African models have become some of the most recognizable faces in fashion today. Whether on the runway, in luxury campaigns, or on the covers of leading magazines, their work continues to shape conversations around style, representation, and the future of the industry. Here, we spotlight five models whose careers have left a lasting impression on the global fashion landscape.
Anok Yai | South Sudan
Anok Yai is one of the most recognizable models in contemporary fashion and one of the strongest representatives of South Sudanese talent on the global stage. Born in Egypt to South Sudanese parents, she first gained international attention in 2017 after a photograph of her at Howard University went viral. Her career quickly accelerated, and she became the second Black model in history to open a Prada show, a milestone that placed her among fashion’s most influential new faces. Since then, Anok has worked with luxury houses including Chanel, Dior, Versace, Fendi, Saint Laurent, Mugler, and Alaïa while appearing in campaigns for brands such as Estée Lauder, Tiffany & Co., and Versace. In 2025, she received the Model of the Year award at The Fashion Awards, recognizing her global impact and influence within the industry.
Adut Akech | South Sudan
Adut Akech’s rise from a South Sudanese refugee background to becoming one of fashion’s most successful models is one of the industry’s most recognized stories. Born in South Sudan, Adut spent part of her childhood in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya before moving to Australia with her family. She gained international attention after becoming an exclusive model for Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2017 show, which marked the beginning of her global career. She has since walked for some of the biggest fashion houses, including Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Prada, Givenchy, and Versace, while appearing in campaigns for Saint Laurent, Fendi, Valentino, Balenciaga, and Moschino. Adut has also appeared on international Vogue covers and was named Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards in 2019.
Imaan Hammam | Morocco and Egypt
Imaan Hammam has built one of the most successful modeling careers representing North African heritage in global fashion. Born in the Netherlands to a Moroccan mother and Egyptian father, she entered the industry as a teenager and gained international recognition after opening Givenchy’s Spring/Summer 2014 show. Since then, she has become a consistent presence on luxury runways and campaigns, working with brands including Chanel, Versace, Prada, Valentino, Givenchy, and Victoria’s Secret. She has appeared on multiple international Vogue covers and collaborated with some of fashion’s leading photographers and creative teams. Her long-standing presence in luxury fashion has made her one of the most recognizable African models of her generation.
Awar Odhiang | South Sudan
Awar Odhiang is one of the most exciting models of the new generation, representing the growing influence of South Sudanese talent in global fashion. Born to South Sudanese parents and raised in Canada, Awar has quickly established herself as a major runway presence. She has walked for leading fashion houses, including Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Versace, Fendi, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent. Her career reached a major moment when she closed Chanel’s debut collection under creative director Matthieu Blazy, creating one of the most memorable runway moments of the season. Awar has also appeared in major editorials and campaigns and has received industry recognition, including Model of the Year recognition and nominations.
Amilna Estêvão | Angola
Amilna Estêvão is one of Angola’s most successful fashion exports and a model who helped establish African talent as a major force in international fashion. Born in Luanda, Angola, she was discovered through Elite Model Look Angola in 2013 and went on to build a global career. She has walked for some of the world’s leading fashion houses, including Prada, Fendi, Balenciaga, Gucci, Givenchy, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Moschino, and Alexander Wang. She has also appeared in campaigns, editorials, and magazine features throughout her career, becoming recognized for her striking look and strong runway presence. Models.com lists her among its recognized industry models, with extensive runway and editorial credits.
References
Fashion Industry Sources
- Models.com
- The Fashion Awards / British Fashion Council
- Vogue (Vogue US, British Vogue, Vogue Australia, Vogue Arabia)
- Business of Fashion
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