The 20-year-old British model, Neelam Gill (formerly Neelam Johal) stands at 5’10” and is originally from Coventry, but has since moved to London. She’s been having a major moment in fashion, ever since her 2013 debut as the first South Asian model to star in a Burberry advertising campaign. As of recent, she’s walked the ramp for Kanye West and London-based knitwear brand Sibling, starred in Gap’s Spring/Summer 2015 advertising campaign, landed the cover of Elle India and Homme Style, and appeared in fashion editorials around the world—from Harper’s Bazaar Germany to L’Officiel Singapore.
What sets her apart in the modeling industry is her outspoken stance on issues such as bullying, racism, and depression, which she candidly speaks about on her YouTube channel. She recently teamed up with body-confidence activist Harnaam Kaur, who proudly calls herself “The Bearded Lady,” to discuss their experiences of school and social-media bullying!
Her latest achievement includes being the new face of Abercrombie & Fitch’s Fall/Winter 2015 campaign!
After countless lawsuits against the American brand and sales plummeting, Abercrombie & Fitch has established a new minimalistic aesthetic, opting for fewer logos and less overt sexuality. Abercrombie & Fitch also aims to achieve higher-quality garments, by garnering designers like Karl Lagerfeld as head womenswear designer and Aaron Levine, formerly of Club Monaco, as head menswear designer. The new campaign, which strays away from the brand’s well-known Bruce Weber aesthetic, is photographed by Dan Martensen, who has shot campaigns for Prabal Gurung, and styled by Clare Richardson. With Abercrombie & Fitch’s new image and direction, Neelam is a direct expression of the ongoing change about to come!
