From the streets of Marrakech to the Victoria’s Secret runway, Rania Benchegra is redefining who gets to take up space in fashion, and building the doors for others to walk through
A year and a half ago, Rania appeared on the cover of Bazaar Arabia and spoke with confidence about rewriting the rules. “The stereotypes I want to challenge are those that define the industry with body sizes, colours and backgrounds,” the Moroccan model told us. “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.”
Eighteen months on, that conviction has only deepened. Her last cover came on the heels of a long-held dream realised, walking in the Victoria’s Secret show, and her ascent has not slowed since. Neither has her philanthropy, which has gathered remarkable momentum. The girl who once chased a football through the narrow streets of Marrakech now powers the Lead Africa foundation, opening the door to sport and education for young people who might otherwise never find a path into the field.
What do most people get wrong about you?
Probably that I’m intimidating. I think I can look quite serious from the outside, but I’m actually very playful. I’m a lot softer than people expect.
What have you changed your mind about?
Success. I used to think it was always about the next job, the next achievement, the next thing. Now I think success is having a life that actually feels good when nobody’s watching.
Which Middle Eastern figure deserves more recognition?
My aunt, Lalla Essaydi. She’s a Moroccan photographer and artist, and I’ve always admired the way she portrays Arab women through her work. I’ve actually been part of one of her series – she photographed me – so her work is very personal to me too. I think she deserves much more recognition.
Best thing about getting older?
Clarity. You stop trying to convince yourself that you want things you don’t actually want. You know yourself better, and saying no gets much easier.
What is one thing you always make time for?
The ocean. If there’s a wave somewhere and I can get to it, I’ll figure it out. Surfing is probably the one place where my brain completely switches off.
What is worth the splurge?
A really good mattress. I’m serious. We spend half our lives exhausted and then somehow decide the mattress is where we’re going to save money.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty. And the kind of friendship where you don’t have to perform. You can disappear for a while, come back, sit together and nothing has changed.
Model: Rania Benchegara at Silent Models Paris. Photography: Jake Terrey at Hart & Co. Styling: Kim Payne. Creative Direction: Marne Schwartz & Dane. Acting Editor In Chief: Natasha Faruque. Fashion & Market Editor: Charlotte Marsh-Williams. Make-Up: Itano Megumi at Calliste Agency. Hair: Jean-Luc Amarin. Nail Artist: Nafissa Djabi at B Agency. Executive Producer: Steff Hawker. Producer: Sofia Potapova. Casting Director: Elodie Yelmani at Vedettes Model Management. Photographers Assistant: Sébastien Rolland. Styling Assistants: Barnabé White & Louis-gui Pradere. Set Design: Jasmine Christie
From the Harper’s Bazaar Arabia October 2026 issue