“I Want To Encourage Others To Dream Without Limits” Rania Benchegra Is Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s February 2025 Cover Star

Moroccan supermodel-in-the-making Rania Benchegra shares her voyage from teen muse to international trailblazer

Rania. Just Rania. Like Naomi, Cindy or Linda. And just like those single-monikered legends, Bazaar Arabia’s February cover star is on the fast-track to supermodel status. With catwalk appearances for Louis Vuitton, Schiaparelli and Versace on her CV, along with Miu Miu’s Ramadan campaign, Moroccan-born Rania Benchegra’s New York agent shoehorns this interview in, between fittings, while Rania’s in Milan. For the nascent icon, it’s an intense schedule.

When our call crackles into life, Rania is all apologies as she rescheduled our Zoom by 30 minutes (which in fashion terms is the blink of eye.) “It’s been a crazy day,” she laughs. But now she’s cosy in her hotel room, nails prepped for tomorrow’s shoot and about to order room service.

“Growing up there was nobody from Morocco in the fashion industry,” Rania muses. “I never thought it will be possible (for me), like the way I’m brought up, my culture, my religion. But the industry has changed a lot positively, and I’m grateful to be a part of this beautiful, big family.”

It’s a family that’s grown since Rania became a finalist in a 2023 casting competition in the United States which supercharged her career to the next level. Yet it wasn’t her first brush with the fashion industry. “I started modelling (when I was) five. My mum supported me – we used to watch Victoria’s Secret shows together – and my dad used to teach me how to [cat]walk. He’s in the movie industry so I grew up with this since I was young,” she reveals. Strong family ties have definitely helped Rania as she navigates the nomadic fashion world, where models live out of suitcases and spend more time in the air than on land. Although Marrakech is her hometown (she grew up playing football in the streets of the medina after school) Rania’s now made New York her base.

Rewind to Rania’s early days as a teenage model, now lightyears away from her storied status today. “Modelling in my teens was a completely different experience” she reminisces. “It was more about learning the ropes, figuring out who I was and trying to fit into an industry that often felt intimidating. I was focusing on proving myself, which sometimes meant adapting to others’ expectations.” The perpetual role of the model is to mould to the visions of other creatives, sometimes at dangerous cost, but now the best models can bring their own self to shoots and call more shots although it’s still painfully slow progress.

The biggest difference from the early days? The jobs Rania accepts now are much more considered. “I’ve grown personally and professionally and I approach my job with more confidence and clarity. I am more intentional about the projects I take on and I’ve learned how to trust my instinct and advocate for myself.” Although the backing of mega-agency Elite, who also represent Pooja Mor and Mariacarla Boscono, is definitely a boost for any model’s position in the industry.

As well as the legendary designers she’s walked for, the biggest pinch-me moment came when Rania was cast in Victoria’s Secret’s return to the runway last autumn. Rania took to the catwalk alongside Tyra Banks, Carla Bruni and Kate Moss. “Victoria’s Secret (runway show) had been gone for five years and I never thought it would come back… and that I would do it!” she blinks incredulously. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was very, very young.” Booking the Victoria’s Secret show is a rite of passage for so many supers, but what did her parents think of their daughter being cast for a lingerie brand? “It was was a big moment for me and my parents were extremely happy. The surprising part is that it’s lingerie and my dad was extremely happy. He was so supportive. He was just like, ‘Oh my gosh, you look amazing.’ It was a cute moment to see that my parents are just extremely supportive.”

Outside that tight-knit family unit, things can still be tough. Rania’s goal is to break down stereotypes and in a recent interview Rania revealed, “a fierce determination to shatter stereotypes and empower us to embrace our identities unapologetically.” Yet she still has to deal with occasional incredulity. “Sometimes, people ask, ‘Where are you from?’ I’m like, ‘I’m from Morocco.’ And they’re like, ‘Oh, interesting. I’ve never met a girl from Morocco doing what you’re doing.’ And I’m just like, ‘Well, I’m here to prove you guys wrong!’ We all have a chance, and each (person) has their own beauty and their things to offer!”

