Marc Robinson, one of India’s first male supermodels, visited Chandigarh for the Pepe Jeans Fashion Designer Awards 2025 Student Edition. His visit was an inspiration to budding designers, especially after last year’s winner, Arbaz Khan, came from the same institute. Marc has spent decades scouting and grooming talent, bringing small-town dreams to the global fashion stage.
He proudly shares how young talents, who once struggled with language and resources, now work with top designers. Arbaz, for instance, has secured a position with designer Arjun Khanna in Mumbai. Marc recalls how he had to help models get visas when he launched Elite Model Look India, and now they walk for Versace in Paris and Milan.
Speaking on diversity and AI’s influence in fashion, Marc believes traditional beauty norms will persist. He references Donald Trump’s views on gender and recalls meeting him at the Mrs Universe contest in Russia. While AI is here to stay, Marc emphasizes the value of human craftsmanship, highlighting India’s rich textile heritage.
For aspiring models, Marc’s advice is simple: prioritize education first. He followed the same path, keeping a full-time job in Delhi until modeling overtook his schedule. He also guides his daughter Sienna, who wants to follow in his footsteps, to focus on academics before stepping into fashion.
Choosing the right agency is crucial, he warns. Thorough research is necessary, and any agency that demands money may not be trustworthy. His decades of experience teach that success comes from smart choices and persistence.
Marc loves his visits to Chandigarh. He enjoys the drive from Delhi, making pit stops at dhabas for kulhad chai. He appreciates how food has improved and ensures he stocks up on winter treats like gajar ka halwa before heading back to Mumbai.