Talent: Varsha Thapa. Photographer: Tom Marvel.

Growing up in Nepal, Varsha Thapa always had a unique way of expressing herself. From writing songs to finding strength in fashion, her journey took her across continents and into the spotlight. In this conversation, we explore the quiet strength behind her signature braids, the stories behind her songs, and how she’s weaving her cultural heritage into a career that bridges worlds.

Top, Maria Pavan Pr from Showroom Seven. Corset, Diana Couture from The Archives & Showroom. Dress, Orient. Necklace, Let’s Curate from Flying Solo. Earrings, Gabriela Sanchez from Flying Solo. Shoes, Camilla Gabrieli from Aeraid Pr.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam (HBZVN): Your journey from Kathmandu to New York is fascinating. How did growing up in Nepal shape your passion for music and fashion? And how did you eventually make the leap to pursue your career in New York?

VARSHA THAPA: I’ve always loved music ever since I was a kid. I grew up listening to Nepali and Hindi music by Narayan Gopal, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, RD Burman, Udit Narayan, Lata Mangeshkar on the radio with my parents. Music shaped how I saw the world and when I sang, I got transported to another realm. That’s when I knew I was meant to sing.

Top, Maria Pavan Pr from Showroom Seven. Corset, Diana Couture from The Archives & Showroom. Dress, Orient. Necklace, Let’s Curate from Flying Solo. Earrings, Gabriela Sanchez from Flying Solo. Shoes, Camilla Gabrieli from Aeraid Pr.

And fashion was the vehicle that connected me to the world, I’ve always gravitated towards people, things and circumstances that have offered me freedom. When I watched Gisele Bundchen on the runway- so confident, working and making money at such a young age, I saw how true freedom could come from a choice to be who you want to be. I could see myself pursuing a career as a fashion model, traveling, making money and living life on my own terms. So I took the chance and applied to many agencies around the world and got offered a contract by one of those agencies. I booked my one way ticket to New York and never looked back.

Top, Maria Pavan Pr from Showroom Seven. Corset, Diana Couture from The Archives & Showroom. Dress, Orient. Necklace, Let’s Curate from Flying Solo. Earrings, Gabriela Sanchez from Flying Solo. Shoes, Camilla Gabrieli from Aeraid Pr.

HBZVN: Your signature braids are inspired by a traditional weaving technique passed down from your grandmother. Can you tell us more about the cultural significance of this tradition and how it connects you to your roots?

VARSHA THAPA: The Dhago, a Nepali braid tassel accessory, is one I identify with deeply because it is a part of my roots and culture from centuries ago. Every time I wear it out, I’m reminded of where I come from and where my life is today. I’m overcome by emotions of gratefulness. It reminds me of how as a young girl from Nepal has brought her country, her heritage and her culture to a city like New York and has found her space in this world.

Dress, Le Thanh Hoa from Aeraid Pr. Earrings & arm bracelets, Erickson Beamon from Showroom Seven. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik.

HBZVN: What DIY beauty recipes have been your go-to when you’re in a rush and don’t have much time to prepare?

VARSHA THAPA: In Nepal my mom would apply coconut oil or mustard oil to my hair once a week, I’d leave it for 3 to 4 hours before I showered and after drying my hair would really feel so much silkier, stronger and thicker. I also have a face mask that I sometimes apply: Silajit – a dark, tar-like substance found in the Himalayan mountain rocks –, with some water and honey to my face. It leaves my skin feeling smooth after.

Trench coat, top & skirt, The Frankie Shop. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik Necklaces, Vintage.

HBZVN: Your first single Maaya marked the beginning of your solo career. How did your early experiences in Nepal influence the emotional depth of your songwriting?

VARSHA THAPA: Maaya was a song that came to me, as I was waking up from my sleep. I recorded it on my voice recorder and quickly wrote whatever lyrics felt right with the melodies at that moment. As a musician I’m deeply influenced by old folk music of my country from the 50’s 60’s 70’s sung by artists like Narayan Gopal, Tara Devi and old hindi cinema music by R D Burman, performed by singers like Kishore kumar, Mohammad Rafi, Asha Bhoshle and Lata Mangeshkar. Their melodies and songwriting styles are deeply ingrained in my unconscious. I try and capture that era and its nostalgia in my music consciously.

