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Gunjan Kunwar talks about her Journey, challenges and opportunities in the ever competitive modeling industry

Know the inspiring story of Gunjan Kunwar and her interesting perspective on the modeling industry in Uttarakhand

Gunjan Kunwar paved the way for herself and many others by winning the Miss Uttarakhand title in 2022. We often wonder, what all goes behind the glitz and glamor of beauty pageants? We wanted to know it all from someone who has been there and, to be honest, Gunjan Kunwar does have an interesting perspective on the modeling industry. We asked her about her story and how it all started. We had a little chat with her over the same, where she talked about the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way, such as navigating the competitive landscape of the industry, building a personal brand, and learning how to strike the right balance between professionalism and personal goals. It gets more interesting when she adds up her proudest moments and accomplishments. Catch this fascinating glimpse of the modeling industry from someone who has been there for quite some time. Scroll down to read our brisk conversation with her.

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How did you get started in the fashion and modeling industry, and what inspired you to pursue it? And what is Gunjan Kunwar doing right now?

Soon after I was done with my school, I started posting on Instagram, and to be honest, I wasn’t doing something extremely mainstream. My fashion content was all about what fashion means to me and what I find comfortable and people did appreciate my content for its uniqueness. How I won the pageant and became Miss Uttarakhand story also kinda starts from here. I applied for the competition somewhere around December 2021 and the whole thing was quite confidential and even my parents were unaware of that. I was not quite sure about the whole thing at the start but when I got the mail of selection, I was really excited and from there I took this all seriously.

I have always kept my academics as my priority. I remember how I wasn’t able to attend the grooming classes before the pageant because I had my exams. It was a task for me to balance everything out but everything went well and here I am. If you ask me what I am doing right now, I have studied physiotherapy and currently, I’m pretty occupied with my internship. 

What’s your favorite part about being a model and an influencer?

Whether it’s about being a model or an influencer, my all-time favorite thing has to be in front of the camera. I have tried a number of things but when it comes to doing stuff in front of the camera, it all comes very naturally to me.

Do you have any favorites when it comes to designers or brands?

I’m really inclined towards ethnic Indian wear, especially sarees, and suits. I think it suits me and matches my personal style as well. If you ask me about designers, Sabyasachi is the first name that comes to my mind. I also like Manish Malhotra but his Indian wear collections have a pinch of western elements to it. On the other hand, I’m a huge fan of how Sabyasachi represents our culture with its patterns and detailing which makes it my personal favorite. 

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the fashion and modeling industry in Uttarakhand, and how did you deal with these challenges? 

If we talk from the perspective of people who want to make a career in the industry, I think they lack confidence and resources. It was when I entered the industry, I got to know about the immense potential people here have but most of them lack confidence in themselves. Apart from that, there are not enough resources and awareness about it here. Even if someone is aspiring to be something in the industry, they are not sure about “How to Start”. 

What changed after you won the pageant? What is it like for the models on the other side?  

First of all, when I heard my name being announced, I was on cloud nine. Personally and professionally, a lot has changed after that for me. There is a thin line between being confident and overconfident and I learned to acknowledge that. Back in the day, I believe that I was really overconfident about a lot of things but with time, I realized to draw a fine line between things. Now I believe in having faith in your skills, doing hard work for things you want, and believing in destiny. After winning the pageant, a lot of recognition happened. I received congratulatory calls from my relatives and even from local politicians. Soon after that, I got Uttrakhand Achiever’s Award, and also many opportunities kicked in. And though I was quite known already for being an influencer, this experience was really different. When people meet me now they recognize me as Miss Uttarakhand winner and feel like I have achieved something. 

Some people argue that the fashion industry perpetuates a culture of consumerism and waste. Do you think people can be sustainable while still being trendy?

I think people who are very much influenced by modern culture don’t think much before hopping onto a new trend. I think, instead of trying too many new things to fit in, we should rather preserve what we already have. I have mentioned above my love for Sabyasachi designs and I stick to that. Secondly, one should be aware of their own fashion preferences and should not just try things because everyone else is doing so and it is a trend. Coming to the sustainability point, I have a few suggestions that can be followed personally. I think it all will start with conscious buying. Knowing what suits you is the first step and then, you should go for the basics that can be worn and styled in many ways on different occasions. 

