The modelling industry adhered to strict and often unattainable beauty ideals for decades. The standards reflected a singular vision of beauty – tall, slim, fair-skinned, and conventionally “perfect.” However, a seismic shift has been underway. The concept of beauty has “broadened” and the industry is embracing a diversity of body types, skin tones, ages, and backgrounds, mirroring society’s growing celebration of inclusivity.
This shift is especially significant in India, a nation defined by its diversity. A new generation of models with different body shapes, ethnic backgrounds, and unique features is entering the spotlight. Photographer Siddharth Jaiswar, who has worked extensively in the Indian fashion industry says, “The trend toward inclusivity hasn’t changed my approach. I always believed in capturing authentic beauty. But it’s thrilling to see the industry catching up.” As India’s modelling world reflects its population, it is poised to redefine beauty standards and inspire future generations.
Line Of Beauty Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow models to control their image and story, bypassing traditional gatekeepers like agencies and magazines. Today, any aspiring model with a smartphone and an internet connection can build an audience, showcase their individuality, and redefine what it means to be beautiful.
Model cum actor Amelia D’Souza explains, “Instagram reels and social media trends have made us rethink everything. People now want authenticity—they want to see models who look like them, who are relatable.” Social media platforms have given rise to diverse voices who are challenging conventional beauty standards. “The modelling industry has changed some of its values. We are slowly beginning to recognize that beauty can be imperfect,’’ says Dsouza.
Many brands in India are now eager to work with influencers and models who represent the spectrum of Indian beauty, from plus-size and gender-fluid individuals to models who embrace dark skin and unconventional looks.
This digital shift isn’t just empowering for models; it’s transformative for the entire industry. Runway Revolution This shift toward inclusivity isn’t happening in isolation. Indian Gen-Z consumers are growing up with social media’s positive influences around body acceptance and inclusivity. These consumers demand brands and public figures who embrace representation and diversity. They want to see themselves reflected in the media—not just in terms of physical appearance, but in values and attitudes as well.
Jaiswar says, “There’s a new wave of body positivity in India, with more people feeling proud of their bodies, regardless of shape or size. Diversity in modelling has become a natural part of the industry.” The success of brands like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty globally has shown that when consumers feel seen, they’re more likely to connect with a brand. Indian brands, too, have caught on, using more inclusive marketing to resonate with today’s consumers. Retailers like FabAlley and Shyaway have started campaigns featuring models across a range of sizes, ethnicities, and skin tones.
Neelam Gill, an Indian-British model, and Prathamesh Maulingkar, a footballer-turned-model, have successfully defied traditional beauty standards. These models prove that the industry is ready for fresh faces who bring a unique perspective to modelling—one that goes beyond the constraints of height, skin colour, or body shape. Unconventional & Unique While the conversation around inclusivity is growing louder, real change has been slow-moving in some areas. The global modelling industry, for instance, continues to be dominated by lighter skin tones, thin bodies, and European-centric beauty ideals. Indian runways are still often populated by fair-skinned models, and while the visibility of plus-size and differently-abled models has increased, they remain underrepresented.
D’Souza points out, “Today, we’re seeing more acceptance of beauty that doesn’t fit a mould, but it’s still a gradual change. We’re beginning to see different body types, shades, and styles, but there’s a need for more representation across the board.”
More diversity is needed in every corner of the industry—not just among models, but also among designers, photographers, editors, and creative directors—to ensure that all forms of beauty are embraced. With designers like Masaba Gupta and Sabyasachi championing more inclusive beauty standards, the industry has the potential to authentically represent the many faces and stories of India. Jaiswar says, “If we can capture India’s cultural richness and diversity in fashion, we’ll be moving in the right direction.” Catwalks To Real Talk Inclusivity is emerging as more than a trend—it’s becoming the future of fashion. Brands that embrace inclusivity not only create stronger bonds with their audiences but also set a powerful example of what it means to value individuality. "India is the epitome of diversity, from its culture and language to its food. Fashion should be about adapting and evolving; it’s an art without boundaries," says Jaiswar.
There is an increasing demand for diversity within the creative teams—designers, photographers, stylists, and editors—who shape the narratives presented to the public. Without inclusivity at every level, the industry risks perpetuating tokenism rather than fostering authentic diversity.
True inclusivity requires being free of biases like cultural prejudices and gender norms. There was a time when women only wore skirts and dresses; today, fashion trends blur those lines, which is liberating creatively and socially. Men and women are less pressured to appear a specific way or obsess over fitting a standard of beauty. “We’re now shaping our own identities, which allows us to celebrate individuality rather than conform to rigid norms,” explains Dsouza.
In India, where the beauty industry continues to be strongly influenced by colourism, skin tone discrimination remains a significant challenge. Darker-skinned models continue to face obstacles in securing high-profile campaigns, while lighter-skinned models remain the norm. There is a need for the modelling industry to confront colourism and make conscious efforts to eliminate these biases. Celebrating Diversity Inclusivity in modelling extends beyond just appearances; it also encompasses lifestyle choices, gender expression, and disability. Models who embrace non-binary identities, those with visible disabilities, and those who defy conventional gender norms are still largely underrepresented on global runways. “Diversity has grown remarkably, creating opportunities for models of various ethnicities, ages, abilities, and genders. The visibility of LGBTQ+ and transgender models in campaigns is a positive step toward greater inclusivity,” says Jaiswar.
Gender fluidity is slowly gaining visibility in the fashion world. Indian models like Guneet Kaur, who identifies as non-binary, are pushing boundaries and challenging entrenched stereotypes. However, the fashion world must continue to embrace this shift and acknowledge the beauty of gender fluidity to truly reflect the diverse spectrum of identity. The modelling evolution in India—from narrow standards of beauty to celebrating inclusivity and diversity—marks a significant turning point for the industry.
There’s a new wave of body positivity in India. More people are feeling proud of their bodies, regardless of shape or size. Diversity in modelling has become a natural part of the industry.” — Siddharth Jaiswar, Photographer
People now want authenticity—they want to see models who look like them, who are relatable.” — Amelia D’Souza, Model-cum-Actor
