Walking Balmain Photo: Gianni Pucci / Indigitalimages.com
Modeling’s struggles with diversity are often judged in black and white terms, but the lack of models from South Asian and Arab backgrounds on the runways is an equally important issue within the industry. In the past two decades women such as Yasmeen Ghauri, Ujjwala Raut, and Lakshmi Menon have broken through fashion’s glass ceiling, but too often Indian faces in high fashion are a rarity. One model attempting to challenge this is newcomer Bhumika Arora, an M.B.A. student-turned-top catwalker who made the rounds this season. When asked about why we don’t see as many Indian models on the runways, Arora expressed confusion at fashion’s lag in diversity: “I honestly don’t know the exact reason—it could be a number of factors, but I hope that I can work hard and become part of a movement that keeps fashion as international as possible.”
Hailing from Karnal, India, Arora has been modeling internationally since 2013, but only hit the big leagues recently after being signed with The Society Management. At 27, she brings a womanly grace to her work that sets her apart from contemporaries and has attracted the attention of editors and designers alike. In an age-obsessed industry, admitting you’re over 20 can be a hindrance, but Arora sees her maturity as an advantage. “I have always been aware that this is an industry with more focus on ‘youth,’ but I try my best to not let that become a personal obstacle,” said Arora. “I think being more experienced in life helps me relate to many of the people I’m working with. I am especially thankful that I went through a longer journey of academic education, because it has helped me balance my mind as I now pursue yet another dream.”
Catching up with Arora post-Paris fashion week, we were struck not only by her beauty but also by the intelligence and grace with which she carries herself. Calm and easygoing, she is taking her success this season in stride. “Every single moment was amazing, and I really enjoyed all the shows I walked,” said Arora. “I felt extremely happy and honored to meet the super-talented people that I used to only watch on a TV screen.” Each show provided its own pleasures, but Balmain offered the model the chance to come face-to-face with two of her idols, Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima. Working with Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing was its own treat: “Olivier is one of the sweetest people I have met since I started in the business,” said Arora. “I didn’t get a chance to chat with him during the show day, but during the casting and fittings he was always incredibly sweet and easy to talk to. I have enormous respect for people who embody both talent and kindness, because then you want to root for their success no matter what.”
Walking Stella McCartney Photo: Marcus Tondo / Indigitalimages.com
—Janelle Okwodu, Style.com
