The fashion industry is perhaps one of the most captivating and exhilarating industries in the world, given the work required to create a new line, the drama that unfolds backstage and the glamor on display as eminent models walk down the ramp laden with gorgeous attires. Everything put together adds to the appeal and at times often short-lived allure of the industry.
“Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them.” — Marc Jacobs
The one to truly infuse life into outfits that are meticulously crafted by designers are the models. Slender, tall and gorgeous; they lit the runway with their aggressive style and beauty.
Indian models are setting the international ramp on fire these days. It’s not just limited to a lone and sole Ujjwala Raut who made her mark, but the international runway will soon be swamped by brown faces, such as Radhika Nair, the first Indian to walk the Balenciaga spring 2017 show. Indian models are finally making their mark but ever wondered as to the differences that lie between them and their global counterparts, here are a few:
Color matters
The Indian fashion industry has taken quite a long time to warm up to models of a darker hue and instead preferred rosy fair models. In the international circuit, though a dusky face is quite in demand and brown models are given preference. Even black models are quite sought after in the west, and supermodels like Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell are a shining example of that.
In lieu with the above, Indian designers like working with international models who they feel are better suited to carry off their intricately designed attires.
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Raking in the moolah
Global models earn way better than the Indian models as agencies in the West spend a good amount of money to get the best model on board. Victoria's Secret's sign a 7 figure contract with supermodels that go on to become the face of the brand. Gisele Bundchen earns up to $44 million in a year, and when Forbes had released its highest paid model lists in 2011, the combined income of top international models (Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, Kate Moss and more) was around $100 million. Not one Indian model had made it to the list. The story remains unchanged in 2017.
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Eating habits
A strict diet is critical to maintaining the stunning figure required for being a model. Be it the Indian models or any across the globe; they are not exempted from the grueling diet plans necessary for their profession. Heidi Klum keeps her daily intake of calories to a minimum 1,200 calories, and others confine themselves to oatmeal, low-fat yogurt and fruit and egg whites. Indian models though do maintain a strict diet but also prefer to eat home cooked Indian food that contains all the primary nutrients rather than an international based dietary plan.
Size zero fad
Being slim is important to make it in this profession, but international models have pushed the lines that others have just toyed with. Despite many agencies discouraging this trend, the truth remains that size zero is an accepted norm and girl are encouraged to get slimmer to walk the runway. None of the Indian models are size zero, and it has never been quite a trend in the Indian fashion industry.
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Career after modeling
Modeling is a job that has a shelf life and doesn’t promise any financial longevity. Many international models have started their talk shows, done movies and started their business franchise; The Tyra Banks Show, Make Me a Supermodel, Supermodels, and The Face are some examples of shows hosted and produced by former supermodels. Indian Models though are picking on this trend, but most resort to making a career in movies.
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The Unconventional
The international fashion industry has opened its arms to a lot of unique models which includes people with Down syndrome and albinos. Madeline Stuart is a famous name in the New York fashion circuit and the teen despite suffering from Down syndrome has made quite a mark for herself in the exciting industry. Recently two albino kids from Brazil became a talk of the town in the fashion industry and were signed by Nike, Insanis, and Bazaar Kids. An Indian teenager, Laxmi who was attacked with acid and had her face disfigured was part of the New York Fashion week in 2016.
The Indian fashion industry though has stuck to the norms and not given space to any unconventional models as yet. None of the unconventional Indian ladies have made it to the officially held fashion shows.
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Exotic Treatment
Indian models are still considered exotic on the global ramps, despite having set the international fashion shows ablaze. They have not been able to become a regular face on the international fashion runway. Whereas, international models are welcomed whole-heartedly on the Indian ramps.
Despite the differences, one thing that remains the same is that modeling is all glamor only for the spectator; the ones running the show have to go through a strenuous routine and harsh lifestyle routine. Even after all this, there is no assurance of success.
(Featured Image Online: The Odyssey Online)
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Yes, Indian Fashion Industry has to go a long way in order to match the international standards.