Trends in the modelling world began to change in the 1980s: A number of Anglo-Indians had begun to migrate to England and Australia, and at the same time there was a demand for fresh faces to launch a variety of products. A change in products -- from condiments and pressure cookers to cosmetics and personal care items -- demanded a change in the type of models, and creating advertisements for television required glamorous women who could launch products.

A parallel development that encouraged the modelling industry was the coming of age of designers. Led by Ritu Kumar, the fashion scene in the country has witnessed a spurt of designer labels -- Ritu Beri, Rina Dhaka, Tarun Tahiliani, Hemant Trivedi, Rohit Bal and J.J. Vallaya to name a few.

Miss World-2004

Miss Universe-2004

The growth of the fashion industry and modelling goes hand in hand, points out designer Ritu Beri, who recently exhibited her collection at the couture week in Paris. As the fashion industry has grown, it has boosted the modelling industry, and the media has made the whole thing more visible, more prestigious, adds Jaishri Jethwaney of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.

With designers requiring to exhibit their garments for every season (spring/summer and fall/winter), the demand for fashion models increased. "You need a minimum of seven to twelve models for each show," says Beri, who held seven shows last year. "They have to be professionals, who are poised and know how to exhibit the garments, what features to highlight."