Meet the Models Who are Breaking the Mould of Conventional Beauty

Toshada Uma

 

Prarthana Jagan

Images are powerful; worth a thousand words, they say. Many of us have grown up looking at glossy images of models on hoardings, magazines and TV commercials, instilling a notion of the ‘ideal’ woman in many young hearts. We have admired these women for their flawless skin with not a blemish in sight, perfect bodies, and Rapunzel-esque locks. The recurring representation of ONLY ONE ilk reinforced the belief that beauty was restricted—that it was defined by a set of conventional norms.

 

But, luckily, things are a-changing.

 

20-year-old Toshada Uma looks nothing like the average model in an editorial spread. First, because she is 144 cm (as her Instagram bio reads) and second, because she has alopecia, a condition that causes severe hair loss.

 

Model Prarthana Jagan does not feel shy in posing with her bare skin - unfiltered and raw. She was diagnosed with vitiligo, a disorder that causes the loss of skin pigments in patches.

 

Toshada and Prarthana are expanding the definition of beauty through their work. In a conversation with Cosmo India, the young Indian models and social mavens talk about self-acceptance, body positivity and creating their unique identity in the fashion industry despite the odds.

 

In an industry that has always portrayed women as flawless, have you ever felt body image issues? If yes, how did you deal with them?

 

Toshada: We are constantly put under a microscope as models, all assumed flaws picked on, blown up then covered. But if this process did anything for me, it gave me the realization that flaws and beauty alike are in the perception of the observer. What may be ugly to some is incredibly stunning to others and it's highly essential that we keep our love towards ourselves intact to forever remember that nobody's perception of our body is consequential but our own, a positive and self-accepting attitude really helps us see the beauty in ourselves! 

 

Prarthana: I would flip through magazines, feeling extremely insecure as I was also battling acne at the time. Back then, I wouldn't have dreamt of posting photographs of my vitiligo. But 11 years later, here I am. I never wanted another young girl or boy to feel cornered and that they couldn’t do something they set their minds to because of their insecurities. It’s the only reason why I decided to make my journey

public. Dealing with these insecurities was definitely not easy; it didn’t happen overnight. It took me 8 long years of wearing make-up every day and loathing myself to be where I am today. 

 

I dealt with a very serious medical issue that had me in the hospital for a week without my usual painted face. I was treated just like the other patients and it gave me hope to finally go out without covering up my 'imperfections'. I decided to make a YouTube video in 2016, and that’s where my journey began. 

 

What is the criteria for choosing your assignments? Do you consciously pick campaigns that promote body positivity?

 

Toshada: I try to consciously pick campaigns with a positive message - projects that promote body positivity, self-empowerment, independence and most importantly, acceptance! Anything aiming at cashing in on public insecurities and propagating them is absolutely not entertained by me or my management.

 

Prarthana: I feel as though I, myself stand for body positivity, every campaign I’m a part of automatically becomes a campaign for the brand that supports body positivity. They’re portraying someone who isn’t traditionally seen in the media.

And yes, I do say no to brands that absolutely do not promote body positivity.

Even whilst reviewing makeup on YouTube and Instagram, I would very consciously pick the brands I would work with.

 

What changes would you like to see in the modelling industry in the coming years?

 

Toshada: More genuine efforts towards inclusion and less tokenism are something I definitely hope to see in the coming years.  

 

Prarthana: I would love to see women and men of all colours, shapes and sizes be a part of huge campaigns, right now we see many thin, young and fair individuals, there’s no harm but people of colour also need equal opportunities. 

Many women face body-shaming even now in the industry and I wish it wasn’t so cut-throat to be the most unattainable woman out there, there are more women with muffin tops, thick thighs and bellies who companies should cater to, being relatable really sparks everyone’s interests and I hope more brands would be open to something like that.