What advice do you have for young people looking to break into the fashion and modeling industry?

First of all, “Be your own cheerleader”. When you go into the industry, there won’t necessarily be people out there patting your back when you do something amazing. It’s good if you have found yourself in a supportive environment but you should always be prepared to encourage yourself. When you go out there and meet people, especially the ones who consider you a competition will try to drag you down but you have to stand strong. Secondly, you have to be confident out there and stand strong on things you believe in. And most importantly, you should always set and respect your boundaries. Whenever you are making important decisions, think it through.

Also Read: Mr. North India 2023, Abhishek Singh Talks About His Journey In The Indian Modelling Industry.

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Top 10 Best Dressed Female Politicians in the World

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In today’s modern political landscape, style is more than just appearance it’s a powerful form of communication. The world’s most influential women leaders are not only shaping policies but also redefining fashion in politics. From tailored power suits to culturally rooted ensembles, these women command attention with both their words and their wardrobe.

Giorgia Meloni

Italy’s Prime Minister is known for her polished and sophisticated style. She often opts for well-tailored blazers, neutral tones, and minimal accessories exuding quiet confidence and authority.

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Jacinda Ardern

Even after stepping down, Jacinda Ardern remains a global fashion inspiration. Her understated elegance, monochrome outfits, and effortless styling reflect authenticity and relatability.

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Kamala Harris

Known for her iconic pantsuits and pearls, Kamala Harris blends professionalism with modern relatability, making her a global style icon.

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Sanna Marin

Sanna Marin continues to influence global fashion with her minimalist yet bold styling, redefining contemporary political aesthetics.

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Nirmala Sitharaman

Known for her graceful sarees, Nirmala Sitharaman represents Indian tradition with a modern touch. Her wardrobe reflects simplicity, authority, and cultural identity.

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Hina Rabbani Khar

Known globally for her luxury handbags and refined outfits, she is one of the most stylish politicians from Pakistan.

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Maryam Nawaz

Maryam Nawaz is admired for her elegant traditional wear and graceful public appearances.

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Kaja Kallas

Kaja Kallas is known for her sleek, modern European style favoring clean lines and contemporary silhouettes.

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Mette Frederiksen

Her Scandinavian minimalism, neutral tones, and sharp tailoring reflect understated elegance and leadership.

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

AOC brings boldness to political fashion with statement outfits and relatable styling that resonates with younger audiences.

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The best dressed female politicians in the world are proving that leadership and style go hand in hand. Whether through traditional attire or modern power dressing, these women are setting global fashion benchmarks while leading nations and inspiring millions.

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Minimalism vs Maximalism: What’s Trending in Lifestyle (2026)

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In today’s fast-evolving world, lifestyle trends are no longer one-size-fits-all. Two contrasting yet equally powerful movements minimalism and maximalism are shaping how people live, decorate, dress, and express themselves. While minimalism promotes simplicity and intentional living, maximalism celebrates boldness and individuality. But what’s actually trending in 2026? The answer lies somewhere in between.

What’s Trending in 2026?

The Rise of “Midimalism”

In 2026, the biggest lifestyle trend is not choosing between minimalism and maximalism but blending both. This hybrid approach, often called midimalism, combines the calmness of minimalism with the personality of maximalism.

Think of a clean, neutral space enhanced with bold artwork or statement furniture. It’s about creating a balanced environment that feels both peaceful and expressive.

Warm Minimalism is Replacing Cold Spaces

Traditional minimalism, often criticized for feeling too stark or sterile, is evolving. Today’s minimalist spaces are warmer and more inviting, featuring earthy tones, soft textures, and natural materials like wood and linen.

This shift reflects a growing desire for comfort and livability rather than perfection.

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Maximalism is Making a Strong Comeback

Maximalism is gaining momentum across fashion, interiors, and digital culture. From bold prints and statement jewelry to eclectic home decor, people are embracing louder, more expressive styles.

Nostalgia-driven trends like retro and Y2K aesthetics are also fueling this comeback, making maximalism more mainstream than ever.

Vibrant interior design filled with patterns and statement pieces

Personalization Over Trends

Perhaps the most important trend in 2026 is personalization. People are no longer strictly following one style they are curating lifestyles that reflect their personality, values, and emotions.

