Big and muscular is passé. Lean in the new cool in the world of modelling

I f you are an aspiring male model, a beefed up body is unlikely to get you coveted assignments anymore. Bulked up Indian male models are being asked to become lean to suit current trends in the fashion world. And there is plenty of inspiration coming from abroad. “Lean models took over global ramp a few years ago. You don’t see beefed up models at global fashion weeks. The trend is making its way to India. Clients ask for lean models with androgynous looks, while bigger models were in demand earlier,” says model coordinator Sunny Sapra.

Designer Gaurav Khanijo says that he prefers lean models. “Boys who are too muscular kill the look of the garment. We don’t want our models to look like akhara boys,” he says. FDCI president Sunil Sethi agrees. “It’s the lean frame that works now. Designers are selecting lean models during auditions.” Many male models are trying to lose weight to conform to the trend. Model Anand Dixit was size 43 when he started modelling. Agencies asked him to get leaner. “I worked hard to lose weight,” says Dixit who is size 38 now.

Does this indicate that soon, we will see ultra skinny, anorexic looking models on the ramp ? Designers say that it’s unlikely. The Indian fashion industry would hopefully vote for a balanced body type that is athletic. “Both beefed up and skinny bodies are a misfit for Indian ramp. While the market is over for wrestler type models, I don’t think ultra-skinny would work either. We should aim for balance. Milind Soman’s athletic body is the perfect example. 38 is the standard size that we are following these days while selecting models,” says Khanijo.

Grooming expert Deepak Bhadwar, who has groomed many top Indian models says that while the 8 packs abs is passé and lean and athletic is in, ultra-skinny is not the idea. “We wouldn’t want our models to go skinny because most of the Indian outfits such as sherwani or kurta won’t flatter that body type,” he says.

Agrees Model Rouhallah Gazi, who has walked the ramp for top Indian designers. “Athletic should be the aim so there is nothing wrong if a few beefed up models have been asked to lose weight. Except for high fashion, I don’t think the ultra skinny model trend will come to India anytime soon.” he says.