Yasmeen Ghauri

Yasmeen Ghauri is a renowned Canadian former fashion model celebrated for her distinctive walk, famously dubbed the “walk of life” by Tyra Banks. She broke barriers as one of the first women of South Asian descent to grace the cover of Vogue.

Early Life and Background

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Yasmeen Ghauri grew up in a multicultural household with a German mother and a Pakistani father. Her father, originally from Hyderabad, India, later settled in Karachi, while her paternal ancestry traces back to Ghor, Afghanistan. Identifying as “half South [and] Central Asian,” Ghauri was raised in the Muslim faith and performed the Hajj pilgrimage with her parents at the age of 12. Despite facing bullying in her childhood due to her heritage, she emerged as a resilient and influential figure.

Instagram Account : @yasmeenghauri

Discovery and Career Beginnings

At 17, Yasmeen was discovered in Montreal by Edward Zaccaria, the artistic director of Platine Coiffure, after leaving a hair salon. Overcoming her parents’ initial disapproval, she pursued modeling, making her debut on the runways of Milan and Paris before moving to New York City in 1990. Critics and designers alike quickly took notice of her striking appearance and signature walk. The New York Times praised her runway presence, describing her walk as a “ball-bearing swivel of her hips.”

Her rise coincided with the “Canadian invasion” in the fashion industry, bringing Canadian models to international prominence.

Career Highlights

Ghauri’s first major magazine cover was for Elle in 1991. Despite challenges like limited makeup shades for her skin tone, she excelled in the industry, even doing her own makeup. She became a sought-after model for high-fashion brands, walking for Versace’s infamous “Bondage” show in 1992 and becoming the face of Hermès, Lanvin, Valentino, and Chanel.

She gained additional fame by appearing in Elton John’s music video for “Sacrifice,” alongside Chris Isaak. By 1991, Ghauri had graced multiple magazine covers, including French Elle, and walked for major designers like Gianni Versace, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Christian Dior. She was photographed by legendary artists like Steven Meisel and Patrick Demarchelier, who described her as his favorite subject.

In 1993, she became synonymous with brands such as Hermès and Lanvin, and by 1996, she was a prominent figure in Victoria’s Secret catalogues and fashion shows. Her appearances in iconic swimsuit issues and documentaries like Unzipped by Isaac Mizrahi solidified her as a household name.

Yasmeen retired from modeling in 1997, marking the end of her remarkable career following speculation after she withdrew from an Yves Saint Laurent show.

Personal Life

Yasmeen is married to Ralph Bernstein, a lawyer, with whom she shares a daughter and a son. The family resides in Bedford, New York, where she enjoys a private life away from the spotlight.

Legacy in Media

Ghauri’s influence extended beyond the runway, inspiring the character Jasmine in the comic book series Jonathan Steele.

Yasmeen Ghauri’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of breaking barriers in the global fashion industry.