The ups and downs of the fashion industry can never stop. In today’s time, talent is measured by the ‘Instagram Followers’, which is definitely wrong on so many levels! In order to grow, we must come out of this mindset.

The rise of new models in our industry is really satisfying, the future is definitely in safe hands. We have compiled some of the names who are bringing the change in fashion through their strong editorials, their presence on runways, and on-point-styled red carpet appearances!

Kushal Khan:

• How and when did you start your modeling career?

I always wanted to be an actor and I think that modeling has been a stepping stone towards my acting career INSHALLAH, I started my modeling career last year when I got a major eastern wear campaign.

• What was the turning point of your career?

The turning point of my career was Outfitter’s Winter campaign 2020.

• Who is your inspiration?

I would say my father has always been an inspiration because he’s very hardworking and I guess I inherited that from him.

• Who is your godfather/guardian from the industry?

I wouldn’t use the word godfather or guardian but there are some who have really inspired me to do better and have always given the right advices.

Eesha Assad:

• how and when did you start your modeling career?

The first shoot I ever did was for a friend’s final thesis display. Fun fact: I was actually just a last minute replacement for someone who backed out. A few months after that, out of the blue, I was offered a feature photoshoot for Zaha at my uni. Some way or the other this career just kept knocking at my door!

• what was the turning point of your career?

Definitely graduating from university. The switch from part-time to full-time modelling was scary, but so worth it. No regrets following a dream that seemed too out of reach, and getting to do what I absolutely love!

• who is your inspiration?

At work, the people around me inspire me. Everybody from the designers to the painters, stylists to chai walay, spot boys to photographers, work so hard to do their job, no matter how daunting or what hour of the day. Seeing the amount of meticulous effort and dedication my coworkers put into carrying out a successful photoshoot drives me to perform my best.

• who is your godfather/guardian from the industry?

I don’t think I could call anybody my godfather or mentor, but the immense warmth and kindness that I feel from both Hassan Iqbal Rizvi as well as Aidaah Sheikh definitely makes it easier to ask them for tips once in a while. In this career, things aren’t just a simple Google search away. I wish! So you definitely can’t be afraid of needing some guidance from time to time. I’m so grateful to these two who have helped me out since the beginning of my career, whenever I needed it.

Areeba Tariq:

• how and when did you start your modeling career?

My modeling career started soon after college when I did a shoot for a friend. I started getting so many offers from different brands.

• what was the turning point of your career?

My turning point was when I was given the opportunity to work with Sana Safinaz. I was very young and shy. With time working with different brands and designers gave me the exposure I needed.

• who is your inspiration?

My mom is my inspiration. She’s an artist herself. She taught me and my siblings how to work hard to achieve maximum perfection in performing arts.

• who is your godfather/guardian from the industry?

Each and every person in this industry has contributed to that role, guiding me and motivating me to do better.

Erika Robin:

• how and when did you start your modeling career?

Entering the modeling industry was never really my aim, but with some leap of faith here I am. It’s been almost a year and a half in this industry and all this time was worth the hard work.

• what was the turning point of your career?

I started my modeling career with various brands. My breakthrough moment in this industry was an editorial I did with Tabassum Mughal. That gave me recognition and people became aware of my work.

• who is your inspiration?

For me, my inspiration isn’t any specific person but there are many people that I actually look up to and get inspiration from. Besides this, what inspired me the most was the concept that the fashion world can bring about great changes in society. The fact that I can be part of the change and break various stereotypes has also always inspired me.

• who is your godfather/guardian from the industry?

When I entered the industry it was completely unknown to me. There were people who guided me and gave me good advice but the final call was always mine. I always followed my instincts.

Sehar Gohar:

• how and when did you start your modeling career?

I started my modeling career with Azeem Sani in 2018 while I was halfway through my thesis in Fashion Design at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design. It wasn’t a full-time starter, I only had weekends off to shoot until I graduated and pursued it full time in March 2019.

• what was the turning point of your career?

In my opinion, It was my debut fashion show “PHBCW’19” which strengthened my position in the industry. It was a phenomenal learning experience, brought me immense recognition at the same time opened new doors of opportunities. I went on to do my first tvc “Pakistan ki Pehchan” for Gulahmed following campaigns for significant names such as Fahad Hussayn and Ali Xeeshan.

• who is your inspiration?

My mother is a figure of inspiration to me. Although, she has no association with the industry. She was the reason I pursued modeling in the first place. It was her dream to see me like a shining star. Her utmost confidence in me has inspired me to do each campaign to the best of my capabilities which is how I have learned to be patient and have trust in my journey.

• who is your godfather/guardian from the industry?

The one person who I look up to as a guardian is definitely, Fahad Hussayn. He has been a source of constant support and solace throughout my career. Having such a celebrated and motivational figure belief in you as a promising young face is a dream come true.

Mydah Raza:

• how and when did you start your modeling career?

I started modeling professionally at the end of 2017. I had a rather random start. Hassan and Saad from 9lines contacted me via Instagram to ask me if I’d be interested in a shoot. I was nervous but intrigued. I didn’t think much of it except for a chance to do something out of my comfort zone. Luckily, I met some amazing people who would then turn into colleagues that would have a huge part to play in my career. The “random” shoot that I did would go on to get printed in Grazia. It only progressed from there.

• what was the turning point of your career?

I consider every opportunity to be just as important as the last one because it allows you to showcase your skills and professionalism, and also your potential.

• who is your inspiration?

Every woman who seeks independence and freedom despite having the odds against her is my inspiration.

• who is your godfather/guardian from the industry?

Fatima Nasir and Hassan Iqbal Rizvi were constant sources of guidance and support for me throughout my career. Fatima was the first makeup artist to touch my face and I remember having an instant connection with her. She even did my makeup for my wedding day!

Ali Raza:

• how and when did you start your modeling career?

I started off my modeling career by the end of 2017, it’s been four long years now. I did some FOC shoots just to make my name also I had no idea who to approach as I was really new. I also did some art direction projects to learn the dynamics of the industry, I got some offers from the clients there and I took the opportunity to prove myself, and then I finally started getting paid work – when I asked for money initially I didn’t get any work for six months. Then I got a paid shoot and the amount was just for pick and drop.

• what was the turning point of your career?

As I said, when I asked for money for my services, I never got any work. I finally got outfitter’s shoot and after that, there was no looking back. Different brands like Couger, Samsung, Jazz, Equator, Hush Puppies, and many. I did Outfitters for two and a half years and then I got some online campaigns of Furor, Engine, and so many other clothing brands. I have done some international brands too like Jockey and Brooklyn. So this was my turning point right after 2018.

• who is your inspiration?

To be honest, from the Pakistani industry I have no inspiration. Ranveer Singh has always inspired me, his edgy dressing sense and acting have always inspired me. Toni Mehfud and Jon Kortajarena are also my inspiration in modeling.

• who is your godfather/guardian from the industry?

No one, I have always followed my own heart, I get offers from the brand directly so I take the opportunity which I think is best for me. It’s all about hard work and struggles at the end of the day.