When Debonair launched its Indian edition in the early 1990s, the country was undergoing a seismic shift. The economic liberalization of 1991 had opened the gates to Western consumerism. Suddenly, Indian youth were exposed to MTV, foreign fashion brands, and a worldview that celebrated individualism.
By 2010, Debonair had lost its edge. Maxmim, FHM, and later, unlimited free internet porn made the soft-focus magazine obsolete. The magazine pivoted to a "luxury lifestyle" format, dropping most of the glamour photography. Consequently, the demand for Debonair style models evaporated. Debonair Magazine India Models
Take (28, Lakme Fashion Week regular, face of a major luxury watch brand). He isn't classically “pretty.” His nose has a bump from a college rugby accident. His walk is a little lazy, a little dangerous. “I was rejected seven times because my ‘look wasn’t clean,’” he tells us over black coffee at a Bandra studio. “Then a European designer saw my test shots and said, ‘Finally, a man who looks like he’s lived.’” When Debonair launched its Indian edition in the
Let’s not romanticize it. The life is brutal. Up at 4:00 AM for a flight to Goa for a swimwear shoot, then a train back to Mumbai for a 9:00 PM fitting. The pay is irregular. The rejections are silent—an email that never comes, a WhatsApp message left on read. By 2010, Debonair had lost its edge
: The most critical tip for any model is to "stay true to yourself". In an industry where many will try to dictate your look and walk, maintaining your unique personality ensures a long-term, fulfilling career. Industry Overview