A Burberry campaign in 2014 changed the game. It featured a British Indian face for the first time in the brand’s history. That model was Neelam Gill.
Her journey started young. Scouted at a fashion event at thirteen, she signed with a top agency a year later. The runway called quickly.
She made her catwalk debut for Burberry during London Fashion Week. This moment set a powerful precedent for the entire industry. It signaled a shift toward more inclusive beauty standards.
Her career spans major names like Abercrombie & Fitch and L’Oréal Paris. She even walked for Victoria’s Secret. Each step represents progress.
Gill carries her Punjabi Sikh heritage with pride. She uses her voice beyond modeling to challenge stigma and advocate for change. Her story is about more than fashion; it’s about representation.
Modeling Beginnings and Breakthrough Moments
A chance encounter at The Clothes Show Live redirected a teenage journalist’s ambitions toward the runway. Gill dreamed of writing about the fashion world, not modeling in it. That single event at age thirteen changed everything.
Early Life and Career Discoveries
Signing with NEXT Model Management at fourteen meant entering an industry not built for people who looked like her. She stepped into that space with quiet determination. Her catwalk debut came in September 2013 for Burberry during London Fashion Week.
This wasn’t just another runway walk. It marked the first time many in the fashion world saw a British Indian model represent a heritage luxury brand. The moment set a powerful precedent.
Breaking Barriers with Iconic Campaigns
Landing the Burberry campaign in 2014 made her the first Indian model to front a major British fashion house. The breakthrough brought celebration but also harsh racist trolling online. People attacked her ethnicity and presence.
She proved this was no token moment. Working with Abercrombie & Fitch and becoming L’Oréal Paris’ first British Indian ambassador showed real progress. Walking for Kanye West, Rohit Bal, and Dior demonstrated her range across different fashion styles.
Her career shows that models like her should have always been part of the industry. Now that door is open for others to follow.
Inside the Interview: Neelam Gill on Industry Challenges and Change
Speaking openly about her experiences, she revealed how visibility brought both progress and pain. The Marie Claire UK digital cover became a platform for raw honesty.
Confronting Racism and Embracing Diversity
After the Burberry campaign, racist trolling became a daily reality. People used her ethnicity as their go-to insult.
She noted it was tough being in a predominantly white industry. Many hadn’t seen someone like her before. The insults still land, showing there’s work to do.
But she sees change happening. Figures like Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton make her proud. They open doors for others.
Activism, Mental Health, and Speaking Up
Gill didn’t stay silent about the bullying and depression she faced. She used YouTube and interviews to share her struggles.
This turned personal pain into a tool for connection. She believes women of color must speak up to those in power.
Uncomfortable conversations drive real change. Her activism covers tokenism, women’s rights, and global injustice. The platform serves a purpose beyond aesthetics.
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and Cultural Impact
The energy backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is a unique kind of electricity. For Gill, walking the runway in 2024 and returning in 2025 represented a full-circle moment. She grew up with the brand, making her role as the first Punjabi model in the lineup deeply personal.
She doesn’t take that representation lightly. Seeing new faces like athlete Angel Reese and a trans model on the runway signaled a genuine shift for the brand. It’s a change she is proud to be a part of.
Runway Experiences and Backstage Energy
She calls the event the Super Bowl of fashion. The preparation is intense, blending physical strength with mental focus. Staying present in each moment is key to the performance.
Backstage, a supportive sisterhood forms among the models. After the final walk, the glamour quickly shifts to comfort. A tracksuit and fast food become the uniform for a well-earned celebration.
Skincare, Beauty Routines, and Self-Care Practices
Her skincare routine is a serious part of the job year-round. Before the show, it intensifies. Regular dermatologist visits and FaceGym treatments prepare her skin for the spotlight.
She even wore under-eye gel patches during rehearsals. For her body, she layers oils and butters to keep skin soft. This year, a spray tan amplified her natural tone, a powerful statement against outdated beauty standards.
Her hair care is rooted in tradition. Passed-down oil treatments from her Punjabi household make her feel connected to her roots. She avoids heat and dye, preserving its health between shows.
Closing Reflections on Legacy and Future Endeavors
The true measure of her career extends far beyond the runway. Magazine covers for Vogue India and Stylist became platforms for meaningful dialogue. Her work with Marie Claire’s #UseYourVoice campaign showed media recognizing her as more than just a face.
Over the years, she turned personal struggles into fuel for change. Speaking about mental health became part of the job. She believes women of color must share their experiences with people in power. This is the only way to create real progress in the fashion world.
There’s still a lot of work to do. The thing that drives her most comes from young people who finally see themselves represented. Her legacy isn’t about any single campaign. It’s about opening doors that should never have been closed in the first place.
