For most people, flying an aircraft and walking a high-fashion runway couldn’t be more different. But for Yashi Gondwal, transitioning from the cockpit to the catwalk wasn’t just possible—it was inevitable.
A trained pilot with a deep passion for fashion, Yashi didn’t let the boundaries of traditional career paths define her. Instead, she set her sights on something more significant: proving that women can excel in more than one field, even those as vastly different as aviation and modeling.
Yashi’s debut at New York Fashion Week wasn’t a matter of luck—it resulted from years of persistence. While her aviation career kept her soaring, her love for fashion never faded.
“I had been building my portfolio, networking with industry professionals, and honing my craft when an opportunity presented itself,” she says. “Walking at NYFW wasn’t just about fashion; it was a testament to breaking stereotypes and proving that a woman can dominate both the skies and the catwalk.”
That determination landed her a spot on one of the world’s most prestigious runways, where she not only showcased stunning designer pieces but also experienced an unforgettable moment—the instant she took her first step onto the runway.
“The bright lights, the flashing cameras, the electric energy of the crowd—it was surreal,” she recalls. “But beyond all that, it was about representing something bigger than myself. I wasn’t just walking for a designer; I was walking for every woman told she had to choose between passions.”
Locking eyes with the audience, she felt a deep sense of belonging. It was clear—she didn’t have to pick one dream over the other.
At first glance, aviation and fashion may seem worlds apart. However, for Yashi, the skills she’s developed as a pilot have only made her a more substantial model.
“Being a pilot demands precision, discipline, and unshakable confidence—qualities that translate seamlessly into fashion,” she explains. “In aviation, there’s no room for hesitation; you must trust your training and instincts. That mindset has helped me command presence on the runway and in front of the camera.”
And if you think the high-pressure world of fashion is intimidating, try landing an aircraft under challenging conditions. “After handling high-pressure situations in the cockpit, the chaos backstage at a fashion show feels like just another mission—one that I’m fully prepared for,” she says with a smile.
Of course, blazing a trail in two male-dominated industries wasn’t without its challenges.
“The biggest hurdle was getting people to understand that I could be both a pilot and a model,” she admits. “Some assumed I wasn’t ‘serious enough’ about fashion because I had another career. Others thought my aviation background made modeling a side hobby.”
Instead of letting those doubts define her, Yashi let her work speak for itself. She built a strong portfolio, refined her craft, and proved that her presence in fashion wasn’t just valid—it was undeniable.
“Over time, what seemed like a contradiction became my biggest strength,” she says.
As she continues to soar in aviation and fashion, Yashi hopes to inspire young women to defy expectations and embrace all their ambitions.
“Your dreams don’t have to fit into one box,” she says. “Society may try to push you toward a single path, but you can define your journey. If you have passions that seem worlds apart, chase them both.”
Because if anyone proves that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning—it’s Yashi Gondwal.