Yamila Diaz

By Sarah Templeton & Ines Mendoza

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Born in Argentina in 1978, Yamila Diaz never planned on becoming a top model. Like many other super models, it happened out of the blue, a pure coincidence - or so they say.

Yamila shot to prominence in 2002 when, after four years starring in the epochal pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, she made the front cover.

She was already a fairly popular and well-recognised model, but as soon as this happened she went from house-hold name to in-your-face name, at least in the US, where the Sports Illustrated magazine is a gospel of sorts.

She was on Leno and Letterman and it's a wonder that she hasn't made a shock appearance taking on the The Rock in a wrestling match yet.

But despite all the press, publicity and plaudits, the Argentine model still keeps a cool head and has said on a number of occassions that she wouldn't go for the diva attitude that many big-name models are known for.

Sure, she leads a fairly exclusive lifestyle, but she is the first to admit that looks are certainly not everlasting.

Born in the South American country of Argentina, Yamila's father, a doctor, and mother, a nurse, were keen to see all three daughters, Yamila, Maria and Yael, get a solid education.

While Argentina isn't known for its economic stability, the fact that old man Diaz was a doctor helped out substantially.

As such, Yamila started studying English language and economics.

But, as is the case in many a models emergence, she was spotted by a talent scout in Buenos Aires. Swiftly whisked away to a northern Italian location, Yamila was on her way to a new life.

She began her modeling career in Milan, but the going wasn't as easy as some would have you believe.

She started off by modeling for department store catalogues for a couple of years, but it was in 1999 when the Argentine got her first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Calendar gig, and it propelled her into the lime-light.

The big boys took notice and before long she was on the cover of all the glossy mags. Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Elle, Shape and mens magazine GQ couldn't get enough of Yamila Diaz.

She landed a gig with the USAs most prominent (and well-known career booster) lingerine label, Victoria's Secret, which made her a house-hold name to American men. She's done Italian cosmetics, Ungaro's Fleur de Diva parfum and has appeared in various clothing adverstisements.

Of late, she has signed on as a "Cover Girl", joining the likes of Niki Taylor, and is the first ever Latino spokesmodel for the brand. And about time too!

She's since been in movies, magazines and of course appeared on the cover of the hallowed Swimsuit Edition of Sports Illustrated.

At the tender age of 24, Yamila Diaz (oft referred to as Yamila Diaz-Rahi) had the world at her feet - and that hasn't changed as she manages to shrug off the preconception that all models have no brain and are all cry-baby misfits.

Yamila is passionate about South American politics, has studied economics and is now living happily in New York with her Italian artiste boyfriend Guiliano.

Expect to see much more from the talented Yamila Diaz in future as she is already becoming one the most recognisable faces in fashion.

Yamila Diaz - Photo Gallery

Source: Unknown Photography: Unknown	Source: Unknown Photography: Unknown
Yamila Diaz is not to be mistaken for Cameron Diaz - but both are sexy!