It’s fair to say modelling came as a shock to Bhumika Arora’s parents. Growing up in small town India, becoming an international fashion model isn’t really something that happens everyday. Hell, it’s not something that happens everyday anywhere, but especially here – a county of 1.2 billion, where conservatism rules, being tall isn’t particularly attractive and you’re already studying for a prestigious business degree. That’s what makes the breakout moment currently being enjoyed by 27-year-old Bhumika Arora so remarkable. Signed to New York’s the Society Management – with the city acting as her temporary home from home – Bhumika has walked runways for the likes of Balmain, Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang and makes her i-D debut this issue, shot by Eloise Parry and styled by our very own Julia Sarr-Jamois. A small-town girl carving out a name for herself in several big cities the world over, here are 10 things you need to know about Bhumika Arora: India’s biggest fashion model.
1. Growing up in Karnal, India, she never dreamed she’d be a fashion model…
“I loved watching models walking the runway on Fashion TV when I was younger, but I never ever thought there was a slightest chance that I could be there myself.”
2. In fact, she used to get teased about her height there all the time…
“When I grew tall later on, nine out of ten people used to make fun of my height – that I looked more like a boy or a very weird-looking girl.”
3. But it didn’t stop her practicing modelling by taking selfies…
“I wanted to practice posing like a model just to satisfy my obsession for modelling itself… I don’t like to take a lot selfies these days, so I don’t think I’m all that good at it anymore!”
4. She made her runway debut walking for Dries van Noten in Paris in 2014…
“It was incredible. Simply the best feeling. I enjoyed walking in my look, and it felt like I had achieved something so, so big.”
5. Actually…
“I felt all that after the show ended… Before I was just thinking about the shoes and the pace of the walk!”
6. Paris, coincidently, is her favourite place to travel…
“I always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower. And then Times Square in New York because of the lights! Now only Venice is left on my wish list.”
7. And she works hard to to protect her Indian heritage when she’s abroad…
“I just prefer not to wear transparent clothes right now on the runway. It is the situation I worry about the most. And people have always been very respectful and supportive about that… Nevertheless, I still feel bad that it’s an extra thought they need to consider when they are already thinking about 100 other things.”
8. The things she misses most about India are the three Fs…
“Family, friends and food… And also taking in my own language. So I call India a lot, cook Indian food most of the time when I’m away and also go to Indian restaurants.”
9. Which explains what you’ll find her doing when she’s not modelling…
“I’m mostly on the phone calling India, watching videos on YouTube, listening to music, cooking, working out… I also love to go on long walks.”
10. All in all, Bhumika has some wise words for aspiring Indian models…
“Have faith in yourself and follow your dreams.”
Credits
Text Matthew Whitehouse
Photography Eloise Parry
Styling Julia Sarr-Jamois
Bhumika wears all clothing and jewellery Koché
Bhumika is with The Society