Neelam Gill, supermodel and activist | MAKERS

Described by esteemed fashion designer Christopher Bailey as “the future of British beauty”, Neelam Gill is one of British modelling’s brightest stars. But she’s more than just a pretty face. Using her fame (and her YouTube channel), she is a firm and outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry, a cause that remains close to her heart and crucial to her work. She also speaks openly on social media about her struggles with online bullying and depression. As the first British Indian model to make her name in international catwalk modelling, Neelam was named the face of L’Oreal Paris early last year, becoming one of the company’s global ambassadors. She was also chosen to walk amongst a host of other supermodels in Naomi Campbell’s already iconic Fashion for Relief Charity Fashion Show. Neelam has worked with iconic photographers such as Steven Klein, featuring in publications including British Vogue, ELLE UK and Stella: The Sunday Telegraph Magazine. She also features regularly in The Guardian for her campaigning towards a more inclusive fashion industry. “Colourism is a huge part of our culture,” she said in an interview with The Guardian in 2018. “I talk about it a lot, because I think if I feel this way, there must be so many other people who feel this way, but who are too ashamed to talk about it.” Brought to you by Barbie