Man Surprises Ex-Model Grandma, 77, with Professional Photo Shoot: 'A Chance to Relive That Passion' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Kareen Muhl in 2024 and in the 1970s.Photo:Ren Saliba; Kareen Muhl

Ren Saliba; Kareen Muhl

Earlier this year, Ollie Muhl posted a video about the fact that his grandmother, Kareen, used to work as an international model. In the interest of showcasing some of her best work, the content creator compiled a brief slideshow featuringhighlights from the now-77-year-old’s career portfolio. But neither Muhl nor his grandma anticipated the viral interest that their video stirred up.

Muhl first posted about his grandmother’s modeling experience in May, and the original video has since reached more than 30 million viewers between Instagram and TikTok. About three months later, Muhldecided to surprise her with a professional photo shootthat let her strike a pose once again.

Having realized there was an appetite for Kareen’s modeling content, the 20-year-old influencer made sure to document the entire experience for his social media followers' appreciation. Kareen’s day spent galavanting around Paris with photographers has nearly 7 million likes across major social media platforms.

The August video begins with footage of the initial shock, when Muhl escorts Kareen into a room of waiting professionals ready to bring the vision to life. But even after her decades-long hiatus from the industry, Muhl tells PEOPLE that his grandma was keen to offer her expertise and help shape the shoot’s creative direction.

“The production team was great about collaborating with her. She worked closely with the makeup and hair stylists to create a look that felt true to her … The team also made sure the outfits reflected her personality and the era she came from, which was really special,” the creator recalls. “She was so happy with the final result — it really captured her style and elegance.”

Once Kareen was all dressed up and stunning on the streets, Muhl was able to join her for some multi-generational photos. His grandpa posed as well, though he spent a solid portion of the shoot making awestruck eyes at his model wife. Muhl says that their relationship did overlap with Kareen’s career, but his grandfather never really got to witness her in action until the recent summertime shoot.

Kareen Muhl and Ollie Muhl modeling together in Paris.Ren Saliba

Ren Saliba

“I’ve really never seen my grandpa look at my grandma in that way, with so much love in his eyes, as if he was seeing a new side of her. It felt like a full-circle moment, getting to see this side of her that he’d only heard stories and seen pictures of,” Muhl tells PEOPLE. He adds, “It made the experience all the more special.”

“The whole project wasn’t just about revisiting old memories, but it was also about creating new ones together,” says Muhl. “It was unforgettable.”

The French fashionista relived the 1970s to the fullest, but as several of the video’s 60 million viewers commented, Kareen didn’t look a day out of practice. Muhl says it was “very inspiring” to watch her tap back into her modeling talents, especially after surviving a heart attack and multiple surgeries.

Kareen Muhl in August 2024 during surprise Paris photo shoot.Ren Saliba

“At first, she had doubts about whether she could still do it like she did in her prime, but once the shoot began, she quickly found her rhythm,” the proud grandson explains. “She brought so much energy and passion to the shoot. It was a reminder of how strong and resilient she is.”

As he watched his grandmother seemingly travel back in time, Muhl appreciated the privilege of meeting a younger iteration of her, before she built their family — and in the city where she grew up, no less.

“It was always fascinating to hear her talk about this glamorous life before becoming a mom and grandmother. That’s why I wanted to give her a chance to relive that passion and step back into the spotlight,” Muhl reflects. “She’s done so much for me, so creating this moment for her felt like a way to honor everything she’s given me.”

source: people.com