The second coming of the Indian supermodel

The presence of Indian models on international runways can be traced back to the 1970s, when Dehradun-born Kirat Young met Yves Saint Laurent on a holiday in Paris and landed a modelling contract. She went on to walk for Chanel, Armani, Versace, and Valentino. Then came Anjali Mendes — Pierre Cardin’s muse, affectionately called An-jolie (“beautiful”) by the couturier — who became a cultural icon in Europe.

But these were rare exceptions. It took another two decades for a fresh wave to emerge, led by Ujjwala Raut, Padma Lakshmi, and Lakshmi Menon. While they built successful international careers, the industry still viewed Indian beauty as “too exotic” for the luxury runways of Europe and the US. The tide began to turn around 2015, when Pooja Mor, Bhumika Arora, Natasha Ramachandran, Smita Lasrado, Rasika Navare, and Monica Tomas broke into the global fashion circuit, laying the groundwork for India’s biggest runway moment yet.

A decade later, Bhavitha Mandava became the first Indian model to open Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show in New York, though she was not the only one making global headlines. This time around, the momentum has extended to men, as well.

Clearly, the days of token inclusivity are over. With casting directors now leaning towards deeper skin tones and faces like never before, this new generation of Indian models is opening shows, fronting global campaigns, and earning repeat bookings with the world’s biggest luxury houses. We bring you some of the freshest Indian faces leading this cultural resonance.

ARYA SHRINIWAS BENDKHALE

With regular appearances at major fashion weeks in Milan and Paris, she recently walked at Giorgio Armani’s SS27 Cruise show, further cementing her status as a runway regular for the brand.

HOMETOWN: GOREGAON, RAIGAD, MAHARASHTRA
CAMPAIGNS: JIL SANDER, GIORGIO ARMANI, BURBERRY, KENZO, DOLCE & GABBANA, EMPORIO ARMANI, DONDUP, CHOPARD, NANUSHKA, AND DIESEL
RAMP & INTERNATIONAL DEBUT: PARIS HAUTE COUTURE WEEK WITH CELIA KRITHARIOTI (2019)

Hailing from the small town of Goregaon in Maharashtra, this 25-year-old, who holds a degree in architecture, is one of the most visible Indian models on the international runway circuit today.

“My father is the reason I started modelling,” shares Arya Shriniwas Bendkhale. “Growing up I was very insecure about my height, complexion, and how skinny I was. People made fun of my appearance. But my father was my biggest fan and would always say, ‘These people are blind. You’re so beautiful that one day, you will be a model!’ He’d even make me do a ramp walk in our hallway!”Eventually, Arya pursued modelling while studying at the MM College Of Architecture in Pune, after which she won the Elite Model World competition in 2017 and represented India at the world final. And thus began her journey in fashion — starting with Celia Kritharioti at the 2019 Paris Haute Couture Week.

“I remember walking next to Natalia Vodianova! I was far more excited than nervous. I was living my dream!” she reminisces.

Back home, her family ensured she never lost touch with reality. Her great-grandfather was categorical that she completed her studies.

“I got the opportunity in the middle of my term in the second year of my B. Arch. One day, I was crying in college over my attendance and not being able to submit my projects on time, and the very next, I was in Paris, walking the ramp in beautiful couture dresses, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Gigi and Bella Hadid! I went for my viva after returning from my debut show and crying profusely while standing outside the exam room!”

But all of that has held her in good stead, to say the least. Ask her about one of the biggest challenges along the way, and she quips: “To find the right shade for my skin tone!”

“Sometimes, makeup artists would use the wrong shade on me, which would make me look either really dark or fair. I was just starting out and couldn’t say much back then. But eventually, I started carrying my own shades.” Well, as they say, wherever you go, carry your own sunshine — and your own makeup if you’re a model

SHUBHAM VAIDKAR

Seen walking Milan Fashion Week 2026, this civil engineering graduate has been a runway staple for Giorgio Armani since his 2024 debut with the Italian house.

HOMETOWN: JALGAON, MAHARASHTRA
RUNWAY: GIORGIO ARMANI, SHIVAN & NARRESH
CAMPAIGNS: SCHÖN!, VOGUE WEDDING
RAMP DEBUT: SHIVAN & NARRESH
INTERNATIONAL DEBUT: GIORGIO ARMANI

For Shubham Vaidkar, it started off as curiosity. While scrolling through content on social media, the 25-year-old found himself drawn to the world of fashion and modelling, which led him down the rabbit hole researching the industry.
“What made me take the leap was the realisation that I was more scared of living with regret than I was of failing,” he says.

After signing up with agencies in Milan and Paris, and going through the multiple cycles of show castings, callbacks, and fittings, he finally bagged his debut show — with Giorgio Armani at Milan Fashion Week — a day before the grand event.
“Armani isn’t just a brand — it’s history, it’s elegance, it’s a standard. Everything is extremely precise: the fittings, the grooming, the rehearsals, and the way you’re expected to carry yourself. It taught me discipline and also gave me the confidence that I truly belong there.”The biggest challenge for Shubham now is to prove himself constantly. As he explains, “It’s a competitive global space, so you have to stay consistent and professional at all times.”