Dress, Le Thanh Hoa from Aeraid Pr. Shoes, Tom Ford. Earrings and ring, Doves by Doron Paloma.

HBZVN: Your song Damaged Planet conveys deep concern for nature. What inspired you to create this song?

VARSHA THAPA: Damaged Planet is about love and loss. I’ve used nature as a vehicle to metaphorically reflect on the impact of such love on one’s inner state.

Dress, Taibo Bacar from Aeraid Pr. Corset, Oriens. Shoes, Tom Ford. Bracelets and rings, Roberto Coin.

HBZVN: With your rising success as a model and songwriter, how do your friends and family back in Nepal feel about your journey? Do their opinions have a significant influence on shaping your career?

VARSHA THAPA: They are proud of me and always wish their best. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to bring Nepal with me wherever I go.

Dress, Aisling Camps. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik. Necklace, Erickson Beamon from Showroom Seven. Rings, Let’s Curate from Flying Solo.

HBZVN: As a Nepalese model working in the U.S., how have you established yourself in an industry that often seems dominated by Western beauty standards?

VARSHA THAPA: It was very hard in the beginning to book any jobs because I didn’t “fit” the standard but I know that nothing is forever, not even standards. The concept of modernity is constantly changing. So I just let time do its work while I focused on my music career and did what I truly loved. After a while I saw the industry more welcoming to people of all colors and genders. I began working with the most talented individuals and biggest fashion houses in the industry. I truly believe that perseverance wins you half the battle. The rest is your skills and the value you bring to the culture.

Dress, Aisling Camps. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik. Necklace, Erickson Beamon from Showroom Seven. Rings, Let’s Curate from Flying Solo.

HBZVN: You’ve expressed your desire to help Nepalese people, particularly girls. What plans do you have for giving back to your community, and how do you envision empowering young girls in Nepal?

VARSHA THAPA: I would love to see more young Nepali women around the globe, pursuing a career they love. Not feeling the pressure to fit into a mold created by the society but breaking free and shaping their own path. I’m going to keep breaking the barriers and entering spaces where women who look like me do not exist yet and create space for them.

Top, Calvin Klein.

HBZVN: What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to music, fashion, or food that might surprise your fans?

VARSHA THAPA: I don’t associate guilt with pleasure. I find immense pleasure in researching old hindi cinema music and picturing myself in it, singing and enacting the part of the actress.

Dress, Le Thanh Hoa from Aeraid Pr. Necklace, earrings & rings, Doves by Doron Paloma. Shoes, Camilla Gabrieli from Aeraid Pr.

Talent: Varsha Thapa @varshathapa at The Lions @thelionsmgmt.
Producer/Photographer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography.
Creative Director: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup at Ray Brown @raybrownpro.
Lighting Director: Pierre Bonnet @pierrebonnet.
Director of Video: James Webber @james_weber.
Production: Winnie Noan @winnie_noan.
Hair: Linh Nguyen @linhhair at SEE Management @seemanagement
using R+Co @randco.
Makeup: Grant Karpin @gkarpinmua
using Danessa Myricks Beauty by Danessa Myricks.
Digital Tech: Olivia Wohlers @wohliviaa.
Photographer Assistants: Sarah Schneider @sarahbschneider |
Michele Swain @michelewihelminaphotography.
Video Assistant: Andre Hemmit Jr @vndrethe.ii.
Grip: George Pepe @gspepe.
Digital Artist: Theresa Hong [email protected].
Fashion Team: Maksim Mizgirev @lu3alo | Bridget McDonald @bridgetmcdd |
Sabrina Kahn @style.by.sabinakahn | Alana Powell @alana__powell.
Shot at The Hudson Yards Loft @hudsonyardsloft.
Special Thanks to Steve Gershman at The Lions Management.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam