Migrant workers-turned-models get makeover for photoshoot sponsored by S'pore fashion brands

A group of unlikely models — 10 migrant workers — took the spotlight at a photoshoot in time for Deepavali.

Local charity ItsRainingRaincoats (IRR) posted about the photoshoot on Facebook on Deepavali, which falls on Oct. 31 this year.

The 10 models, who were selected by IRR from the migrant worker community, also got free haircuts sponsored by Bodeiga Barbershop in Clarke Quay, on Oct. 20.

And on the day of the photoshoot, the models had makeup done, and swapped work gear for branded outfits, shoes and accessories, before posing for the camera.

The photoshoot was made possible by six sponsors, including clothing store Graye and fashion brand Pedro.

In photos

Here are some of the pictures from the event:

Showcasing workers in a different light

One model, Sarker, who was featured in a previous post by IRR, always dreamt of modelling back in Bangladesh but chose to come to Singapore to work to support his family instead.

He has been working in Singapore for 12 years, and volunteers with IRR in support of some of its initiatives.

"He loves to volunteer as he sees it as opportunities to make new friends and to learn more about Singapore," wrote IRR in its post.

Another worker, Karthikeyan, decided to join the modelling project in hopes of improving his fashion style and boosting his confidence.

IRR said in the Oct. 31 post that the project hopes to "shatter stereotypes" of migrant workers and showcase them in a "compelling and different light".

It noted that the public may sometimes view migrant workers as a "human mass", especially if they wear the same uniforms and helmets.

"What we miss seeing is the individual. Someone who is charming, handsome, has a unique personality, dreams and aspirations," the post read.

Another initiative the non-profit is organising for the Deepavali period is a Nov. 9 giveaway for migrant workers in Singapore with free pizzas, samosas, and sweets, for which it is seeking donations from the public.

It is also currently holding a donation drive for umbrellas to shield migrant workers from the sun.

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Top image from ItsRainingRaincoats/Facebook