As Celebrities Dominate the Runway, Where Do Professional Models Stand?
Every fashion enthusiast is talking about the recent buzz-worthy showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week, where several Indian designers drew inspiration from Dsquared2’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection. Among the plethora of hardworking creatives, one name rose distinctly above the rest — our very own Rahul Mishra. With a show-stopping designer ensemble dedicated to Janhvi Kapoor, Mishra not only commanded the runway but also captured headlines and set social media ablaze.
But do you think it was the design or the walk?
before we get to that, let’s break down the design, its inspirations, and the motivation behind it.
Rahul Mishra’s creation wasn’t just a black dress — it was a statement, wrapped in precision and purpose. This floor-length piece combined the drama of a robe with the structure of a blazer, giving Janhvi Kapoor a silhouette that felt both bold and refined. The silver Bandhani print on the black fabric was a striking feature — a traditional tie-dye technique from Gujarat, reimagined with a modern, metallic sheen. Mishra’s design wasn’t just about beauty; it was about the seamless blending of cultures, old and new, with every detail. The collection drew inspiration from Henri Rousseau’s dreamlike, whimsical landscapes, transforming them into wearable art, with rich textures and colors that evoke the same sense of wonder and fantasy.
Janhvi’s participation in the show was unplanned, according to Mishra…. As Rahul Mishra explained, “One evening, I called her and said, “Janhvi, you have to be playful with the look”, This playful idea led to the striking moment of Janhvi opening the robe on the ramp, showcasing that statement piece. According to Mishra, working with Janhvi is easy, but does this ease also come at the cost of professional models showcasing their talent on the runway?
Janhvi’s walk, as acclaimed by many, was met with criticism. The dress never got the attention it deserved because all the focus shifted to her hurried steps. People began critiquing the walk rather than appreciating the design, which beautifully blended tradition and modernity.
Some of the comments from viewers included:
“Bouncing around a runway — is this a new thing for the ‘nepos’?” asked a user.
“Isn’t she in some kind of hurry?” questioned another.
“Jaldi ghar jana hai. Curfew hai,” said a user sarcastically.
Another netizen remarked that the actor’s walk was “Too much!!” and had “lost its rhythm.” “Feels like some teen trying to walk in heels,” they added.
“Not graceful at all. Just overconfident.”
“It’s not about how stunning she looked on the runway, but her hasty walk as if she’s in a rush.” Commented on by another.
Though a few praised her, criticism quickly took over.
However, the criticism wasn’t just about the walk; it also highlighted a deeper issue of how deserving professional models were walking behind Janhvi, while her jumpy, unpolished steps dominated the focus.
Tamanna Katoch, a model from Delhi who walked just behind Janhvi, showed exactly how the runway should be done. Her stage presence was confident, graceful, and embodied the true essence of a professional model. Yet, despite her flawless execution, all the attention quickly shifted to Janhvi’s rushed steps, leaving Katoch’s remarkable performance eclipsed. This only highlights the growing issue of Bollywood stars occupying spaces on the runway that should be reserved for the talent and hard work which is being pushed out of the frame.
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Bollywood treating the ramp as a red carpet is slowly killing the discipline that was once the essence of fashion shows. With each passing show, we witness a shift away from the true spirit of modeling. models, who have spent years training and honing their craft, are now seeking career opportunities outside of India.
This isn’t just a one-off incident, but a growing trend. Take Lakmé Fashion Week 2023, for example, where Kriti Sanon walked the runway alongside professional models. While Kriti is undeniably a beautiful actress, her presence took the spotlight from the models walking behind her. She was given the spotlight because of her fame, while models — many with years of training — received little to no recognition for their finesse.
This issue isn’t confined to one fashion week. Models who have previously walked for top brands at reputed shows are now being replaced by Bollywood celebrities, hired for their star power rather than their ability to model. This practice not only diminishes the art of modeling but also strips opportunities away from those who have worked tirelessly to build their careers.
Fashion is increasingly being traded for fame, and this doesn’t just hurt the models — it also negatively impacts designers. Designers work endlessly on their creations, only for all the attention to be diverted to the celebrity walking the ramp. Many celebrities, despite their charm, lack model etiquette — and it shows. One such example was Tripti Dimri, who appeared to treat the runway as if it were a set, with her playful gestures and exaggerated expressions that are better suited for an acting role than a runway.
This growing imbalance in runway representation is pushing talented models to seek opportunities abroad, where runway culture is still centered around trained finesse.. And in this process, we are losing not only our ramp culture but also the very models who keep it alive.
Now, don’t get me wrong — celebrities play an important role in drawing attention to a show. Their star power brings in fans and increases the show’s visibility. But why not let them “be present” rather than taking the spotlight away from deserving, hardworking models? It’s time to give credit where it’s due — models should have the chance to walk with professionalism, drawing attention to the designs, while also allowing celebrities to contribute to the show without overshadowing the real stars.
Bollywood shouldn’t be boycotted from the ramp; they have a role to play in the industry. However, it should not come at the expense of ramp culture and skilled representation. Celebrities should add value to the show, not create a spectacle that undermines the effort and artistry of the designers and models.
At a time when the ramp once symbolised discipline and dedication, we must ask: are we losing fashion’s soul to the glitz of celebrity?