Meher Castellino, the first-ever winner of the Femina Miss India title, has passed away. She was a pioneering figure in Indian fashion and beauty, whose career helped shape the country’s modeling and fashion journalism landscape.
Born in Mumbai, Meher Castellino began her modeling journey at the young age of 16. Her defining moment came in 1964, when she made history by winning the inaugural Femina Miss India pageant, shortly after graduating from the Lawrence School, Lovedale. She later represented India at the Miss Universe and Miss Nations international beauty contests.
A Remarkable Modeling Career
Meher enjoyed a distinguished 14-year career as a model, during which she participated in over 2,000 live fashion shows across India and abroad. She was equally influential behind the scenes, directing several shows and heading design departments for both export-oriented and domestic fashion houses.
Her expertise also extended to editorial leadership, as she served as fashion editor for magazines such as Gentlemen’s Fashion Quarterly, Flair, and Eve’s Weekly.
Pioneer of Fashion Journalism
In 1973, Meher transitioned into fashion journalism with her first article published in Eve’s Weekly. She went on to become a full-time fashion journalist and syndicated columnist, writing for more than 160 national and international publications. Widely regarded as a pioneer of fashion journalism in India, she covered high-fashion events and interviewed global designers in countries including France, Italy, Germany, the USA, South Africa, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Singapore.
From 2006 onwards, she was the official fashion writer for Lakmé Fashion Week,