Aliya Zaidi stands tall and towering as one of Pakistan’s most celebrated supermodels of the 1990s, renowned for her striking presence, extraordinary long legs, and effortless command of the runway and her embrace of the still camera. Born in Karachi, Zaidi entered the fashion world almost by chance at age 18 while pursuing her MBA. What began as a hobby quickly blossomed into a powerhouse career that defined an era of Pakistani fashion. She became a favourite for top designers including Nilofar Shahid, Kamiar Rokni, Rehana Saigal, and Ammar Belal, gracing magazine covers and strutting international ramps in New York, Paris, and Mumbai.
Her towering height (around 5'9"), model proportions, and bold, glamorous persona earned her the title of Pakistan’s Number One Supermodel following an industry survey in the late 90s. Paired with contemporaries like Iraj Manzoor, Zaidi and her peers represented Pakistan’s golden age of modeling — a local equivalent to the international supermodel phenomenon of Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Cindy Crawford. Fashion observers often highlighted her stature, statuesque presence and dramatic flair, noting she was never one to blend into the background. She walked for major shows, appeared in campaigns, and even participated in Paris Fashion Week in 1995.
At the peak of her success, Zaidi chose family, marriage and maternity over the spotlight. She married, moved to New York, and later Hong Kong, prioritising motherhood for her two (now-in-college !) children. She stepped back from full-time modeling but occasionally returned to the catwalk, including memorable appearances in dramatic ensembles by Shamaeel, a few editorial fashion shoots for international magazines. Her life abroad embraced new chapters: property renovation, styling, and charity work and her passion project, The Bark and The Bite. Yet her heart remained connected to Karachi’s vibrant culture, fashion and family. Famed as the 'hostess with the mostess", her gatherings in Hong Kong, LA and New York or in Karachi are famed for feast, friends and her acquired "fam", the friends she's picked up around the world. The gilded invites remain a coveted card as she opens her home and heart to the ones she meets along her globe-trotting way.
Today, Aliya Zaidi continues to embody glamour and resilience. Whether sharing glimpses of fashion, food, and family or reuniting with fellow 90s icons like Frieha Altaf and Atiya Khan, she radiates the same confidence that made her a legend. Her journey reflects the evolving role of women balancing ambition, family, and personal evolution across continents. In Pakistan’s fashion history, Aliya Zaidi remains an enduring symbol of elegance, strength, and timeless style. Fashion fades, trends change, Aliya Zaidi's style is eternal.
Watch this space as she prepares for an epic shoot with the new kids on the fashion block in the 852.
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