The Indian fashion and pageant world is in mourning following the death of Meher Castelino, India’s first Femina Miss India winner in 1964 and a trailblazing fashion journalist. She was 81. Castelino breathed her last in her sleep, leaving behind a profound legacy that shaped the nation’s style industry from pageantry to journalism and beyond.
Castelino’s journey began with her historic win as Femina Miss India 1964, a milestone that ignited aspirations for countless women in an era when such platforms were nascent in India. After fulfilling her pageant duties, she immersed herself in the burgeoning fashion sector, working across export houses and brands. There, she handled everything from design and trend forecasting to people management and creating mood boards—skills that were innovative for the time.
Transitioning into journalism by chance in the early 1970s, Castelino penned her first piece for Eve’s Weekly, quickly establishing herself as a sharp chronicler of the fashion scene. She covered ramps, trade events, and the debut Indian Fashion Week in New Delhi in 2000, decoding trends in fabrics, silhouettes, and business strategies with unmatched authority. As the official writer for Lakme Fashion Week, she became a go-to voice on emerging designers, retail dynamics, and industry evolution.
A Multifaceted Career in Fashion and Media
Her influence extended far beyond reporting. Castelino served on juries for prestigious fashion institutes, consulted for brands, and mentored newcomers. She acted as a “mystery shopper” for retailers, providing candid insights into customer experiences, and contributed cover stories to publications like IMAGES Business of Fashion. Her expertise spanned beauty, travel, lifestyle, and even undercover advice columns, reflecting her versatile grasp of consumer trends.
Castelino authored influential books, including Fashion Kaleidoscope, Manstyle, and Fashion Musings, where she documented India’s fashion growth, from local crafts to global influences. Industry peers recall her persistence in securing interviews with reticent leaders, such as retailer Darshan Mehta, and her enthusiasm for stories bridging brands and markets.
The Femina Miss India Organisation confirmed her passing via a heartfelt social media tribute, hailing her as a “true trailblazer” who opened doors, set standards, and laid the foundation for generations of women to dream fearlessly. Tributes poured in from designers, journalists, and former colleagues, highlighting her grace, wit, and enduring impact on the value chain—from creation to retail.
Lasting Impact on India’s Fashion Ecosystem
In a career spanning decades, Castelino witnessed and influenced key shifts: the rise of fashion weeks, the integration of Indian textiles into global trends, and the professionalisation of retail and branding. Her work emphasised diligence, poise, and an insider’s eye for what resonated with Indian consumers, making her an encyclopedia of the sector’s business side.
As the fashion value chain evolves with sustainability and digital retail, Castelino’s pioneering spirit continues to inspire. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her contributions ensure her influence endures.
