From India to New York, studying business while modelling for shows and designer businesses, Aastha is happy to be back in India for the Independence Day.
“I think I have always stayed true to my roots and not really changed my habits and mindset while I was in New York City,” Aastha Agarwal said upon her return to India for Independence Day. I’m incredibly happy to be a part of this lovely country and to have its culture ingrained in my DNA. Having remained in the West, I’m appreciative to be spending August 14 in India and taking part in the festivities here.
She began modelling in NYC after being seen by photographer Matvey. Since then, she has taken part in a number of events there. She walked for a number of designers including Lone Star Collection, Mike Sylla Couture, Shekhar Rahate, and Adrian Aliciea in NYFW Fashion Sizzle SS 23, HiTech Moda 22 FW, Tonni 86 Couture, and Walter Baker in SS 2021, Andres Aquino for the June 2021 show, and other designers at NYC Live, also walked for Alexander Gurman and Tyeisha in FW 22, as well as catalogue photos for Maison Zelani, Bhoomki, and Maui by Lolita in 22/21. Multiple editorials featuring creative artists in NYC, also got featured on a billboard in April for bridal wear.
Before making a debut at NYFW presentations with Sustainable Fashion Week in 2020, she did a few test shoots over the course of one to two years. She had been working as a model and volunteering at The Isha Foundation in New York City, delivering food to senior citizens there, and doing internships in finance, media, and politics there.
“New York is a secular, liberal city that is a melting pot of people from all over the world.” Every immigrant in New York celebrates his or her regional festivals and traditions. In NYC, there are numerous events planned on August 14th. People in Times Square dress up in Indian cultural costume and create patriotic movies. “Aside from Indians and people of Indian origin, many non-Indians participate in the festivities with pomp and colour,” Aastha says.
