• Elina Gunawardena was scouted by Ford Models Paris at 14. • She grew up idolising models like Bella Hadid and Adriana Lima. • Her first major shoot was for Vogue Netherlands' cover. • Elina expresses pride in representing South Asia globally. • She believes diversity is increasing in the modelling industry.
Elina Gunawardena, 19, is living the life every aspiring model dreams of. The Sri Lankan model was scouted when she was 14, leading to the life-changing casting by Ford Models Paris last year. She has walked at the Paris Fashion Week and already has names like Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermes, Emporio Armani, Max Mara and Fendi, among others, on her CV. With Ford Models coming to India for the first time for a one-day open scouting in Mumbai on May 16, we caught up with Elina to learn about her journey so far.
When my older sisters joined Panthera Management in Sri Lanka, it sparked my interest in modelling. They both inspired me to start, and luckily, I got into the agency as well. Then, last year in February, I was scouted by Ford Models Paris, which was a big turning point in my journey.
Were you always interested in modelling?
Yes, I’ve always been interested in modelling. I grew up watching iconic figures like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Adriana Lima. As a child, I would play dress up and pretend I was walking on a runway.
Elina Gunawardena walks for Jean Paul Gaultier
Tell us about being scouted at 15...
I was scouted by Panthera in 2021 when I was 14, turning 15 that December. Since I was quite young, I didn’t take modelling seriously at first. But as I started booking more jobs, I began to see it as a real career and became more focused.
What have the last few years been like?
The past few years have been like a rollercoaster with many ups and downs. There were moments when I felt unmotivated and unsure, but those phases never lasted long. Each time, I found a way to regain focus. These experiences taught me that such challenges are a natural part of growth. My family and the people I’ve worked with have always uplifted me. Modelling in Sri Lanka gave me a strong foundation and mindset for the industry.
My mentors have been my agents in Sri Lanka, Paris, and London, as well as my sisters, who have always guided me. However, my biggest mentor is my mom. She has supported me through everything, attended my shoots, and even came with me to Paris for my first international fashion week. She has seen every high and low and has always encouraged me.
What have been some of your biggest assignments?
One of my biggest assignments has been my first-ever Vogue Netherlands cover shoot. It has always been a dream of mine, and seeing it come true feels surreal.
Tell us about representing South Asia on the international ramp...
I feel incredibly proud to represent my beautiful country, Sri Lanka, and South Asia as a whole. It means a lot to know that people from my region support me. Whenever I speak about Sri Lanka, people are always excited and share their own experiences of visiting. I hope to see more South Asians represented in the global modelling industry.
Do you feel there is discrimination, or are things getting better?
I believe things are definitely getting better, with more diversity and representation being recognised globally. There is still progress to be made, but it’s encouraging to see more South Asian talent being embraced in the industry.
My dream was always to be on the cover of Vogue , and now that it has happened, it feels unreal. I would love to be on more Vogue covers and continue growing internationally. I’m also excited about the Ford and Panthera casting in India and can’t wait to see more South Asian talent emerge.
What is your single tip for budding models?
Always stay grounded, no matter what happens. Having a steady mindset will help you handle both success and setbacks.
Pictures courtesy: Elina Gunawardena
l Hobbies: Dancing, singing, sketching
l Favourite models: Adriana Lima, Alex Consani, Bella Hadid, Gisele Bündchen, Yasmin Wijnaldum
l Favourite designers: Simon Porte Jacquemus, Kim Bekker, Isabel Marant, and many more
l Future plans: To continue modelling while also pursuing a career in dance
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