Why Indian Models Are Going Viral With This Trend

Indian models are turning everyday scenes from their hometowns into fashion moments with a new Instagram trend. Called the “hometown vs runway” trend, these Reels contrast ordinary life back home with glamorous appearances on fashion runways. A model might appear tending to farm work, walking along village paths or carrying buckets in one clip, before transitioning into a couture look or a runway appearance in the next. Set to music, the videos combine fashion, nostalgia and personal storytelling.

What Is the Hometown vs Runway Trend?

Unlike conventional transformation videos that focus primarily on clothing or makeup, the hometown vs runway trend puts a model’s background at the centre of the story. The format moves between two contrasting settings: familiar surroundings and the high-fashion world. Rural landscapes, agricultural work and everyday routines become the starting point, while runway appearances show how far a model’s career has taken them.

The appeal lies in more than the visual transformation. By sharing their roots, models offer audiences a glimpse of their lives outside fashion shows and professional portfolios. The format also gives creators a way to tell personal stories without relying on lengthy voiceovers. A familiar setting, a well-timed transition and a fitting soundtrack can communicate the journey in seconds.

5 Indian Models Taking the Hometown vs Runway Trend Beyond the Catwalk

1. Sahil Singh

Sahil Singh worked as a Swiggy delivery partner for nearly two years before pursuing modelling. After around 200 auditions, he landed his first professional assignment with haircare brand Streax in 2024. His journey gained attention through an Instagram Reel documenting his transition into fashion.

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A post shared by Sahil Singh | fashion & grooming tips | (@fashiontipssahil)

2. Donas Ghosh

Fashion creator and model Donas Ghosh shared a transition Reel captioned “Roots to Runway”. The video connects her everyday background with her fashion identity, reflecting the trend’s focus on celebrating personal journeys alongside professional success.

3. Savio Fedrick

Model, actor and producer Savio Fedrick says he was among the first to experiment with the hometown-versus-runway format. He used a favourite Tamil song to connect his roots with his modelling journey, his Reel crossed 20 million views.

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A post shared by Savio Fedrick (@savio_fedrick)

4. Rituraj Singh Nabiyal

A 22-year-old IIT Kanpur engineering student from Nabi village in Uttarakhand, Rituraj Singh Nabiyal pursues modelling alongside his studies. His Reel contrasts his rural upbringing with his fashion career, highlighting how aspiring models can come from small towns and villages.

5. Anandhu Baiju

Anandhu Baiju, 27, is a Kerala-based model who studied engineering before pursuing fashion. His Reel reflects his shift from a conventional career path to modelling, adding a personal dimension to the hometown-versus-runway trend.

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A post shared by 𝓐nandhu 𝓑aiju (@anandhubaijukl)

Why Is This Trend Resonating With Audiences?

The hometown vs runway trend brings together three elements that often make short-form videos compelling: visual contrast, personal identity and an aspirational story.

The transformation creates an instant hook. The shift from everyday clothing and familiar surroundings to a runway look gives viewers an immediate visual payoff.

The backstory makes the content personal. By including their hometowns, routines and early experiences, models show audiences more than their professional image.

The format celebrates cultural identity. Music, landscapes and everyday activities connect the videos to the places their creators call home. These details make each Reel more personal than a standard fashion transition.

It challenges narrow perceptions of modelling. The videos question the idea that fashion careers are accessible only to people from major cities or privileged backgrounds. They show that aspiring models can come from varied communities and career paths.