Dolcy D’Cruz
Born and raised in Margao and hailing from Cuncolim, Meurel Viegas has created history as the first Goan model to walk at the official London Fashion Week (LFW), one of the “Big Four” fashion events globally.
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Meurel graced the prestigious LFW runway in association with the British Fashion Council, modelling for Vanity Hub Africa in Piillz ‘n Poizn by Fifi and global designers including Ella Titus (Los Angeles), La Maison Opal (France), and Lina Denkova (London).
“During LFW, walking for Fashion Show Live and Creative UK, and being featured on French and Romanian television and several international fashion publications, was a proud milestone in my career,” Meurel shared. She has also walked for Fashion Wave London, Global Fashion Week 2025, and worked with international designers such as Daniel Mîinea (Romania), Baro Sanchez (Cuba), and Nico Didonna (Italy). Her London debut came through MLoft by Joel Jacob Matthew.
Educated at Vidya Vikas Academy and Fatima Convent High School, Meurel pursued science at Shri Damodar Higher Secondary School before earning a BSc in International Hospitality Management. She is currently pursuing an MBA in Marketing Management from IGNOU, New Delhi.
Her pageantry journey began in 2016 when she was crowned Miss Damodar. She went on to win Miss Fresher 2018, Miss Goa Congeniality 2018, and Grape Escapade Queen 2019 (for two consecutive years). In 2023, she was crowned Miss Asia India and went on to earn the international title of Miss Asia 2023 – Miss Ramp Walk, along with Miss Queen of India 2023 – Runner Up and the subtitle Miss Sensational.
In 2024, Meurel walked for the International Purple Fest Goa, India’s first inclusive festival celebrating persons with disabilities, and was among the Top 5 State Finalists for Femina Miss India – Road to Miss World. Her modelling work has appeared in publications like Style Cruise (Australia), WMH India, BalleBolly India, Unique Times, and Femme France.
Reflecting on her LFW debut, Meurel said, “Being part of something so globally recognised felt like stepping into a dream I’d once admired from afar. The experience was fast-paced yet deeply empowering, and I wanted to represent myself, my country, and my story with integrity.”
She added, “Meeting talented designers, models, and creatives from across the world made me realise I belonged there. Every challenge I faced led me to that moment—it wasn’t just about walking the ramp, but walking with purpose and pride.”
Daughter of Flocy Viegas from Veroda and Franzie Viegas from Murida, Cuncolim, Meurel has been based in the UK for four years, balancing her academic and professional life. “My mother has been a tremendous influence. She instilled in me the belief that nothing is impossible. She’s the foundation of my confidence,” Meurel said.
Alongside modelling, she volunteers as a mental health advocate for Shout 85258, a crisis text helpline by Mental Health Innovations in the UK, and works professionally as the Assistant Night Manager at a 710-room Marriott–Arora Group hotel in London.
“From being a girl once overlooked for her appearance and complexion to representing India at Miss Asia and now walking one of the Big Four fashion weeks, I’m humbled and grateful,” she said. “I hope to inspire young girls and boys to believe that with determination and authenticity, you can claim your space and make your mark, no matter where you start.”
