For a long time now, Africa has undoubtedly influenced fashion trends and designs globally, swiftly and consistently positioning itself as a source of inspiration for many stakeholders in the industry. From fashion designers to creative directors, the continent continuously churns out innovative and revolutionary works year after year. Black models are also no exception here. Due to their blend of grace, wit, and elegance, several Black models have become well-known and successful over the past 20 years, demonstrating Africa’s abundance of talented individuals.
These stunning African faces have dominated global advertisements and ambassadorial deals, glittered on magazine covers, and glistened on the runways of New York, London, Paris, and Milan, to mention a few. Many have also raised awareness of up-and-coming designers in their native nations. All these and more show that Black models have not only taken over catwalks and advertising campaigns but have also redefined beauty standards and modified the lens through which fashion is perceived globally.
With the recent buzz around the annual fashion weeks, we’re seeing more of these models doing their thing on global runways. In light of this, we highlight seven new African faces making a lasting impression on the fashion industry. These names are now well-known in fashion, having walked for high-end labels like Versace, Gucci, Burberry, and Balmain. They have also appeared on magazine covers, worldwide runways, and high-profile advertising campaigns.
- Mayowa Nicholas
Since her victory in the Elite Model Look Nigeria competition, Nigerian model Mayowa Nicholas has been featured in several news publications and become a cynosure for many eyes. Her outstanding success made her the first model from Nigeria to walk for Dolce & Gabbana, a historic achievement for African representation in the fashion industry.
After walking shows for Balmain, Balenciaga, and Calvin Klein in the first year of her career and becoming a Victoria’s Secret star within six years, the star rose to prominence in the fashion industry. Many aspiring Black models have a much smoother path thanks to Nicholas’s achievements. She has become even more well-known in the fashion business by appearing on the covers of numerous magazines, including Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.
- Halima Aden
Raised in a Kenyan refugee camp, Halima Aden defied expectations and became the first model to walk a global runway wearing a hijab. After participating in a Miss Minnesota USA pageant, she was discovered and walked the Yeezy runway in February last year. She then walked the runways for Max Mara, Albert Ferretti, and American Eagle, and was featured in Fenty Beauty campaign, Vogue Arabia, Glamour, and Allure.
Aden defies traditional beauty standards and raises awareness of modest fashion by walking for prestigious labels like Max Mara and Alberta Ferretti. She has demonstrated her singular and innovative presence in the industry by being featured on the pages of British Vogue and Allure. Halima is shattering stereotypes about Muslim women worldwide.
- Abdulaye Niang
As much as he is a recent addition to the industry, this model has already walked the catwalks for Fenty, Coach, Theory, Y-3, Lanvin, Fendi, JW Anderson, Comme des Garçons, and Louis Vuitton.
Abdulaye also appeared in an Adidas lookbook. He has the confidence of one who has been in the business for a while, and his style is ideal for the streetwear editorial. Niang, who currently resides in New York City and is still thriving as a model, continues to gain more popularity by posting his works on Instagram.
- Akintayo Ogunkoya
Akintayo was pushed into the limelight by a Benetton advertisement. His rugged-looking hairdo and cat-like emerald eyes set him apart. He appears in lookbooks for Abercrombie & Fitch, Hermes, and The Kooples alongside his new bride.
He has walked for Dior, Versace, Belstaff, DKNY, and Etro.
- Aweng Chuol
Hailing from South Sudan, this incredible model has captured the fashion industry’s attention with her androgynous style and remarkable features. Chuol has walked for prestigious fashion labels like Calvin Klein and Alexander McQueen, defying gender stereotypes and urging the industry to embrace diversity in all its forms.
She recently discussed the value of representation on TV and the catwalk at the Black Beauty Roster Hair and Makeup Equity celebration event. Chuol’s influence on the fashion industry has been further highlighted by her appearance on the covers of publications like Dazed and Confused.
- Adonis Bosso
This Ivorian model serves as the face of one of the most well-known brands in the luxury fashion business, Dolce & Gabbana. In addition, he walked for Jeremy Scott and Hood By Air, two streetwear brands.
He has recently been involved in campaigns for Theory, Levis, John Elliott, Express, and Ikiré Jones.
- Adesuwa Aighewi
This Nigerian-Chinese model has been creating waves in the fashion business with her distinct style and adaptable talent. Aighewi has walked the catwalk for designer labels like Dior, Chanel, and Alexander Wang.
Her appearances on the covers of Vogue, Glamour, and Harper’s Bazaar, among other magazines, demonstrate her global reach. Aighewi stands out in the rapidly changing fashion industry due to her support of diversity and her ability to eloquently integrate cultures on the runway.
