Ravleen Varghese, a 25-year-old model hailing from the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, achieved a significant international milestone on October 18, 2026, when she became the first model of Malayali origin to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The high-profile event, which took place in Los Angeles, served as the third instalment of the brand's runway show since its widely publicised return. Varghese's participation saw her grace the stage twice, marking a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career within the global fashion industry.
The 2026 edition of the show featured a range of prominent performers and returned to a live-streaming format, broadcast across platforms including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. The event showcased a blend of returning veterans and debutants, featuring established names such as Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Gigi Hadid, and Bella Hadid. Alongside the traditional runway presentations, the show garnered significant attention for the debut of the brand's diamond-encrusted Fantasy Bra, worn by Kylie Jenner.
Varghese’s runway performance was highlighted by two distinct ensembles. Her first appearance featured a lacy pink lingerie set paired with a flowing robe, while her second walk saw her showcase a black-and-white outfit alongside fellow models Luíza Perote and Malika El Maslouhi. The fashion commentary platform Diet Sabya underscored the significance of her appearance, highlighting her entry into an exclusive group of Indian and Indian-origin models who have previously walked the Victoria's Secret runway, including Ujjwala Raut, Bhumika Arora, and Neelam Gill.
The journey to the Victoria’s Secret stage began in Kodumon, Kerala, where Varghese grew up. At the age of 18, she moved to New Delhi to pursue a design education at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). It was during her time in the capital that she was discovered by Anima Creative Management. Although she initially hesitated to sign with agencies, feeling uncertain about her place in the industry, her career gained momentum as she secured opportunities with prestigious labels including Dior, Loewe, and Sabyasachi. She has also participated in New York Fashion Week and featured on various magazine covers.
Behind the scenes, preparations for the 2026 event were documented by the model herself and the show's organizers. Social media updates revealed the standard backstage process, including her official cast headshot, the iconic pink-striped satin robe embroidered with her name, and a team jacket adorned with the event's title in pink rhinestones. These glimpses into the event provided fans with a look at the intensity of the fashion show's production, which requires rigorous preparation from the participating models.
In a previous interview with The Nod in 2025, Varghese shared insights into her personal routine for high-stakes professional engagements. She emphasized the importance of adequate rest, aiming for seven to eight hours of sleep, followed by a ritual involving Malayalam music and a careful skincare routine. She noted that she prefers to arrive at work in outfits that bolster her sense of confidence and boldness, reflecting a grounded approach to a high-pressure career that has taken her from a quiet village in Kerala to one of the most recognizable runways in the world.
As Varghese continues her career on the global stage, her historic walk is being celebrated as a landmark achievement for models from Kerala. Her path from NIFT Delhi to the West Coast represents an upward trajectory in the fashion sector, establishing her as a notable representative of Indian talent on an international platform. The 2026 show has concluded, but Varghese’s inclusion among the international cast underscores a broadening representation on one of fashion’s most scrutinized stages.
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