The much anticipated Men’s Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2022 concluded on 23rd January and it’s safe to say that the shows did not disappoint. The bold and structured looks had us impressed. While decoding some of the great looks, what caught our eye was some strong Indian faces we spotted on the ramp. Meet Neil Varel, Sajid Shaikh and Tuhir Bhrambhatt, the dapper Indian models that walked the Men’s Paris Fashion Week FW/22-23.
Neil is a 19-year-old born and raised in Mumbai. Neil’s hobbies include everything from sports to astronomy. His first encounter with modelling was when a Prada Men’s Show caught his eye while binging on Youtube. It ignited a spark in him like never before and that’s when he knew that’s what he really wanted to do. Cut to a few years later, Neil still finds himself watching shows on the screen however this time around, it’s got him in it. He’s an Indian model to watch out for.
ELLE: A designer you have always dreamt of walking for.
Neil Varel: Honestly, all the designers I’ve walked for in my very first season have been nothing less than a dream come true .
ELLE: If you could play a fictional character who would it be and why?
NV: I would like to play Thomas from ‘Maze Runner’ because of how impulsive, inquisitive and smart he is. He would rather test things out in his own smart way than blindly believe someone else. What I really loved about him was that he always believed in himself and trusted his instincts which made him brave throughout the journey.
ELLE: A social cause that you are passionate about.
NV: Feeding stray animals and helping them out when in need is something I’m really passionate about. Having had a dog once myself, feeding these strays and spending time with them is something that makes me really happy.
ELLE: A favourite ‘pinch me’ moment in your life or career.
NV: I had this moment very recently, right before I was about to walk the runway ahead and make my debut at Milan Fashion Week, walking for Dsquared2. It was all too exciting!
ELLE: Use three words to describe your personal style.
NV: Street, Relaxed, Indie.
Sajid Shaikh is a fitness and sports enthusiast from Mumbai and one fo the Indian models who started off with doing the smallest jobs when he just stepped into the field and then went on to find his place in the industry. After bagging a show at the Milan Fashion Week for Dolce & Gabbana, he is now set to make a mark across the globe.
ELLE: If you were not a model, what would you like to be recognised for?
Sajid Shaikh: I would love to be recognised as a footballer. I have always loved the sport and I have also played for the state, so that’s what I would have liked to pursue.
ELLE: A designer you have always dreamt of walking for.
SS: Versace and Dolce & Gabbana
ELLE: Favourite song on your playlist right now.
SS: Montero by Lil Nas
ELLE: What is your self care routine?
SS: Working out 6 times a week and making a sport my hobby. Drinking lots of water, soaking in the sun and eating clean is a must for me. Moisturizing my face and putting on some sunscreen and vitamin C before stepping out. I also make it a point to wash my face thrice a day, especially before going to bed.
ELLE: Use three words to describe your personal style.
SS: Rugged, fun and polished
Tuhir Brahmbhatt has been in the fashion industry for almost 4 years now. However getting into modelling wasn’t always the plan. From excelling at football to playing State level cricket, Tuhir was almost certain that he would make a career in the sports industry. It was when his uncle suggested that he should try modelling that he decided to give it a shot. There has been no looking back ever since.
ELLE: A designer you have always dreamt of walking for.
Tuhir Brahmbhatt: I’ve always liked Tom Ford and Simon Porte‘s Jacquemus. I also really like Mike Amiri and that dream has already come true a couple of times, waiting for the other two to happen!
ELLE: Favourite song on your playlist right now.
TB: Neo surf by gener8ion and 070 shake on loop.
ELLE: Best part about your job.
TB: The fact that I’m always surrounded by immensely creative people because of my job is definitely the best part. Also getting free stuff sometimes.
ELLE: If you could play a fictional character who would it be and why?
TB: It would have to be Thor. I have read the comics when I was a kid so I like the arch of the character and another one would be John Wick because Keanu is the best.
ELLE: A favourite ‘pinch me’ moment in your life or career.
TB: It was my first ever show for LV and Virgil gave me a fist bump and told me that it was his first as well. That was super special. Another one would be when I went to Santiago Bernabéu and saw the achievements of my favourite club.