At first, he struggled to adapt to the work culture, expectations, and the pace — like “getting used to quick backstage changes and language barriers.” “Sometimes, you rely on gestures and instinct to understand what’s going on!”
 Today, with a growing emphasis on diversity, the industry is becoming better for Indian models abroad. “Diversity is more valued now. The industry is evolving positively. Being Brown has helped me as there’s more appreciation for different looks today.”

Weighing in on whether the guidance models get in India is enough to make the big switch, he says, “You surely get a strong base in India, especially if your mother agency is experienced internationally. At the same time, there’s a lot of learning on the job, particularly abroad. The exposure, standards, and real experience teach you things you can’t fully learn anywhere else.”

AMAN SHAH

He made his international debut this year at MM6 Maison Margiela’s Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter 2026 shows. Recently, he also walked for TAAKK’s Spring/Summer 2027 show at Paris Men’s Fashion Week.

HOMETOWN: MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA
RUNWAY: MM6 MAISON MARGIELA, DIESEL, FILA, KARTIK RESEARCH, KIDSUPER, TAAKK, J.L-A.L, AND PEET DULLAERT
CAMPAIGNS: ZARA EDITION, H&M, AND BALDESSARINI
RAMP DEBUT: RKIVECITY
INTERNATIONAL DEBUT: MM6 MAISON MARGIELA

Aman Shah ventured into modelling to “earn some flexible passive income.” But he soon realised it was easier said than done.

“Back in September 2025, I was running from casting to casting, but nothing was sticking — no shows, no callbacks. The entire season was slipping away one rejection after another — till I got a callback from MM6. It was the only one I got that season!” the 23-year-old recalls. That one opportunity changed everything. Just a few months after he walked that show, he was back on the runway with the brand again.

“Walking an international show — especially at Paris or Milan Fashion Week — is every model’s dream. And there I was, about to live it for an incredible brand. I couldn’t sleep the night before the today than ever before.
Despite the challenges, his roots have only yielded positives so far.

“Many brands these days are actively looking to work with diverse faces, so my ethnicity has actually opened doors for me on several occasions.” But adjusting to that world can be a task.

“I had never really mastered the whole knife-and-fork thing. And I couldn’t speak a word of Italian,” he confesses, recalling the daily struggle even for mundane acts like ordering a pizza!

“The staff [at a restaurant] didn’t speak a word of English. So, after battling with ChatGPT, I finally managed to order [an authentic pizza in between castings]. And then they brought out one giant, whole, unsliced pizza. I literally pulled up YouTube tutorials on the spot and watched them carefully before I even touched the pizza!”
show!” he exclaims, highlighting that this dream-come-true story is what he wants to tell his grandchildren someday.
Although, an Indian model, it can get a tad lonely abroad, as well.

“I often find that I’m the only Indian in the room, and I have to constantly prove my worth. Models of other nationalities usually have the support of several peers from their countries around them, which makes everything feel a little easier. But since Indian models are still quite underrepresented, the journey can feel more isolating,” Aman admits, also noting that there are more Indian models overseas Today than ever before.

Despite the challenges, his roots have only yielded positives so far. “Many brands these days are actively looking to work with diverse faces, so my ethnicity has actually opened doors for me on several occasions.”

But adjusting to that world can be a task. “I had never really mastered the whole knife-and-fork thing. And I couldn’t speak a word of Italian,” he confesses, recalling the daily struggle even for mundane acts like ordering a pizza! “The staff [at a restaurant] didn’t speak a word of English. So, after battling with ChatGPT, I finally managed to order [an authentic pizza in between castings]. And then they brought out one giant, whole, unsliced pizza. I literally pulled up YouTube tutorials on the spot and watched them carefully before I even touched the pizza!”

NAKUL BHARDWAJ

The first Indian male model to walk for Versace, he debuted at their Spring/Summer 2025 show during Milan Fashion Week.

HOMETOWN: DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND
RUNWAY: VERSACE, LOUIS VUITTON, HERMÈS, BURBERRY, BOTTEGA VENETA, FERRAGAMO, LACOSTE, BOSS, MAISON MARGIELA, FILA, ISSEY MIYAKE, WILLY CHAVARIA, AND MORE
CAMPAIGNS: ZARA EDITION, H&M, AND BALDESSARINI
RAMP DEBUT: VERSACE SPRING/SUMMER 2025
INTERNATIONAL DEBUT: VERSACE SPRING/SUMMER 2025

One’s 21st birthday is a milestone in itself, though Nakul Bhardwaj received the best present he could have asked for.
“I was discovered in India on my 21st birthday… It was pure chance — just me casually following an agency on Instagram!” he shares. “In a matter of months, I went from grinding through night shifts in the corporate world to stepping into the life of an internationally placed model. I manifested this years ago but lost sight of it in the chase to become a stable earner.”