Minimalism represents control and clarity, while maximalism reflects creativity and freedom. The modern lifestyle blends both, depending on mood, space, and purpose.

Minimalism vs Maximalism: A Quick Comparison

Minimalism focuses on simplicity, functionality, and calm environments, often using neutral colors and fewer elements. In contrast, maximalism emphasizes boldness, layering, and individuality, with vibrant colors and detailed designs. While minimalism helps reduce stress and improve focus, maximalism adds energy and character to everyday life.

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Which Lifestyle is Right for You?

Choosing between minimalism and maximalism depends entirely on your personality and lifestyle needs. If you prefer peace, order, and simplicity, minimalism may suit you best. If you enjoy creativity, color, and self-expression, maximalism could be your ideal choice.

However, most people today are moving toward a balanced approach keeping their spaces functional and clutter-free while adding elements that reflect their identity.

Minimalism and maximalism are no longer opposing forces they are complementary. In 2026, the real trend is about finding harmony between the two. A lifestyle that is both intentional and expressive, simple yet full of character, is what defines modern living.

Instead of asking which trend is better, the better question is: What feels right for you?

Also Read: Budget to Luxury: How to Dress Rich Without Spending Much

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Budget to Luxury: How to Dress Rich Without Spending Much

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Looking expensive doesn’t always mean spending a fortune. In today’s fashion world, style is more about how you wear clothes than how much you pay for them. With the right techniques, you can achieve a luxury fashion look on a budget and elevate your personal style effortlessly.

Focus on Fit: The Secret to Looking Expensive

The first rule of dressing rich is perfect fit. Even the most affordable outfit can look premium when it fits you well. Baggy or overly tight clothes can ruin the entire look.

  • Get your clothes tailored for a polished appearance
  • Choose structured outfits like blazers, trousers, and fitted dresses
  • Avoid overly trendy pieces that may look cheap quickly

Choose Neutral Colors for a Classy Look

Luxury fashion often revolves around neutral color palettes. Shades like beige, white, black, navy, and grey instantly give a sophisticated vibe.

  • Monochrome outfits always look high-end
  • Avoid loud prints; opt for minimal designs
  • Stick to timeless color combinations

Invest in Timeless Wardrobe Staples

You don’t need a huge wardrobe just the right pieces.

Must-have affordable luxury essentials:

  • Crisp white shirt
  • Well-fitted blazer
  • Classic denim
  • Black trousers
  • Little black dress

These staples never go out of style and can be mixed and matched easily.

Pay Attention to Fabric Quality

Even budget clothes can look expensive if the fabric looks premium.

  • Choose cotton, linen, wool blends, and satin-like fabrics
  • Avoid materials that wrinkle easily or look too thin
  • Always check stitching and finishing

Keep It Minimal: Less Is More

Rich style is never loud it’s refined and minimal.

  • Avoid excessive logos and branding
  • Choose simple, clean designs
  • Stick to 1–2 accessories per outfit

Minimalism creates a quiet luxury aesthetic, which is trending globally.

Upgrade Your Accessories Game

Accessories can instantly elevate a basic outfit.

  • Structured handbags instead of slouchy ones
  • Classic watches and simple jewelry
  • Sunglasses with clean frames

Pro tip: Avoid fake flashy items opt for subtle elegance.

Maintain Grooming and Hygiene

Looking rich isn’t just about clothes it’s about presentation.

  • Keep your clothes wrinkle-free and clean
  • Well-groomed hair and neat nails matter
  • Wear a subtle, long-lasting fragrance

A polished appearance completes the luxury look.

Smart Shopping Hacks to Save Money

You don’t need designer brands to look expensive.

  • Shop during sales and clearance events
  • Explore thrift stores and online resale platforms
  • Mix high-end pieces with budget finds

Confidence: The Ultimate Luxury

No outfit looks complete without confidence. The way you carry yourself defines your overall style.

  • Stand straight and walk confidently
  • Keep your styling intentional
  • Own your look

Confidence is what truly makes any outfit look expensive.

Dressing rich isn’t about spending more it’s about styling smart. By focusing on fit, neutral tones, quality fabrics, and minimalism, you can easily create a luxury look on a budget.

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