Born on April 27, 1995, in Coventry, England, Neelam Kaur Gill is a British-Indian model of Punjabi Sikh descent who made history as the first Punjabi woman to walk for Victoria’s Secret. Her journey from a small-town girl to an international supermodel represents the perfect blend of grace, resilience, and cultural pride.​

Discovered at the age of 13 at The Clothes Show Live, Neelam quickly signed with NEXT Model Management. By the age of 18, she had become the first Indian-origin model to feature in a Burberry campaign during London Fashion Week, breaking a long-standing racial ceiling in the British fashion scene.​

Early Life and Punjabi Roots

Neelam’s family hails from Punjab, India, and proudly identifies with her Sikh heritage. She was originally born as Neelam Kaur Johal, later adopting the name Gill from her stepfather. Raised in a culturally grounded household despite growing up in England, she remained rooted in her Punjabi identity — a theme that often shines through her interviews and social posts.​

In her own words, she credits her Desi background for shaping her confidence and resilience. Her social media post after the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Show read, “Punjabi princess for @victoriassecret! I’m so proud of where I’m from, and that will never change!”.​

Breaking Barriers in Fashion

Neelam’s big break came when she became the face of Burberry in 2013, followed by major brand collaborations with L’Oréal Paris, Dior, Givenchy, Balmain, and Abercrombie & Fitch. She also walked for global creatives such as Kanye West and Rohit Bal, expanding her presence across both Western and South Asian fashion circuits.​

Apart from runway gigs, Neelam is an outspoken advocate for racial inclusivity and mental well-being. She has delivered TED Talks and used her influence to highlight the need for cultural representation, self-acceptance, and authentic beauty portrayal within the modeling industry.​

The Victoria’s Secret Debut

Neelam Kaur Gill first made her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut in 2024, stunning audiences in a sparkling icy-blue lingerie set paired with the brand’s iconic wings — a look that embodied confidence and elegance.​

For the 2025 show, she returned — this time as the only Indian-origin model on the New York runway — wearing a blush-pink ensemble layered with a translucent chiffon skirt. Her presence underscored Victoria’s Secret’s commitment to greater diversity, inclusion, and cultural representation after its rebranding efforts.​

Her show-stopping walk was widely celebrated, symbolizing the ascent of South Asian visibility in Western fashion. Fans affectionately dubbed her “the Punjabi Angel,” marking a milestone moment for Indian representation on one of fashion’s most-watched global platforms.​

Personal Life and Media Spotlight

In addition to her modeling work, Neelam often finds herself in the limelight. In 2023, media outlets linked her with a friend of Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, though she addressed the rumors with humor and grace. Beyond entertainment gossip, she has stayed focused on her craft and advocacy.​

Neelam’s authenticity on social platforms, particularly Instagram, fuels her connection with fans. Her content often celebrates both her South Asian identity and her global career, inspiring many young girls from immigrant backgrounds to pursue modeling without abandoning their cultural essence.​

Cultural Representation and Global Impact

Neelam’s success reflects a turning point in global fashion dynamics. Once criticized for lacking inclusion, Victoria’s Secret has begun redefining its brand image — and Neelam’s presence helped highlight that shift. Her performance was not just about fashion; it was a statement of identity, representation, and empowerment for brown women worldwide.​

She represents a fusion of East and West: bringing Punjabi beauty traditions, cultural pride, and modern glamour to a global audience. As she famously said, she walks “not just for herself, but for every young brown girl who dreams of being seen”.​

Neelam’s Activism Beyond the Runway

Beyond glamour, Neelam’s voice resonates in social causes — from diversity in modeling to mental health awareness. Her TED Talk explored topics of colorism, body image, and self-worth. She is also known to mentor upcoming South Asian models, guiding them to balance authenticity with ambition.​

Her advocacy echoes throughout the industry as she consistently pushes for deeper inclusivity — ensuring that fashion reflects real-world diversity, not just as a trend but as a standard practice.

Conclusion

Neelam Kaur Gill isn’t just a runway icon — she’s a global cultural ambassador. From walking for Burberry to owning the Victoria’s Secret stage, her career has evolved into a living statement of empowerment. For the millions who watched her strut the 2025 show in pink wings, she embodied more than glamour — she became a symbol of representation, showing the world how beauty, heritage, and strength aren’t mutually exclusive.​

FAQs

1. Who is Neelam Kaur Gill?
Neelam Kaur Gill is a British-Indian model of Punjabi Sikh heritage, known as the first Punjabi model to walk for Victoria’s Secret.​

2. When did she debut for Victoria’s Secret?
She debuted at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024 and returned in 2025 for her second consecutive walk.​

3. Where was Neelam born?
She was born in Coventry, England, to Sikh parents with roots in Punjab, India.​

4. What are some other brands Neelam has worked with?
She has modeled for Burberry, Dior, L’Oréal Paris, Givenchy, Balmain, and Kanye West’s Yeezy line.​

5. How is Neelam Gill contributing to representation in fashion?
Through her work and advocacy, she challenges stereotypes, promotes ethnic inclusivity, and inspires South Asian and brown women to embrace their identity in global fashion.