Soon after, he was on a flight to Milan, heading to a different kind of grind. Multiple casting and brand meetings later came the life-changing moment — “my first big call-back: from Versace!”

Nakul became the first Indian male model to walk for the Italian luxury fashion brand at their Spring/Summer ’25 showcase. It’s a day etched in his memory, having walked with supermodels like Gigi Hadid and Vittoria Ceretti.

“Backstage, there was a board with a lot of headshots. When I found myself on it, on my right was the face of Gigi Hadid — someone I had had a crush on for a long time — and on my left was Vittoria Ceretti. I later realised the board was showing the line-up when I saw the two of them walking towards me and taking their positions before and after me!”
Going against the norm, Nakul’s ethnicity has only acted as a catalyst for opportunities so far.

“I think being a model of colour and of a different ethnicity has more positives than negatives. As the industry also favours uniqueness, these factors set you apart from the crowd,” the 23-year-old claims.

While he’s glad the world is slowly but finally accepting South Asian faces, Nakul believes Indian models need structured training on how to build meaningful connections, the dos and don’ts at castings, carrying themselves professionally, and standing out in a highly competitive environment.

“Without that foundation, many are thrown into the deep end unprepared. Surface-level guidance simply isn’t enough, especially when you’re stepping into a global market with a massive cultural gap,” he highlights, adding that most agencies in India have little to no real understanding of how to prepare models for something the scale of an international fashion week.

BHOOMIKA YADAV

Last year, at 19, she became the youngest Indian to walk for Chanel, and she’s walked for the legacy French maison two more times since.

HOMETOWN: RAIPUR, CHHATTISGARH
RUNWAY: CHANEL, OFF WHITE, AND EMPORIO ARMANI
RAMP & INTERNATIONAL DEBUT: CHANEL, PARIS FASHION WEEK SPRING/SUMMER 2026

A simple girl from Raipur, Bhoomika Yadav had no links to the world of fashion and modelling. Although “always interested in fashion,” she had never planned on pursuing a career in this field. It all fell into place organically after she was noticed by an agent in Raipur.

“Everything accelerated, and I realised this is the world I truly belonged in!” the 20-year-old shares.
Agency placements found her opportunities in international markets like Paris and Milan. And from there, “it was a mix of castings, persistence, and being at the right place at the right time.”

Although walking for Chanel and being surrounded by top global talent felt surreal, Bhoomika claims everything felt natural the moment she stepped on the runway.

“It gave me confidence and made me realise I can compete at a global level.”

While there were small hiccups here and there like language barriers, food habits, or even how people communicate —

“I’ve had funny moments at castings where I didn’t understand they were calling my name because of accents!” — the biggest challenge was to adapt to it all swiftly.

“There are a lot of changes in dynamics, and you have to constantly prove yourself. Mentally, it can get tough, especially when you’re away from your support system.”

While Indian beauty norms still have a stark fair-skin bias, and commercial beauty spaces seldom include models of a deeper skin tone, it’s her dark skin that’s been instrumental in finding her work overseas because, as Bhoomika points out, there’s a growing appreciation for different looks and identities.

“The industry is becoming more inclusive and open to diversity. Being an Indian model today can be a strength because it brings uniqueness. That said, the industry is still evolving — there can be biases, even if subtle,” she explains.

DEEPAK GUPTA

He walked for the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter ’25 show, and his inspiring Instagram reel captioned, “You can never be a Louis Vuitton model” went viral last year.

HOMETOWN: MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA
RUNWAY: ARMANI, BURBERRY, LOUIS VUITTON, DHRUV KAPOOR, AND KARTIK RESEARCH, AMONG OTHERS
CAMPAIGNS: GAP, WESTSIDE, BOAT, PUMA, JACQUEMUS, ARMANI, LOUIS VUITTON, BURBERRY, LACOSTE, ZARA, H&M, AND ICEBERG
RAMP DEBUT: FALGUNI SHANE PEACOCK
INTERNATIONAL DEBUT: LOUIS VUITTON AND ARMANI AT PARIS FASHION WEEK 2025

“Those 30 seconds on the runway, with cameras blinding you with their flashes… You feel pure joy in that moment. That’s something I truly live for,” says 21-yearold Deepak Gupta.

For this Louis Vuitton model, it all started at a local fashion show. He was scouted while still in his first year of college, after which he made his international debut walking for both Louis Vuitton and Armani at Milan Fashion Week for their Spring/Summer ’25 shows.

“It feels amazing when people in your hometown may not know you yet, but people abroad appreciate your look, style, and presence,” he says. “Being in the right environment gives you the exposure you need to discover your potential.”
In the early days, adapting to different cultures and working styles was quite overwhelming, though it also helped him grow.

Moreover, he believes Indian models are beginning to get better opportunities by the day, internationally.
“People are more aware now, and social media has played a significant role in creating more opportunities and visibility,” he explains, adding that being a model of colour is no longer a drawback to get selected for.