The global modelling industry may be saturated with fresh faces, but it takes far more than a pretty face to break through the clutter and leave a lasting impression. Enter Naomi Janumala, a striking Indian-origin model who’s rewriting the rules of beauty and representation on international catwalks.
Currently based in the US, Naomi has been steadily rising through the ranks in fashion’s most exclusive circles. Bold, driven, and effortlessly stylish, she embodies the modern Indian woman – ambitious, self-assured, and unapologetically herself. From magazine covers to luxury brand showcases, Naomi’s presence is impossible to ignore.
Interestingly, she hails from a family known for its legacy in Indian entertainment. Her uncle is none other than comedy legend Johnny Lever, while her father, Jimmy Moses Janumala, is also a well-known stand-up comedian and mimicry artist. However, Naomi has forged her own unique path, completely detached from the comedic world her family thrives in.
Naomi discovered her love for modelling at 16 and began her journey in Mumbai. But despite landing regular work, her early experiences in the Indian fashion scene were disheartening. In an interview with a leading website, she recalled being asked to leave auditions simply because of her skin tone. “Even when I was booked and busy, I wouldn’t feel the best about myself,” she said, describing how makeup artists would use products meant for fairer models and photos would lighten her skin by several shades.
The turning point came when she decided to move abroad in 2017. Since then, her career has taken a dramatic upward turn. In 2023, she walked the runway at the Burberry Summer Showcase during London Fashion Week, proudly embracing her natural skin and textured hair – qualities now celebrated by global fashion houses.
“Burberry likes me best with absolutely no makeup and my natural hair – that alone says a lot,” she shared. Naomi adds that she feels more accepted and appreciated for who she is outside of India, a bittersweet realisation that reflects ongoing industry biases.
While many in India still label her as “Johnny Lever’s niece,” Naomi is clear about her identity. “I got the Fenty campaign because of me, not because I’m someone’s niece,” she says proudly. “That narrative only exists in India.”
As she continues conquering runways and redefining beauty standards, Naomi Janumala is not just a model, she’s a movement.
