reflect the direction of the industry staying one step ahead. A successful establishment will only prosper if they continually scout potential that brings a new edge to the industry. Research into model agencies available to you to decide, which suits your needs and requirements. 

The Type of Work Available

There is a wide variety of work available for aspiring models and you could find yourself on the catwalk, promoting products and services at a conference or event, or gracing the pages of high fashion magazines and catalogues. You might even be keen to model for TV or internet work; the opportunities are endless. 

With the fashion landscape accepting Caucasian models their is considerably more work available than ever before. Only just this year have we witnessed a change in the Victoria’s Secret line up with four of the runway cast being of Asian decent. 2009 saw Liu Wen gracing the Victora’s Secret runway however, the 2016 catwalk welcomes three more Chinese models – Xi Mengyao, Sui He and Ju Xiaowen. A seven year itch has caused a huge change in the diversity of the annual show. A lot of modelling jobs available will be for American, French and English audiences. 

Successful Asian Models

Over the last decade or two, Asian models have become very present in the fashion world securing roles with top designers and elite magazines. Striking looks, extraordinary talent and a charm appeal that delivers incredible, mesmerising pictures is a success story that adds diversity to high fashion. With so many literally changing the face of fashion, we’ve chosen just 6 successful Asian models. 

Liu Wen

Photo Credit: www.fashiononrock.com

Meet another lady of firsts! Proudly becoming the first model of East Asian descent to grace the Victoria’s Secret runway, to become a spokesmodel for Estee Lauder and to make Forbes magazine’s annual highest-paid models list she has made history time and time again. All of this with an impressive caliber of brands to her name, Liu Wen is an incredibly successful supermodel. Her repertoire includes Roberto Cavalli, Alexander Wang and Jean Paul Gaultier. 

Neelam Gill

Photo Credit: www.metro.co.uk

Last year, Ms Gill featured in the Burberry Prorsum campaign making history for being the first female Indian model to appear in the British brand’s ads. In fact, Neelam’s model debut was for Burberry at London Fashion Week where she modelled exclusively for the brand. Since, she has worked for Abercrombie & Fitch, Vogue, Dior and Kayne West. 

Tao Okamoto

Photo Credit: i.d-vice.com

As both a successful actress and model, Tao has landed contracts with the likes of Ralph Lauren and as Mariko Yashida in The Wolverine. She returned to the film screens in 2016 to star in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Tao is no stranger to the catwalk gracing the runway for Alexander Wang, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Yves Saint Laurent. 2009 witnessed Tao becoming an icon with her bowl haircut that inspired Phillip Lim’s locks for the entire show. Since, she has fronted numerous campaigns with elite designers and international editorials. 

Soo Joo Park

Photo Credit: www.fashionweekdaily.com

Soo Joo Park has taken centre stage in the fashion industry over the last 5 years, dominating the catwalk and the magazine stand. ELLE, W Magazine and Vogue are just a few who welcomed her unique blonde hair with open arms. Hoping to recognised as just a ‘model’ rather than an ‘Asian model’ she has refused to conform to stereotypes with her striking bleached locks. Her attempt to form her own identity has certainly worked becoming a favourite amongst the top designer names. 

Xiao Wen Ju

Photo Credit: models.com

First noticed on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar China May 2010, Ju made her debut in New York City at the Fall Honor show. The following year she graced the catwalk for the likes of Phillip Lim, Calvin Klein Jeans, Louis Vuitton and Prada. Her Marc Jacobs ad marked a first for the brand allowing for Xiao Wen Ju to be the only model of Chinese descent to feature in the designers campaign catalogue. February of last year revealed Ju’s latest achievement – the new face of L’Oreal Paris. 

Godfrey Gao

Photo Credit: Godfrey Gao Instagram

Recognised as the first Asian male to model for Louis Vuitton back in 2012, Godfrey Gao’s career has gone from strength to strength. With his charming good looks, chiseled jaw and staggering 6’4” height he is perfect supermodel material. Appearing on many magazine covers such as GQ China. His acting career has also taken off securing roles in both television and film. 

