As the spotlight intensifies on the Global India Couture Week 2025, Delhi-based model Shweta Raj has emerged as a voice of authenticity and wellness in the high-pressure world of fashion. Making her debut at one of India’s most prestigious couture platforms, Raj has revealed how she navigates the physical and emotional demands of back-to-back shows, long rehearsals, and the relentless pace of backstage chaos. Her tips offer a refreshing look into the routines that keep models grounded, glowing, and runway-ready.
At 29, Raj brings not only poise but also a practical approach to modeling, shaped by her upbringing as an army kid and her travels across India. Her insights reflect a blend of discipline, self-care, and adaptability—qualities that are increasingly vital in today’s fast-evolving fashion landscape.
Key Highlights From Shweta Raj’s Fashion Week Routine
- Prioritizes sleep to maintain mental clarity and physical energy
- Carries home-cooked meals including boiled eggs, fruits, and oats to avoid processed food
- Follows a minimalist skincare routine with cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and sunscreen
- Avoids hair coloring to preserve natural texture and health
- Embraces versatility to stay relevant in India’s fast-fashion modeling ecosystem
Nutrition And Energy Management
Raj’s approach to nutrition is rooted in simplicity and consistency. During fashion week, she avoids catering spreads and instead relies on a tiffin packed with boiled eggs, fruits, and oats. This not only keeps her energized but also prevents bloating and fatigue that often accompany processed foods.
She emphasizes hydration and light meals, especially before walking the ramp. Her choices reflect a growing trend among models to take control of their diets rather than rely on venue-provided options. Raj’s commitment to home-cooked food also underscores the importance of digestive comfort during high-stress events.
Skincare And Hair Discipline
In an industry where makeup layers and hairstyling tools are unavoidable, Raj keeps her personal care routine minimal and effective. She follows a basic regimen of cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and daily sunscreen application. Recently, she has added retinol to her nighttime routine, which she says has helped improve skin texture and resilience.
For her hair, Raj avoids chemical treatments and has declined participation in hair color shows. This decision is both aesthetic and protective, allowing her to maintain natural volume and reduce long-term damage. Her approach reflects a broader shift among models toward sustainable beauty practices.
Mental Preparation And Sleep Hygiene
Raj considers sleep the most critical part of her preparation. She ensures she gets adequate rest before show days, noting that grogginess can affect her presence of mind and performance. In an environment where call times can begin as early as 6 AM and fittings stretch into the night, sleep becomes a strategic asset.
She also practices mental visualization before stepping onto the ramp, especially given the scale of the Global India Couture Week runway, which she describes as the longest she has ever walked. Her mix of nervousness and excitement is tempered by preparation and mindfulness.
Adapting To Fast Fashion And Staying Relevant
Raj acknowledges that the modeling industry in India is undergoing rapid change. With the rise of fast fashion and digital campaigns, models are expected to be versatile and constantly reinvent themselves. She sees relevance as a key challenge, requiring adaptability in styling, posing, and even social media presence.
Her participation in GICW is not just a career milestone but also a learning experience, as she interacts with designers and models from cities like Mumbai, Indore, and Lucknow. The diversity of talent and design philosophies at the event inspires her to stay agile and open to new aesthetics.
Looking Ahead
As Global India Couture Week continues to redefine Indian fashion through scale and storytelling, models like Shweta Raj are setting new standards for professionalism and wellness. Her tips serve as a guide not just for aspiring models but for anyone navigating high-performance environments.
Raj’s journey at GICW is a reminder that behind the glamour lies grit, and that true elegance begins with self-care.
Sources: Free Press Journal.
