Elohor Elizabeth Isiorho, the distinguished founder of Beth Model Management Africa, has been named one of the BOF 500 class of 2023, a highly regarded index that recognises the most influential figures shaping the global fashion industry.
The announcement was made on the 29th of September, 2023, on the BOF channels and was met with industry-wide applause from important stakeholders to acknowledge Elizabeth’s valuable impact on the industry. Our Editor-in-Chief, Chidera Mouka, commented on Elizabeth’s long-term achievements as a fashion entrepreneur, ‘It’s been a long time coming & well deserved.’
Elohor Elizabeth’s journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim speaks of an unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. Born in England on March 23, 1980, Elohor relocated to Nigeria with her family at a young age. After completing her secondary education, she returned to London at 16 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Information Technology at London Guildhall University (now London Metropolitan University).
Her foray into modelling began with her victory in the 2001 Miss Nigeria UK competition, propelling her into a successful modelling career in the UK. She returned to Nigeria in 2003, moved to Lagos in 2004, and founded Beth Models, now known as Beth Model Management Africa. Notably, it is the longest-standing modelling agency in Nigeria, often hailed as ‘Africa’s largest modelling agency.’
Isiorho’s entrepreneurial empire spans modelling, beauty pageantry, event organisation, and real estate. Through her agency, Elohor Elizabeth Isiorho has discovered and nurtured the careers of several highly successful Nigerian models, including Mayowa Nicholas, the first Nigerian model to grace the Victoria’s Secret runway, Nneoma Anosike, Jeffery Obed, Tobi Momoh, Olaniyan Olamijuwon, among others.
Elohor Elizabeth Isiorho expressed her gratitude to the BOF 500 while acknowledging her team, models, clients and contributors to the success of Beth Models for 19 remarkable years. The BOF 500 selection process is meticulous, involving nominations and intelligence gathering from industry sources worldwide. After comprehensive research and evaluation, a panel of editors rigorously assesses each nominee, ultimately handpicking the top 500 individuals reshaping and advancing the fashion industry across diverse categories.
“This global recognition by BOF is a testament to our commitment and passion for fashion, and I am grateful for the lives Beth has been able to inspire and continues to impact across the African continent and globally”
Her inclusion in the BOF 500 is a significant milestone for the Nigerian fashion industry and vital in shaping the narrative of African fashion as a whole.
This year, the BOF 500 added Adeju Thompson, founder and creative director of Lagos Space Programme; Burna Boy, the Grammy award-winning artist; Yinka Ash, the founder of Ash Luxe, and Clint 419, the founder of Cortez, along with photographer Gabriel Moses.
This underscores their remarkable contributions to design, modelling, fashion, community and fashion photography.
