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Katoucha Niane Obituary
Known simply as Katoucha, the former top model for Yves Saint Laurent and other top designers was found Thursday near the Garigliano bridge in Paris, judicial police in Paris said.
An autopsy showed no signs of foul play, pointing to the possibility that the 47-year-old may have fallen accidentally into the river, they said.
She had been missing since January and was last seen returning home from a party. She lived in a houseboat near Paris' Alexandre III bridge, and her handbag was later found on the boat.
The Guinean-born model told The Associated Press in 1994 that she ran away to Europe at 17 aiming to be a model. Her big break came when Jules-Francois Crahay, then the designer at Lanvin, spotted her in a line-up. The label hired her as a fitting model. Her first catwalk modeling was for Thierry Mugler at the start of the 1980s.
After quitting the runway, she turned to speaking out actively against female circumcision, describing her own experience at age 9 in a book, "Katoucha, In My Flesh," which was published last year.
"I will never get the incomparable pain out of my head," she wrote in the book, which she dedicated to her three children.
Vanity Fair's fashion and style director, Michael Roberts, said Katoucha was "one those girls who used her fame to spotlight the misfortunes of others."
"She always seemed so gracious and very lovely," he said. "She was sunny and she was bright, and I liked her a lot."
Katoucha set up her own label in 1994 after years of modeling for the likes of Christian Lacroix and Saint Laurent. Singers Cher and France's Johnny Hallyday were among the stars who turned out for her show.
"I don't pretend to be like Lacroix, Saint Laurent or the others," she said at the time. "But I was certainly in a great school by wearing their clothes and going to the fittings. I learned several basic lessons, including: Don't cut the fabric until you've got the 'toile,' or heavy linen prototype, just right."
Katoucha was the daughter of Djibril Tamsir Niane, an archaeologist and writer. She said that her father was initially disappointed that she didn't become "a professional intellectual, with a university degree," but later reconciled to her other successes.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
48 Entries
Soukeyna Diop
February 2, 2014
Je te garderais toujours dans mes prière.
Robert
December 25, 2013
Just as no man has power over the spirit or can restrain the spirit, so no one has power over the day of death. Just as no one is discharged during a war, so wickedness will not allow those who practice it to escape. All of this I have seen, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, during the time that man has dominated man to his harm. (Ecclesiastes 8:8,9). Katoucha is missed by family and friends and prayers continue to pour out for her family may you all have peace.
David R Cairns
August 17, 2009
From a stranger who only heard of your contribution to our humanity recently.
May you meet your new challenges with the grace you met your old.
David
How you can show support
Beatrice Bressette
March 9, 2008
HOW VERY SAD.IT TOUCHED MY HEART AND I WISH HER FAMILY ALL THE BEST
toni costanzo
March 5, 2008
Our Deepest Sympathies To The Family Of Katoucha Niane.
Farewell Beautiful and Gracious Lady with a Great Spirit for Movement. A Courages Activist. You will be Truly MIssed.
Sheila O'Neal
March 5, 2008
When we lose someone we love
The loss seems too great to bear
God sends us friends to comfort us
To show that He deeply cares
But in the dark hours of the night
When there’s nobody else around
When we feel the saddest and loneliest
It’s there God’s love can be found
It’s like a soothing, healing balm
To soothe our broken hearts
The healing oil poured over us
That flows into every part
We can rest secure in God’s love
And know He’s by our side
He holds us when we feel as though
A part of us has died
We can know that God will listen
When we just want to talk
And when we feel we need to cry
We can share it with the Lord
For He is always waiting there
Ready with arms open wide
As we pour out the hurt within
He pours His love inside
Praying that god will grant family and friends peace and strength to get them thru their time of sorrow. In Jesus Name.
Bill Hunger
March 5, 2008
Our passing is certain. But, when it occurs to those we know and love, the event creates a feeling of profound saddness and loss. My wife and I were the ones who relayed your passing to our loving and caring daughter - who was not yet aware. We talked about you and what your book, actions, and life meant to us.
In a word - hope -is what we hold now, for your admonitions and happiness.
Not "GoodBye," but - "later on."
We love you.
levis gordy-rose
March 4, 2008
may God bless your family, and you find peace at this time. Healing is on the way. ...God speed. sorrowfully submitted Levis gordy-rose
R.I.P.
March 4, 2008
A Reminiscence
YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.
May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.
Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;
To think a soul so near divine,
Within a form so angel fair,
United to a heart like thine,
Has gladdened once our humble sphere.
By Anne Bronte
The Poetry Foundation
March 4, 2008
March 4, 2008
Susan H
March 4, 2008
While you are mourning the loss of a loved one, others are rejoicing to meet them behind the veil.
jackie Clark
March 4, 2008
I was sadden to hear of this beautiful womens demise. I did not know her work, but I can see that she had a good head on her shoulders and a family who loved her.
God promises to bring back the dead and restore paradise very soon. Your family will be reunited again. (Psalms 37:29, 2 Peter 3:13.)