Breaking Stereotypes

It is clear that models of Asian descent are breaking boundaries and creating a place for themselves in the fashion industry. With many of the models listed above creating firsts demonstrates how designers, magazines and photographers are accepting of a diverse industry. The ultimate goal is for the success to continue and not become a fad or trend. 

However, despite the success there are still many stereotypes that need to be dissolved especially in such a contemporary, forward thinking era. Liu Wen explains:

[ctt template=”3″ link=”d417p” via=”yes” ]“I hope that when people see Asian women, they realise we are all different.” @UKModelslondon[/ctt]

“A lot of the time with Caucasian people, they just group us together as Asian. We look Asian, but we still look different. We don’t look the same.”

Essentially, it is about being educated and knowledgeable about cultures to enforce a change. Liu delves deeper describing how in China people see beauty as an aura and a sense of presentation rather than looks. It’s about confidence from within that shows an individuals beauty rather than just their aesthetic. 

How to Become An Asian Model

It is important to understand that whatever your ethnicity, there are common issues to address when it comes to finding regular work as a model in the UK. It is no easy feat with a lot of competition and hard work to undertake to become a success. 

The following top 5 tips should help you get started.

    1. Understand the industry.

Look through the press, on the internet and at fashion and beauty events for cues on the kind of work Asian models are already doing. Identify models you admire and find out more about them and the brands they represent as well as the photographers they work with.

     2. Find a reputable agent.

UK Models can advise you on the best modelling agencies for you to increase your chances of securing work. They can also help answer your questions about the industry and give you a good idea of what an agency will expect of you.

    3. Take care of yourself.

You are your most important asset as a model so it is vital that you take care of your health and wellbeing. Whatever kind of work you hope to do, make sure you eat well and get regular exercise. Keep your skin, hair and body in top condition, both male and female models should be well groomed at all times. Taking care of yourself will make a god impression at modelling jobs.

    4. Build your model portfolio.

Great photos act as a modelling business card and are crucial to securing representation with agencies and future work. Make sure you have a selection of good quality full length photographs and head shots at the ready. You should aim for a natural look with minimal make up and wear simple clothes that enable an agent to see your shape.

    5. Perform well at castings.

Model agencies will often want to audition new models by holding a casting at their offices or at a photographic studio. Whilst agents are interested in how you look, they will also take your personality into consideration. In addition to being confident and friendly you will also need to demonstrate that you can take direction. Castings can take a long time and you may be kept waiting so be prepared.

If you think you have model potential then there’s no better time to get started. Whatever your heritage, your unique features hold the key to a great career so be proud of your ethnicity.

The post Asian Modelling Is Shaping a Diverse Industry appeared first on UK Models.

Prathamesh Maulingkar

The professional footballer has taken to modelling in his spare time building a successful second career for himself. His attitude to fitness and football has been a crucial factor in his instant success creating a refined six pack, bulging biceps, strong chest and toned, muscular thighs. His well groomed facial hair and locks enhance his charming good looks making him the perfect candidate for modelling.

Deepak Singh Chhikara

His piercing eyes, chiseled jawline, defined cheekbones and groomed to perfection facial hair ensures that he is signed to various modelling agencies around the world. Perfecting his facial expression and pose guarantees a successful career as he understands how to deliver a powerful, strong image using his beautiful eyes and full lips. To compliment his facial features his defined physique is sculpted to perfection for topless shots.

Nitin Chauhaan

Model and actor from New Delhi is enjoying a successful modelling career since winning reality TV show Dadagiri. His long tresses and overgrown beard adds to his modelling charm providing a unique appearance. Nitin has the ability to transform his look by tying his hair back rather than letting it fall loose. Again, his frame is very toned and defined, which has ignited his modelling career as he will also be chosen for topless shots. A well defined physique will fill out t-shirts and shirts making the design more appealing.

