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Over the past couple of years, a new generation of Indian models has made a striking mark on the global fashion industry. From Bhoomika Yadav and Shubham
Vaidkar to Bhavitha Mandava and others, Indian faces have become an increasingly familiar sight on international runways, signalling a new era for representation. But long before this wave, there were a handful of pioneers who stepped onto the global stage when seeing an Indian model on a global runway was still uncommon. Pooja Mor was one of them.


We caught up with the Paris based model to talk about the growing presence of Indian talent on the global runway, how perceptions about Indian beauty are
evolving, and the changing standards of representation in fashion.


‘We’re still breaking stereotypes’Looking at the industry today, Mor believes the transformation has been remarkable, though she sees it as only the beginning. Pooja, who stumbled into modelling after winning the Ahmedabad Times Fresh Face contest in 2011, soon realised it was her true calling. “When I started, I used to wonder why there weren’t more Indian models because Indians are so beautiful.... We’re still breaking stereotypes, whether it’s the preference for fair skin or the idea that only certain Indians who fit a more European look can succeed. Today, the industry is embracing a much wider spectrum of Indian beauty, and I think that’s because
people are also embracing their authentic selves,” she says.

‘The luxe market is looking at India as a sourcing house for talent’Speaking about how perception towards Indian beauty and fashion has evolved, Pooja says, “The luxury market has started looking more at India as a sourcing house for talent and is also realising that more people have the spending power as well. They have started studying the Indian market and taking it more
seriously. This is also one of the many factors helping create opportunities for more Indian faces to be seen and normalised on a global stage.”


Beyond the growing presence of Indian models, Pooja points to a broader shift in how the global fashion industry views India. She cites Indian designers consistently showcasing their collections at international fashion weeks, and luxury houses such as Christian Dior choosing Mumbai’s Gateway of India as the venue for its Pre-Fall 2023 show. She also points to the growing recognition of Indian artisans, whose intricate embroideries carry centuries of history and culture. More importantly, she says the craftspeople are now being openly and rightly credited for their work. Together, she believes, these developments reflect a significant change in how fashion houses across the world perceive India.

'The first thing people notice in a casting is how comfortable you are in your own skin'Pooja admits she wasn’t always confident in her own skin. Growing up, she was self-conscious about features like her lips and the mole beneath her eye, shaped by conventional beauty standards that many grow up internalising.

That perspective began to change when photographers abroad told her to let go of the unnecessary walls, she had built around herself. “They encouraged me to embrace who I was. I used to be so conscious of my smile, but they told me to let go of all the preconceived notions I had about myself.”

For Pooja, confidence remains one of the most important qualities a model can possess. “The first thing people notice at a casting is how comfortable you are in your own skin. If you’re insecure, it shows in the way you walk and even in the way you speak. Being confident in yourself speaks far louder than perfectly fitting conventional beauty standards.


'Earlier, modelling was considered a short-lived career'
A lot has changed for Indian models over the years. Looking back on her journey, Pooja, who was scouted by Anima Creative Management, says, “When I first started, Indian models were so uncommon that people would often ask if I was Brazilian. Today, there’s far greater acceptance of different kinds of beauty and skin colour. It’s not just about beauty either. The industry is also embracing a wider range of body types and recognising that modelling doesn’t have to end at 30. Now it’s very empowering to see more older women on the runway.”

The way modelling as a career was looked at has also changed. Earlier, it was considered to be a short-lived career. However, as more models like Mor found success, this career choice started becoming more believable. Pooja, who is 34 now, made her international debut at Louis Vuitton ’s Cruise 2016 show and has been working with the world’s most renowned fashion brands since. She tells us, “I remember my own parents being very sceptical when I wanted to enter the industry.” Today, however, Pooja says the industry has become far more structured. From scouting and castings to placements with brands, modelling and management agencies now educate aspiring models and their families about the entire process.

‘Always keep studying something on the side’ Creative careers like modelling or acting are driven by passion. Unlike conventional jobs, they don’t offer stability or securities like health insurance or loans. “It’s a career for which you need that fire within you to stay in it. If stability is your priority, this probably isn’t the career to choose, as it involves constant challenges, new roles, and working with different teams. But sometimes that uncertainty pays off because you choose to follow your heart.”

Pooja believes there is still considerable work to be done in making the modelling industry more structured. Since models largely work as freelancers, she feels stronger systems need to be in place to safeguard their well-being, especially as they frequently travel, adapt to unfamiliar environments, and work under demanding conditions.

Given the uncertainties that come with working as a freelancer, Pooja, who has studied IT engineering from a university in Ahmedabad, stresses the importance of creating a safety net for yourself. Sharing a lesson passed down by her mother, she says, “Always keep studying on the side, especially now when education is so easily accessible through online courses. That way, on the days when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom, you’ll always have something to fall back on.”

To aspiring models, Pooja’s advice is simple: “Never change who you are. Be proud of your genes and your culture. Don’t chase unrealistic diets. There is room for every body type today, so find the brands that celebrate you. Prioritise your health, eat a balanced diet, stay active, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This career can be lonely because you’re constantly travelling, so stay connected with your loved ones. Make time for activities like yoga and meditation, and always ask for help when you need it.”