Đầm, Richards Radcliffe. Trang sức, Erickson Beamon
Madhulika Sharma hails from a hilly, small town Assam in the Northeast of India. Considered one of the first among a new crop of budding Indian personalities shaping fashion, she was a regular feature in the editorial, runway and advertising world. The young model had been dubbed by Grazia India as “Fashion’s Fresh Face” in 2017 before becoming a muse to the top designers.
Entering fashion industry thanks to Instagram photos
Dress, Zell. Jewelry, Erickson Beamon
Madhulika Sharma has spent her entire childhood in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, which has very little influence from trends or fashion. “My early days entailed pretty much the same activities as most kids in North East India were exposed to: harvesting a kitchen garden, playing a musical instrument or two, rescuing injured kittens or puppies and ample time spent under the canopy of a laden tree.”
Madhulika Sharma. Đầm, Richards Radcliffe. Trang sức, Erickson Beamon
She was scouted on Instagram after having uploaded a few photos that her friend shooted for his design portfolio. Subsequently, she decided to give modeling a shot while in college. The young model went on to be featured by Business of Fashion as “One to Watch”. Working with the top designers in India helped nurture her skill set.
She moved to New York in 2019 after finishing her Bachelor’s Degree and debuted at New York Fashion Week with Sies Marjian. Since then, she has shot with industry leaders and now focused on acquiring the knowhow of film and theater.
Dress, Zell. Jewelry, Erickson Beamon
To achieve considerable success á a model at a young age, Madhulika Sharma believes the most important is “to put your best foot forward no matter what you do”. In the cutthroat world of fashion, it is pivotal to look after your mental health, practice feeling like your optimal self in your body type, to be punctual and learn ceaselessly. “Having some knowledge of lighting, angles, creative direction and fashion history makes one a fun person to be on set with,” she shared.
Madhulika is also a massive champion for diversity in fashion. She believes that each of us is unique and offers something novel.
Desire to make an impact on the fashion
Jacket, Erickson Beamon
Graduated with an honors in political science and economics, Madhulika wants to use her knowledge to make an impact on the fashion industry. “Fashion is political because it is informed heavily by class, race and geographical region. The economics of fashion pertain mostly to consumerism. Thus, sustainability in fashion means consuming consciously to lead a lifestyle of mutual respect, not just towards the planet but to the future generations.”
Madhulika Sharma is working on a solo research project on the intersection of diversity, consumption and mental health. She also works with the Yarn Glory Foundation at promoting ‘non-violent’ or Ahimsa Silk in Assam, India Her active social media presence has earned her a loyal following, all while continuing to cement a position among fashion’s topmost clients. A mover and shaker by spirit, she is on a mission to amplify social change.
Jacket, Erickson Beamon
**Credits**
Creative Director, Photographer: Apeksha Agarwal @apekshagarwal.
Model: Madhulika Sharma @madhulikasharmaa.
Makeup Artist: Mark Edio @makeupmark.
Hair Stylist: Stefano Greco @stefano_greco.
Retoucher: Anastasiia Makarov @sfumato.retouch.
Wardrobe Stylist: Rutvik Katuri @rutvikkaturi.
Wardrobe: Showroom Seven @showroomseven
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
