The Spring/Summer 2026 season saw African models take over global runways with power and poise. From history-making moments to viral events, they didn’t just strut — they defined the season.
The recently concluded Spring/Summer 2026 fashion season — spanning New York, London, Milan, and Paris — saw African models continue their unstoppable rise, serving iconic walks and viral moments that pushed diversity even further on the global stage. With vibrant colour stories and increasingly inclusive casting, these models lit up runways from Dior to CHANEL.
From standout appearances to headline-making buzz, here are some of the African models who owned the season with their strut, poise, and unforgettable presence.
Anok Yai
With her irreplaceable energy and unmatched presence, Anok Yai continues to prove why she’s one of the world’s top supermodels. Over the years, she has walked for countless luxury houses, making history as the first South Sudanese model to open a Prada show — an important moment for both her and the brand, as the last Black model to do so was Naomi Campbell in 1997.
This fashion week, Yai walked an impressive 19 shows, opening for Boss, Coperni, and Ferragamo, and closing for Vetements, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, and Ferrari. As she wraps up the Spring/Summer 2026 season, she’s also set to return to the runway for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on 15 October 2025. , We can’t wait to see the looks and the iconic wings she brings to the stage.
Awar Odhiang
At just 23, Awar Odhiang made history as the third Black model ever to close a CHANEL show, doing so during Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026. Her walk — in a silk tee and a rainbow-feathered skirt — instantly went viral for its radiant energy and effortless elegance.
This season, Odhiang walked an incredible 33 shows, notably including Givenchy, Isabel Marant, Schiaparelli, Victoria Beckham, Balenciaga, and Hermès, among others. She also closed three shows, including the iconic CHANEL l finale, where she shared a heartwarming moment with Matthieu Blazy, the newly appointed creative director of CHANEL. In addition to her growing list of accomplishments, Awar was named to the BoF 500 Class of 2025, further cementing her influence and impact on the world fashion scene.
Mary Ukech
Also South Sudanese, Mary Ukech is steadily proving why she’s one of the next big faces in fashion. From gracing multiple covers to fronting campaigns for Acne Studios and Givenchy, Ukech is fast becoming a driving force for African representation in the fashion scene.
This past season, she walked 10 shows, and each appearance made a statement. With some of the most talked-about looks of the season, Ukech stood out for her elegance, confidence, and versatility. She also kicked off the season with new management and a stunning new portfolio, signalling the start of an exciting new chapter.
Among the shows she walked in were CHANEL, Saint Laurent, Messika, Lacoste, Chloe, and more. As she continues to make her mark, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of many more milestones to come.
Mayowa Nicholas
Born and raised in Nigeria, Mayowa Nicholas made history as the first Nigerian model to star in campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, and Calvin Klein. At 27, she continues to be a trailblazer for Nigerians on the global stage, proving that passion and persistence always pay off.
This fashion season, she walked seven shows — from a stunning start at Grace Ling to a magnetic finish at Gabriela Hearst — each one showcasing her signature grace and commanding presence. As one of the many young girls who dreamt of becoming a model at least once in her life, seeing Nicholas continue to shine on the global stage fills my inner child with happiness. I’m reminded that with hard work, anything is possible, and the world could be yours if you give it your best.
Elodie Guipaud
Elodie Guipaud, the Senegalese fashion model, has become a standout presence on international runways, editorial campaigns, and global fashion circuits. Known for her striking features and charm, she continues to make waves in the industry, championing diversity and inclusion through her work with major luxury houses across Paris, Milan, and New York Fashion Weeks.
During the SS26 season, she walked 24 shows, including Dior, Courrèges, Dolce & Gabbana, and Fendi, further establishing herself as one of the most exciting African models to watch.
The future is unapologetically African
These remarkable women continue to captivate audiences with their distinctive styles and undeniable talent, proving themselves as forces to be reckoned with.
Their presence on the runways during fashion weeks highlights that the industry is opening its eyes more to us, proving that we have become an undeniable presence in the fashion world.
The models are rewriting culture one stride at a time. Their growing talent and impact are reshaping beauty standards and opening doors for the next generation. As the SS26 season comes to a close, it is clear that the future of fashion is bold, brilliant, and unapologetically African. That wasn’t always the case, as past runways and fashion shows make clear — but today, the tide has turned, and the future of fashion feels more inclusive, dynamic, and full of possibility.
Read more: How body diversity is gradually fading from fashion as the era of “quick thin” returns
