As one of today's top male models, Arash appears in countless fashion magazines, and walks the biggest designer's runways. But his background lies in sharp contrast to his glamorous, polished image.

Born in Sweden, he and his younger brother and sister had a fairly liberal childhood. But when Arash turned eighteen, he was forced to spend an obligatory year in the Swedish army. He bears a scar on his back where he was stabbed by a local while on maneuvers. As a tank platoon commander, Alex was required to keep his face and head shaven. After his tour of duty, he swore he would never shave his head again, which led to his trademark stubble and long hair.

Arash decided to travel before he returned to school to study advertising. Within a month and a half he had experienced Rome, Venice, Capri, Naples, Florence, and Milan. Taking a suggestion from his girlfriend at the time, Arash posed for some test shots. In the summer of '94, he met photographer Bruce Weber, and Sean Patterson, a Wilhelmina agent, who tracked him down after spotting his photo in an obscure publication. The two proved instrumental in launching his career.

Currently living in New York and working for Hugo Boss, Arash wants to continue traveling and modeling, describing himself as "…a guy who loves life."