Burberry has cast four-year-old Sahib Singh as its first-ever Sikh model.
The British luxury fashion brand that released its new Children’s Autumn-Winter 2022 campaign this week featured Singh wearing a padded puffer jacket with a matching cardigan, shorts, and T-shirt.
Sahib’s mum Harjot Kaur, who runs his Instagram account, told Vogue India: “Sahib had an incredible day with the Burberry team, who really looked after all the children they were shooting with.
“To see our son, who does look different from his peers, being given a chance by the iconic British brand was truly a milestone moment.”
But, who is Sahib? Here’s everything you need to know...
Who is Sahib Singh?
Sahib is a London-based four-year-old model, who stars in photos for the upcoming Burberry A/W collection, and is represented by South Coast Kidz agency.
In the new campaign, he’s surrounded by teddies inspired by the iconic Burberry Thomas Bear, wearing the label’s signature honey-brown shade.
He can also be seen in a teddy-print puffer jacket, matching cardigan, and tan shorts and socks, looking every inch the top model.
Alongside being a fashion sensation, he’s also helping to raise the profile of diversity, showing underrepresented children that they can achieve whatever they want.
Since sharing the shoot on Instagram, Sahib has received an outpouring of support from the South Asian community, with comments and shares racking up.
“This little Sikh boy might not turn out to be a supermodel, but a super job now will inspire a lot of other kids. Well done, Burberry, for being creative and responsible!” one person wrote on Twitter.
Another person said: “Gratified to Burberry for giving the leap representation to a Sikh. This is unprecedented that such a world-class noble brand has postered some boy with ‘Patka’ on his head.”
Influencer Harkirat Kaur Kukreja wrote: “As a mother of two Pakta wearing Sikh boys, I am absolutely elated with Burberry featuring a beautiful Sikh boy on their social media. This is the beginning of all things good. Sikhs in general and Sikh boys and girls in particular deserve to be seen and acknowledged even more.”
Dad Ranjeet Singh said: “The feedback has been beyond heartening. We are still trying to comprehend how big this has gotten! The South Asian community has pulled out all the stops to shower love on our little Singh.”
In an Instagram post, his Harjeet said: “We have felt a few disappointments when Sahib isn’t chosen for a job. We have never told him about any shoots until he’s fully confirmed as he doesn’t need to feel the emotions involved.”
Burberry cast its first ever Indian model, British-Punjabi Londoner Neelam Gill, back in 2013, with Tarunjit Nijjer becoming the first Indian model to open a show the following year.
