Desert rose - from Somalia to the world of fashion

Waris Dirie (a name meaning Desert Flower) leads a double life – by day, she is an international supermodel and United Nations spokesperson for women's rights in Africa; by night, her dreams take her back home to Somalia.

Waris was born into a traditional family of nomads in the African desert. Her childhood was happy and carefree... until the day it was her turn to submit to the custom imposed on most Somali girls: female genital mutilation. Waris suffered this torture when she was just five years old. When, at the age of twelve, she discovers that her father intends to trade her to a stranger for five camels, Waris makes the decision that will irreversibly change her life. After an extraordinary escape across the desert, she manages to reach London. Waris had little knowledge of English and no money. She would eventually work at McDonald's, where a fashion photographer discovered her. The doors to fame then opened for this young woman whose story is a source of inspiration and whose personality is as captivating as her beauty.