Mehul Chowdarapu
Model Showcase
A look into the lives of our Community Creatives
Mehul Chowdarapu, Simi Valley, CA
What inspired you to venture into modeling?
I've always been inspired by fashion, the idea to wear what represents your personality and to embody what you believe to be art!
How would you describe your modeling style?
"I would describe my modeling style to be very street-inspired and street wear based. The reason being is that I have a background of hip-hop dancing, and urban/street-wear is very popular among this community. Hence, my style takes after those I look up to in the dance community and I wear what makes me feel like I embody the dance culture."
What do you hope people get out of your modeling photos?
"I know that people of Asian decent, specifically from India, don't necessarily get represented in the fashion industry because of typical stereotypes and stigmas that exist within the Indian fashion community. So I want to represent the many people, both of Asian decent and of minorities under represented in the fashion community, and disprove the negative connotations that are associated with Indian fashion."
We created our Actually Slim Fit so guys could find confidence and feel comfortable in the clothes they wear. As an Asian model, what does a good fitting shirt mean to you?
"A good fitting shirt to me is something that I can feel comfortable with and yet, be myself in. A lot of the times, extra fitting, trimming, etc. is required for a shirt to feel that way, but with a slim fit that actually fits me it translates to so much more confidence and comfort when modeling, that make posing that much easier."
What is your full-time gig? Any side hustles?
I am an undergraduate student right now, but I absolutely love DJ'ing as a side hobby. Be sure to follow me on SoundCloud and Instagram @mehul.chow!
All photos by Jayne Chong
Place you most want to travel next?
"Tokyo."
Favorite song at the moment?
"Heartless- The Weeknd."
Your go-to outfit?
"Oversized sweaters with baggy joggers and Air force 1s."
Favorite Nimble Made dress shirt?
"The Crescent slim fit."
Best menswear accessory you can't live without?
"Dad hat!"