Yasmeen Ghauri: The first Asian supermodel to change the world of fashion, even Naomi has to be wary

The 90s was a period marked by many famous long legs in the world fashion village. But not everyone is clear about the name Yasmeen Ghauri, not because the supermodel lacks talent or beauty, but just because she retired too soon.

Revolution on the catwalk

Yasmeen Ghauri was born in Montreal, Canada, to a Pakistani father and a German mother. As a Muslim dignitary, her father raised his daughter in a strict religious tradition. When Yasmeen was twelve years old, the family made a pilgrimage to Mecca.

In Canada, in those years, there were very few Muslims, so classmates often mocked Yasmeen - partly because of her appearance that made her stand out from the crowd, partly because of her religious beliefs. But just a few years later, it was her unusual appearance that made her famous all over the world, and religion... did not prevent her from becoming a model of Victoria's Secret.

At the age of 17, Yasmeen Ghauri joined a local McDonald's restaurant, where she was noticed by Edward Zaccaria, stylist and artistic director of Platine Coiffure Modeling Agency. He invited Yasmeen to try modeling. Of course, her family firmly objected. How could a Muslim girl do such things, walking on the catwalk half-dressed...?

The appearance of Yasmeen Ghauri, a Pakistani-Canadian girl on the catwalk was a real revolution. Before her, only models with Nordic appearance - blonde hair, white skin, with faces possessing classic features, performed fashion. Ghauri stood out from the crowd again - only now no one was mocking her, but praising her. She was so beautiful, different, like no other in the world.

"Woman of Destiny"

In 1990, Yasmeen moved to New York (seemingly running away from her repressive family). The local press praised her for her "coffee-colored" skin, "flexible" steps, "impressive" eyes... all of these features have now become her advantage.

Pakistani girl, employee of a fast food restaurant, has become a real fashion icon at breakneck speed. Top fashion brands - Givenchy, Hermès, Chanel, Versace... raced to invite her to take photos in advertising campaigns and participate in shows. Her velvety eyes glaring at the audience from the covers of Vogue and Elle on both sides of the Atlantic were shot by renowned Italian photographer Stephen Mezial.

And Patrick Demarchelier, a famous French fashion photographer, once admitted, no longer wants to work with anyone other than Yasmeen Ghauri.

However, it is difficult to call Yasmeen "object" seriously, as all who see her feel her inner strength and a strong spirit.

In the early years of her modeling career, Yasmeen Ghauri appeared in the catalogs of the legendary Victoria's Secret brand in minimalist swimsuits, and this brought her even greater success. I don't know what it was like for Ghauri, when she did something that for many years both her faith and her family forbade her. She has never expressed her views or feelings, she has not been involved in a scandal where the true peak of glory is still ahead.

Owning a height of nearly 1m80, a stern face and a powerful look, Yasmeen Ghauri is the epitome of 90s women, a new type of woman - strong, courageous, knows what she wants. Designers and photographers have been actively exploiting Yasmeen's "woman of destiny" image, as she dons a black leather suit, provocative corset, and minimalist fiery red dresses.

That's why Italian couture designer Gianni Versace chose her to participate in the scandalous "Bondage" show, causing a wave of criticism for her excessive sensuality. Although women have long been the subject of inspiration on catwalks and fashion photos, this collection has given the fashion world a different look at women's glamor.

Here, the models are not like peaceful objects attractive to men, but as personalities, strong-willed, passionate, and dynamic. This show may have ruined the fashion designer Versace and cast a shadow over the participants. But in fact, it marked a turning point in the woman's personality on the top fashion catwalk.

Marriage and a quiet life

Yasmeen Ghauri ended her modeling career at the age of 36, a long "professional career" compared to many colleagues. She decided to leave the catwalk before she became unpopular, to leave history as a beautiful oriental supermodel with predatory eyes and slightly curved lips full of contempt. Actually, for Yasmeen, modeling is not so exciting.

Not much is known about her fate after that. At a time when supermodels of yesteryear were returning to the catwalk, as "elderly" models, Yasmeen remained silent.

In an interview with supermodel Naomi Campbell shared: "I will have to give up some of the glory if Yasmeen Ghauri doesn't retire too soon."

Immediately after "retirement", she completely cut off all contact with the press, creating herself a reclusive lifestyle. However, the media discovered that she was married to lawyer Ralph Bernstein and became the mother of two beautiful daughters.

In addition, Yasmeen continued to pursue an education. The former "Queen with coffee skin and graceful gait" is very interested in the field of economics and law. But the main thing is that she feels happy to be living the quiet life she created.

But the story of supermodel Yasmeen does not end here. In the Italian superhero comic series about Jonathan Steele, there is a character named Yasmeen, a powerful sorceress and former model born in Montreal, in a family of Pakistani father and German mother. This is not a coincidence. The author was inspired by the image of Yasmeen, and kept even the name of the female character.

Rumors spread that Pax Thien was kicked out by Angelina Jolie, the youngest son's jogging also caused a stir Keng17:35:52 28/03/2025In an interview with the New York Times this week, Angelina Jolie said her son moved into the house she bought when he was in his 20s. The actress also revealed that this was a temporary shelter for her other five children when they arrived in New York.