How a housekeeper turned into a model for a leading designer

Kamala’s (name changed) life took a different turn when designer Mandeep Nagi of Shades of India spotted her at a neighbour’s house working as a housekeeper. Mandeep chose Kamala to be the model to showcase her latest collection.

One of the leading brands in soft furnishings and fashion, Shades of India is all about capturing and showcasing India’s various textile elements.

“The emphasis of our new collection, Cinnamon, is on textures and I wanted someone extraordinary,” Mandeep told The Hindu.

She added that she prefers working with regular women rather than professional models because, "Women who don’t expect to be models and suddenly feel empowered before the camera, in clothes that they like.” When she approached Kamala and explained her plan, the mother of two was hesitant but after repeated encounters, she agreed to pose with the new collection, says The Better India.

“I wanted to give it a shot, nevertheless. I spoke to Kamala and she wanted a day to think over it. She returned and said she will do it. She was concerned about the kind of clothes and where the images will be used. We explained the process to her and she was game. I don’t know if this shoot will change her life. I know that she cherishes the experience,” said Mandeep.

For Mandeep, this is not the first time that she is choosing "unconventional" models for her assignments. A visit to her website shows women from different walks of life donning her collection.

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