Lalit Choudhary

Gracing the catwalk, posing on the beach or against a tree and capturing a selfie for his Instagram is all in a days work for model, Lalit Choudary. His good looks, swept back locks and cared for facial hair translates well through the lens. His ability to pose effortlessly, his natural presence and great relationship with the camera works well for his modelling career, which is sure to be a continued success.

Vishal Raj

A self confessed ‘fitness freak’ allows for the professional male model to make a spectacular presence in each image shot. His powerful biceps and rippling torso is a credit to his knowledge of a nutritious diet and workout training. It will take dedication and commitment to maintain such a toned, muscular figure with a structured exercise regime and diet plan. Visual’s focus is evidently clear and the result has allowed for him to create excellent shots as a model.

Sujo Mathew

Meet another model who is dedicated to ensuring his shape is refined, toned and healthy to enhance his career. He claims to only ‘consume food with high protein and low carbohydrate content. I say no to sugar, oil and fat and that always keeps my body in shape.’ His beautiful smile, well groomed beard and bouncy locks add to his good looks and ability to work with the camera successfully.

The post Successful Indian Male Models appeared first on UK Models.

Ji Hye Park celebrated her global debut catwalk appearance back in 2012 for fashion designer Alexander Wang. Today she is recognised as one of the most hired models for this years Seoul Fashion Week and has graced the runway for the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Peter Som and Opening Ceremony. She has also fronted campaigns for brand giants Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein and Kate Spade. Her roles mark her successful career and the transition into international modelling.

Liu Wen has a few ‘firsts’ under her belt when becoming the face of beauty brand, Estee Lauder and walking in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Both occasions mark an iconic moment for the oriental culture resulting in Liu Wen becoming one of the most talked about models in the industry. Back in 2008, the Hunan born beauty modelled for both Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier in Paris marking her big break into the industry. Since her modelling catalogue boasts campaigns for Madewell, H&M and Rag & Bone and runway appearances for Stella McCartney, Givenchy and Kenzo. The Chinese model has successfully broken into the international modelling world and become an influential figure.

Sun Fei Fei was hired by both Nathan Jenden and Mulberry for London Fashion Week in 2009, which began her catwalk career. Later in the year, Karl Lagerfeld personally selected the Chinese model to walk in Chanel’s Paris-Shanghai fashion show. This year Sun has graced the runway for Marni, Salvatore Ferragamo, Balenciaga, Emilio Pucci, Jil Sander, Prada, Tom Ford and Lanvin. Her presence in a multitude of designer shows cements her success as an oriental model and how she challenges the previous perception of modelling.

Soo Joo Park demands attention with her peroxide blonde hair and eclectic personal style. Her choice of locks and clothing allows for her to stand out for her creativity and originality. She moved from Seoul to Los Angeles where she was spotted in a vintage store. She has become a favourite of Parisian fashion house Chanel, Jeremy Scoot and Moschino. Her quirky, innovative look will certainly continue to attract high profile designers and editorial magazines.

Xiao Wen Ju was introduced to the international fashion scene with Harper’s Bazaar China cover, which featured her amongst top Chinese models. Since she became the first Chinese model to be the face of Marc Jacobs and has walked the catwalk for Prada, Giambattista Valli, Chloe and Hermes. Her cute, beautiful features has captured the hearts of the fashion world and is embracing a high profile modelling career.

Sung Hee Kim uses her ballet training to aid her dramatic model poses, which demands attention from high profile fashion designers. She was the first Asian model to feature in a Miu Miu campaign  leading to opportunities to walk for Dior, Elie Saab, Burberry Prorsum and Maison Martin Margiela. Kim was scouted whilst shopping in Seoul due to her unique beauty.

Are you impressed with the selection of models with Asian roots?

Which do you prefer?

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