Meher Castelino, a towering figure in Indian fashion journalism and cultural reporting, passed away in December 2025 at the age of 81, leaving behind a profound legacy spanning over five decades. From becoming the first Femina Miss India in 1964 to becoming a guiding voice on how fashion is perceived and understood across the country, Meher’s journey transformed the way Indians thought about style, trends, and the fashion industry itself. Meher Castelino revolutionized Indian style narratives by bringing depth, clarity, and respect to fashion reporting, at a time when glamour often overshadowed substance.
Meher Castelino: A Pioneer from the Start
Meher Castelino’s influence on Indian fashion began long before her journalism career took off. In 1964, Meher Castelino made history by becoming the first Femina Miss India, representing the country on global platforms like Miss Universe and Miss United Nations. At a time when opportunities for Indian women on international stages were limited, her success was a significant cultural milestone. Her presence on these global platforms hinted at a future where Indian fashion and aesthetics could be appreciated beyond the country’s borders.
But Meher’s contributions were not limited to her achievements as a beauty queen. Her true impact came from her lifelong dedication to journalism and design commentary. It was through words, analysis, and a deep understanding of fashion’s evolution that she helped many Indians understand what was once considered an obscure and elitist world. Meher Castelino transformed Indian style narratives by presenting fashion not as frivolous glamour, but as a serious cultural force, worthy of discussion and documentation.
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Transforming Indian Style Through Journalism
Meher’s transition into journalism began in the early 1970s when she started writing for Eve’s Weekly. From there, her influence grew. She became known for her insightful columns, which appeared in over 160 national and international publications over the decades. In her work, Meher emphasized craftsmanship, design philosophy, industry trends, and the stories behind the collections—shifting the focus from superficial celebrity fashion coverage to substantive fashion journalism.
Her reporting was grounded in context. While many publications at the time focused on what was “in” or “hot,” Meher asked deeper questions: Why was a trend emerging? What did it say about culture or society? How did it reflect Indian identity in a globalized industry? In doing so, Meher Castelino transformed Indian style narratives from superficial gloss to meaningful storytelling, impacting generations of fashion writers who followed in her footsteps.
She also served as the official fashion writer for major events like Lakmé Fashion Week, where she translated the language of the runway into easily digestible stories for readers across India. For young journalists entering the field, Meher’s detailed press notes and thoughtful contextualization became a blueprint for how to approach fashion coverage with seriousness and respect.
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Beyond Writing—Mentorship and Influence
Meher’s influence extended far beyond her articles. She authored several seminal books on fashion, including Manstyle, Fashion Kaleidoscope, and Fashion Musings, which explored not only trends but also the evolution of style and consumer behavior in India. Her work helped readers understand how Indian fashion was rapidly becoming part of the global conversation—something few commentators were doing in her early years.
Her engagement with the industry also manifested in her mentorship of young designers and writers. She regularly served as a judge and speaker at fashion institutions and award panels, encouraging aspiring professionals to think critically about fashion as both an art form and an economic force. Many in the industry credit her with shaping their careers and sharpening their perspectives.
This blend of practical understanding, narrative depth, and mentorship ensured that Meher’s contribution extended beyond journalism to the institutional level, helping to establish fashion journalism as a respected field in India. Meher Castelino transformed Indian style narratives by making the understanding of fashion inclusive, relevant, and intellectually engaging—a stark contrast to previous decades, where style was often perceived solely through the lens of celebrity glamour or imported trends.
Legado and Influenza Duradoura
What differentiated Meyer was his discrete authority and his commitment to the work. She was known for her elegance, dignity and for treating fashion as a cultural language, not just a visual spectacle. His colleagues remember him as someone who always valued function as a deterrent to appearance and constantly encouraged his readers — and the industry — to think differently about the clothes that people wear and the ideas that they express.
Today, Indian fashion journalism is richer and more complex thanks to its voice. In digital media, print, and commentary on events, there is a tradition of reportage that values history as much as style — a testament to the role it plays in shaping this discussion. Emphasizing that fashion has a mind and a meaning, Meher Castelino transformed it into an Indian style narrative, inspiring journalists, designers and fashion lovers to look more deeply and think more comprehensively.
Recording a Pioneer
While tributes multiply after his death, many in the industry reflect on how his work helped democratize the knowledge of fashion, taking it from the exclusives to the elite to the general public and to emerging creatives. His legacy resides not just in the articles he wrote or the books he published, but in the way Indians now think about fashion and its appreciation as a fusion of culture, craftsmanship and personal expression.
In an era in which trends rise and disappear as quickly as social networks, the importance of Meher Castelino’s work reminds us that a fashion has its roots, history and narratives that deserve to be documented. The story of Meher Castelino’s life — and his role in fashion journalism — will remain as an important chapter in the history of Indian style. Meher Castelino transformed the narrative into Indian style, and her influence will be felt by generations.
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