Inclusivity and diversity have been running themes in fashion weeks across the world in the recent past. While a complete transformation may be a long way coming, the fact that so many shows internationally are increasingly shunning an all-white, cookie-cutter female cast to include more people of colour (including these Indian stunners), the transgender community (Andreja Pejic, Hari Nef and others), and a wider (pun unintended) range of body types—is heartening.
In a refreshing change from the usual scene on Indian runways, last week, a heavily pregnant Carol Gracias walked for Hyderabad-based designer Gaurang Shah at his Lakmé Fashion Week show, making her the first pregnant Indian model to do so.
“I have been doing his shows for many years now, so this time as usual he called and asked if he could book me. I told him I was pregnant and he still asked if I would walk for the show,” Gracias told a leading daily. “So, I gave it a thought, and realised that the clothes to be showcased are meant for all kinds of women…I thought if the designer would like me in his show, then why not? I really enjoyed the experience.”
Carol is the latest to join the list of models who've taken to the ramp while pregnant. Ashleigh Good, who closed the Chanel Haute Couture show in 2014 as a pregnant bride went on to walk for Dolce & Gabbana's autumn/winter 2015 show with her baby daughter. Called ‘Viva la mamma!', the collection was dedicated to mothers and also featured Bianca Balti who made in down the runway with her six-months-pregnant belly. Before her, in 2010, Miranda Kerr walked for Balenciaga three months before her due date.
The newest model mums-to-be on the block, Victoria's Secret models Candice Swanepoel and Behati Prinsloo, are reportedly due this summer—that's much before the brand's annual runway event in fall—but maybe they'll make history with a mamma-baby appearance on the VS catwalk? We'll be keeping an eye out.
