Meet Imran Rai | Model, Blogger, Inclusion and Diversity Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Imran Rai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Imran, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I think that there is a huge glorification of the modelling industry. A lot of people view it as glamorous and privileged. However, they are not aware of the inconsistency in income, constant travel, and resilience it requires. Many models will struggle financially because they may not receive payment for a job until 30 days after it occurs. It is common for us to move every few months and we are constantly faced with criticism based on our appearance and “Look.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel as though my art has developed over time. I began modelling to break traditional barriers and be a vessel for other Indian girls who needed representation. When I majored in Sociology at university, I saw more than just diversity, I saw the ways that the modelling industry inflicted body ideals, norms, and standards on the world. Through this, I became a lot more expressive and began to discover my purpose. I am most proud of my ability to travel the world throughout my career. I am the first woman in my family to do this and it makes me extremely grateful. The ability to work with other inspired people across the world and immerse myself in their art and culture is a beautiful experience. It was not easy for me to get to where I am at. I had to work on my portfolio, and reach out to multiple creatives, photographers, and stylists to help me develop my book so that I could get signed to an agency, to multiple agencies worldwide, and submit to clients. I started out working for free and kept going because I believed in myself and my purpose. The biggest lesson I learned was to embrace my uniqueness, the industry can impose a lot of pressure on models to conform, and mould to what is expected of them, to be skinnier, more fashionable, lighter etc. However, your uniqueness is actually your power. There is no YOU. If you embrace YOU, I promise you that people will eventually notice. I would want the world to know that I am more than just a model, I stand for expression and I am to do it boldly. Whether it be normalizing real and authentic diversity or saying no to toxic beauty standards, I will continue on this path.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in London I would definitely take my best friend around central London, and show her all of the classic touristy things like Picadilly Circus, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, and The London Eye. I would also structure the trip around the lovely food that London has to offer: Brunch at Farm Girl, a smoothie from my favourite healthbar Rawlala, and dinner at Hovarda. After going to Hovarda, I am sure we may end up hitting the town and going out in Mayfair. On Sunday, it would only be right to take my guest for a traditional English brunch following a day at Brick Lane Market. Brick Lane is situated in my favourite part of London. Hunt for a bargain within the bric-a-brac at this bustling East End market, bursting full of antiques, stunning fabrics and kitsch collectables. London has so much to offer in the creative space and tends to be vibrant every night. Oh and of course, the trip is not complete without a visit to Selfridges or Harrods… The fashion in London is amazing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout my Mom. It may be a bit of a cliché but I genuinely would not be where I am today without her. My Mom grew up in a traditional Indian household where she immigrated from India worked in a farm, and then went on to business. Despite her upbringing, she still chose to give me the freedom to be bold and break traditional barriers. Whether it was encouraging me in my studies or waiting for me outside of photoshoots and meetings in New York, my Mom has always been my biggest cheerleader. I owe all of my success to my support system and my Mom happens to be at the core of it.

Website: https://lifewithimran.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithimran/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imran-rai-baa854162/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCygrzcw6U0rkqvPfFHuJO5Q

Image Credits
Clay Boutte, Steven Hawkins, Kate Collins, Mark Edet,