Awar Odhiang Crowned Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards 2026
The South Sudanese‑Canadian runway star receives the Model of the Year honour at London’s Royal Albert Hall, capping a year of high‑profile shows, campaigns and a viral Chanel finale.
From a refugee camp to the global runway
Awar Odhiang’s story begins far from the glitter of fashion capitals. She was born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia and later grew up in Canada, a background that informs the narrative of her rapid rise. While living in Alberta, she was discovered by a scout, a moment that set her on a path toward the international modelling circuit. Since that discovery, she has secured representation with major agencies operating in the key fashion hubs of London, Milan, Paris and New York, ensuring a presence on the world’s most influential runways. At 25 years old, Odhiang already carries the experience of a decade‑long career, yet her age underscores the speed with which she has moved from a modest upbringing to the centre of high fashion. The breadth of her agency network reflects the industry’s confidence in her versatility. By aligning with representatives in each of the four fashion capitals, she can navigate the differing aesthetic demands of each market while maintaining a consistent personal brand. This structure has enabled her to accept bookings across a spectrum of designers, from luxury houses to emerging labels, and to appear in editorial spreads that reach a global audience. Her early life, marked by displacement and migration, contrasts sharply with the opulent settings of runway shows, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with both media and fashion insiders.
Runway milestones and a viral Chanel finale
Odhiang’s runway résumé reads like a checklist of contemporary fashion powerhouses. She has walked for Prada, Versace, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent and Jacquemus, among others, demonstrating a capacity to adapt to varied design languages. However, it was her participation in Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2026 show in October 2025 that amplified her visibility beyond the usual industry circles. Closing the French house’s first collection under creative director Matthieu Blazy, she wore a bridal‑inspired look consisting of an oversized white shirt paired with a voluminous, colour‑rich feathered skirt. The moment became a focal point when, at the finale, she broke formation, smiled, clapped, twirled, and then ran toward Blazy to embrace him. The spontaneous gesture spread rapidly online, turning the runway ending into a viral sensation that highlighted both her charisma and the emotional resonance she brings to the catwalk. Beyond the immediate buzz, the Chanel appearance carried historic weight. By closing the show, Odhiang became only the third Black woman to do so in the house’s 115‑year history, following Alek Wek and Adut Akech. This milestone underscores a gradual diversification within a brand traditionally associated with a narrow aesthetic. The viral moment, coupled with the historic significance of her placement, cemented her status as a model who not only commands visual attention but also represents a broader shift toward inclusion on the world’s most prestigious runways.
Editorial dominance and high‑profile campaigns
The momentum generated by the Chanel finale translated into a surge of editorial and commercial work. Within the year, Odhiang appeared on eight international magazine covers, a testament to her growing demand among editors seeking fresh, compelling faces. Her presence on these covers spanned a range of publications, reinforcing her status as a globally recognised model. In parallel, she fronted campaigns for a diverse set of brands, including luxury houses such as Chanel, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Loro Piana, as well as the high‑street label H&M. This blend of high‑end and accessible fashion work illustrates her versatility and the breadth of her appeal across different market segments. Odhiang has also leveraged the platform afforded by these high‑visibility assignments to advocate for greater representation of Black models within the luxury sector. While the source does not detail specific initiatives, her public statements and the visibility of her work signal a commitment to challenging entrenched industry norms. By occupying prominent spaces in both editorial spreads and major advertising campaigns, she provides a visible counter‑point to the historically limited representation of Black women in high fashion, thereby contributing to an ongoing dialogue about diversity and inclusion.
Red‑carpet appearances and backstage moments
Odhiang’s profile extends beyond runway and print work into the realm of high‑profile events. She walked the red carpet at the 2026 Met Gala in New York City, arriving in a custom Chanel ensemble designed by Matthieu Blazy. Photographs from the gala show her in a tailored blazer during international fashion week, reinforcing her reputation as a style icon whose sartorial choices are closely watched by both fans and industry observers. Her presence at the Met Gala, an event known for its blend of celebrity and couture, underscores the crossover appeal she enjoys between modelling and broader cultural moments. Backstage, Odhiang was captured at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, further illustrating the range of spectacles in which she participates. In Paris, she appeared in Daniel Roseberry’s Schiaparelli Spring 2026 Haute Couture collection, adding a haute couture credit to her portfolio. Each of these appearances—whether on the Met Gala carpet, behind the scenes at a major lingerie showcase, or on the runway of a storied couture house—demonstrates her ability to navigate diverse fashion environments while maintaining a consistent presence. The variety of settings also highlights the industry’s confidence in her to represent brands across different aesthetic territories, from the avant‑garde to mainstream luxury.
Model of the Year award and its broader impact
The culmination of Odhiang’s achievements this year is her selection as Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards 2026. The honour will be presented at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 30 November, placing her among the ceremony’s most celebrated figures. The Model of the Year category recognises a model’s influence across runway, editorial and campaign work, as well as any broader contributions to the industry. In Odhiang’s case, the award acknowledges a year marked by high‑profile runway moments, a surge of magazine covers, and a slate of campaigns for both luxury and high‑street brands, alongside her vocal advocacy for Black representation. Receiving the award at the historic Royal Albert Hall adds a layer of gravitas, situating her achievement within a venue synonymous with cultural milestones. The recognition not only celebrates her personal accomplishments but also serves as a visible marker of progress for models from under‑represented backgrounds. By becoming the Model of the Year, Odhiang joins a lineage of industry figures whose work has helped shape contemporary fashion narratives. Her story—from a refugee camp in Ethiopia to the pinnacle of a major fashion ceremony—offers a powerful example of how talent, resilience and strategic representation can converge to redefine success within the global fashion ecosystem.