Modeling Journey

During the late Eighties, Kara Young formed part of an elite group of African-American models who helped to redefine the ideal of the "All-American" look. Young along with fellow compatriots Karen Alexander, Veronica Webb, Louise Vyent, Beverly Peele and Gail O'Neill heralded a shift in society's perception of All-American beauty from the stock standard blonde hair blue-eyed look to an appreciation of the true American melting pot.

Young began modelling in 1987 in her hometown of San Francisco and her modelling career kicked into overdrive when she moved to New York a year later, signing with Elite Model Management. With her smouldering gaze, cheshire cat grin and wild, unruly tresses, Young had a look which was distinct, fresh and alluring. Young was a muse for photographer Santé D'Orazio to whom she was married at the time and consequently was photographed frequently by D'Orazio for British Vogue, Vogue Italia and Paris Vogue.

Young's bi-racial looks played to her advantage by appealing to a broad cross-section of communities. Recognising her mass-market appeal, US Vogue selected Young to appear on an unprecedented three solo covers of the fashion bible photographed by Richard Avedon and Patrick Demarchelier. Young's girl-next-door look also made her a regular fixture in mainstream fashion publications including Glamour, Mademoiselle and US Elle. Advertising campaigns for the Gap, Byblos, Revlon and Guerlain cosmetics followed suit as well as appearances in the Victoria's Secret catalogue and Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, making Young one of the most in-demand models of her generation.