It’s Rania’s own incredible beauty – and values – that have made her a hot name with casting directors across the globe. Here’s a heads-up: You’ll be seeing her on countless catwalks during the upcoming show season. The fitting she had before this interview? Top secret. For now… How does Rania describe herself? “I identify as a Moroccan woman and also as a North African… and as an Arab… and a Berber. I think that no matter where you are, as long as we have… the same beliefs, we’re from the same place.” As well as campaign shoots and catwalk bookings, Rania still has the bigger picture in mind. If she wasn’t modelling? “My dream is to be a biopsychologist,” she shares. “Studying and understanding the human brain is very intriguing to me and I haven’t given up on that quite yet!” Watch this space.

But today she’s busy making modelling history. “The stereotypes I want to challenge are those that define the industry with body sizes, colours and backgrounds,” she tells me. “I believe in celebrating diversity and individuality. By persevering in what I do and doing my best all the time, it would perhaps be inspiring for younger girls to know and believe there’s also space for them, just like there is space for me. If I had the chance (to model) with my background and my type, I think that will be encouraging and empowering for other young girls.” Those goals sound ambitious but you can bet that Rania will actually make those dreams come to fruition.

“Everyone has different cultures and backgrounds… bringing all that together could create something even more magical,” she smiles. We love to see it. And what would Rania tell her younger self, when her early modelling career stalled and life was less golden? Adorably she has actually typed up a letter, which she reads aloud on our call. “I prepped in my lunch break,” she admits. I feel mean for adding actual homework onto her full-to-bursting day.

“To my younger self, I would say trust your journey, even if it feels uncertain or tough. Don’t be too hard on yourself, you’re enough exactly as you are and you don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Embrace the uniqueness. And remember that growth doesn’t happen over time, but every step you take, brings you closer to the person you’re meant to be.” Perhaps I’m having a hormonal day, but I definitely shed a little tear.

We move on from modelling to talk about her work with Lead Africa, a non-profit initiative that works to develop opportunities for African people, and the African diaspora, through empowerment and representation. “I’m a young woman with deep roots in my culture, my family and my heritage, and I embrace my identity by celebrating all parts that make me who I am.” It’s a no-brainer that Rania would move into philanthropical circles. “Lead Africa offers education and sports to young people that (otherwise) do not have the means to go to school or practice sport. We support them until they get to where they want to be. Right now, one of our girls just got a scholarship to university in Connecticut!” She enthuses, “I am extremely blessed to have the opportunity to leave Morocco and many others don’t. These kids are probably smarter than me and have even more potential to bring to the world, but they just don’t have the right opportunities.” Rania’s role within the foundation is multifaceted. “I raise money, find sponsors, visit the academy, talk with the girls… Even by telling my story, just saying one sentence to somebody, (it will) stick in their mind forever and that’s going to be the reason why they see life differently.”

That’s quite a legacy. “I also wrote something about this,” Rania offers. “I want to be remembered for encouraging others to stand tall, embrace their identities unapologetically and dream without limits.” The clock is ticking but there’s time for one more question. What are the goals that Rania has in modelling? Is there a dream magazine cover to snag, a campaign or a photographer she’d love to work with? “Until last October, it would have been Victoria’s Secret. But right now it’s a global idea… it’s not a specific thing. I don’t find it enough to want a cover (or a show), I want all of it!” You know what? Rania will get it.

Lead image credits: Lumières d’Udaipur Earrings with Detachable Pendants in White and Yellow Gold with Diamonds; Rings from left: Bouline D’émeraude Ring in White and Yellow Gold with an Emerald and Diamonds; Trésor Floral Ring in Yellow Gold with Mauve Sapphires, POA, all Van Cleef & Arpels High Jewellery, Coat, POA, Rokh

Photography by Jack Waterlot. Styling by Mimi Kim. Model: Rania Benchegra at Elite Model Management NYC. Hair: Dalibor Vrtina. Make-Up: Aurélie Dehecq. Senior Producer: Steff Hawker. Communications Manager: Johana V. Dana. Fashion Assistant: Gabriela Cambero. Lighting Assistant: Fayçal Bouhassoun