Former dELiA*s Model Never Knew What Seeing Her Curly Hair Meant to Other Girls Until a Stranger Stopped Her (Exclusive)

Rachael Foster, a former model for the iconic 1990s brand dELiA*s, recently shared a heartfelt moment that resonated deeply with her. Speaking to PEOPLE, she recounted how a chance encounter on a train reminded her of the powerful impact her presence in those nostalgic catalogues had on young girls. The emotional exchange left an indelible mark on Foster, who realised for the first time how much representation could mean to someone navigating their formative years.

Foster was approached by a woman on the train who recognised her and began to cry. The stranger explained how significant it had been for her to see a girl with curly hair, someone who mirrored her own appearance, in the dELiA*s catalogues during her teenage years. “That moment has always stayed with me,” Foster reflected, noting that in her youth, she was simply thrilled about the fun of being a model and did not appreciate how her images might inspire others.

At 17, Foster’s modelling career kicked off with dELiA*s, which marked the beginning of a successful journey that has now spanned over thirty years. Emerging from Brooklyn as a girl of Caribbean descent, Foster was discovered unexpectedly by a modelling agency, which propelled her into a world of opportunities and international travel.

Beyond the dELiA*s catalogues, her impressive portfolio has included features in major publications such as Vogue, InStyle, and Glamour, and advertising campaigns for renowned brands including Tommy Hilfiger and Estée Lauder. Today, she continues to model, makes appearances in television commercials, and serves as a brand ambassador on HSN for DG2.

Recently, the resurgence of dELiA*s at Target reignited interest in Foster, who took to TikTok to share her connection with the brand. The response was overwhelming, as numerous women began reaching out to her online, recalling fond memories of her as “the dELiA*s model.” These reactions echoed the emotional encounter she had experienced on the train, showcasing the long-lasting effect her modelling had on a generation.

Foster expressed her surprise at the recognition and emotional responses, saying, “I had no idea people would remember me all these years later.” She noted that she is now hearing similar stories from women across social media platforms, which has made the experience even more poignant for her.

Reflecting on the atmosphere during her early shoots, Foster recalled that the experience was carefree and filled with laughter, far removed from the serious glamour often associated with fashion modelling. The young models would listen to music, wear vibrant clothing, and enjoy each other’s company while waiting to see themselves in print—something that felt thrilling yet simple.

With hindsight, she appreciates how dELiA*s showcased real girls, embracing distinct features like freckles, curly hair, and varying styles. These “perfections,” as she now fondly calls them, allowed many young women to relate and feel seen, a sentiment she believes is crucial, especially for today’s youth.

As Foster navigates this renewed conversation about her past, she finds herself in a new role as a mother, laughingly acknowledging that her son has come to terms with her cool factor following the TikTok revelations. However, for Foster, the journey back to dELiA*s is not merely about nostalgia or proving her past to her son; it is about connecting with those girls who once looked up to her and understanding how they perceived her.

“Being a teenager isn’t easy, whether it was my generation or this generation,” she observed, emphasising the significance of seeing someone relatable and inspiring in media. “When I look back at those years, it really felt like one big sisterhood,” she added, underscoring the lasting bonds formed through representation and shared experiences.

Foster’s journey serves as a reminder of the profound impact that visibility in the media can have on young women, especially those seeking connection during the challenging teenage years.