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
March 4, 2008
REST IN PEACE, KATOUCHA
Tom Gugliuzza
March 4, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Niane family in the loss of Katoucha.
Kimberley Pierce
March 3, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Ruthanne Angel
March 3, 2008
I never knew her personally, but from the media and what i've read, I know she had good intentions and a good heart. God Bless. <3
Ren Sanfilip
March 3, 2008
Such a beautiful Lady for a beautiful cause. in hopes her efforts carry on and bring an end to this tradgic event of life....
Loretta (Faber) Martin
March 3, 2008
Farewell to a spirited voice for those women who, through the ravages of genital mutilation, have no voices of their own. Sleep well.
Sandra Tolliver, Fashion Stylist
March 3, 2008
From a lover of style & fashion. This beautiful Guinean-born international model graced the runways of Europe top designers. I remembered seeing her in elite fashion footage.
A mother, an activist, writer and entrepreneur, what a legacy. May her life inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
To her children & family, you are not alone, my deepest sympathy is with all of you as you grieve. We are never prepared for the loss of a loved one, but God is always prepared to help us through.
Heather O'Shaughnessy
March 3, 2008
A beautiful soul who was as beautiful outside as her spirit was generous and kind and giving. My sympathy to her family and friends. She goes to a better place.
Gary George
March 3, 2008
May God continue to bless Katoucha's Soul and Spirit.
KEVIN EDMONDS
March 3, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
March 3, 2008
It seems truly unfair to have lost such a giving person. She encouraged many to push even harder to fight for what is right. To the many friends the memory of her will last a life time. May the God of love Almighty Jehovah fulfill his promise, by means of His son Jesus Christ. “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” - John 11:25
A change is going to come,
Yes you will see
A day when all will be set free
From the bonds of sin,
And death will be no more
All will live in paradise
And that you can be sure
No more mourning,
No out cry
All the pain will be taken away
“I’m sick” you will no longer hear
Them say
So as it is written, so let it be done
As certain as the rising of the sun
For the Almighty Jehovah
Has promised by means of his Jesus Christ
That if we exercise faith we can gain
everlasting life.
John 5:28,29, John 3:16, John 17:2
[email protected]
Margaret MCclease
March 3, 2008
May god bless,the family and keep you strong.Katoucha has her wings now.
Barbara James
March 2, 2008
We all love you and we will miss you.
Maryellen
March 2, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of beautiful Katoucha. May you Rest in Peace!!
Patricia Melsted-Chabot
March 2, 2008
Her journey here is complete. Her work will continue. Praise The Creator for giving her to us.
Gail Stevens
March 1, 2008
May the voice that is now silenced still ring out in the hearts of those that can elicit change- and may she rest in the arms of God- she was blessed, and a blessing.
Catherine
March 1, 2008
To the Family of Katoucha,
May God Heal and Bless You at this time of such sorrow.
She was a beautiful woman with a spirit that was remarkable. Many will feel the loss.
Catherine
zinnia heuken
March 1, 2008
We lost a wonderful, beautifull lady and hope that God will comfort her family.
Laymen Ministry First Bapt, missionary, of Balti st
March 1, 2008
Father God:
We come knocking, seeking,and asking you to look in on the Niane's family,during the time of their berevement.Come Lord Jesus, Cover them with your precious blood,and fill them with your Holy Spirit. We love you Lord Jesus, We praise you Jesus, and we thank you Lord Jesus, and we shall follow you, all the days of our lives.
Andrea Jones
March 1, 2008
May God now take you home and I pray for peace and comfort for you family/children at this time. God bless
vanS
March 1, 2008
To A Fine Legacy.
As we speak to you thru the spirit, I want to thank our Father for blessing the world with your love and beauty that He so delicately placed in your soul. You left us a legacy that we will cherish and thru our prayers and spiritual wishes your children will grow in love and peace and will always adore you. They will learn how their precious mommy made a wonderful difference in a place that can be so indifferent.
'Katoucha Niane' is more than a beautiful name, more than a beautiful person, but she is truly a beautiful spirit. Even thru her transitioning, we can feel her spirit and thru God's awesome way, we "could touch her".
Angelina Abbew
March 1, 2008
Gracious Queen...Rise in Your next Spiritual journey.
Rev. James Darden
March 1, 2008
A very positive life
K. Collins
February 29, 2008
To: The family of Ms. Katoucha Niane May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
February 29, 2008
God will give strength and comfort the hearts and minds of all who loved and knew her.
JAMES & REBECCA PENA
February 29, 2008
REST WITH THE ANGELS LOVELY KATOUCHA, WE GO ON LOVING YOU...
Bonnie Worthman
February 29, 2008
Beautiful Lady! May God Bless and keep her family.
K. Wilson
February 29, 2008
A beautiful lady had gone to a beautiful kingdom. RIP dear one.
Sheila Smith
February 29, 2008
Rest in Peace Katoucha.
tara hendren
February 29, 2008
wow beautiful beautiful girl
Chrisine Gibson
February 29, 2008
World and Family
A beauty gone too soon. She is now watching from above, where eternal life is hers! Rest in peace.
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