By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko.

All myths have many versions and variations but the tale of African models dominating the international fashion industry is heavily under-reported and only a select few get the spotlight. So when Mayowa Nicholas walked the 2018 Victoria’s Secret fashion, many were quick to call her the first Nigerian model to grace the runway, however, the truth is that box was already ticked in 2000 by Oluchi Onweagba.

The modern modelling industry has taken a more diverse route than in its older years; now spotting an African model on the runway is as common as Zeus engaging in extramarital affairs in Greek myths. From Paris to New York, the runway shows are constantly taking on fresh and established faces from the continent.

While the focus of African models often falls on the models from Eastern countries such as Somalia and South Sudan. Nevertheless, its Western counterpart is certainly matching the pace, with West African models stacking up Vogue covers and high fashion brand deals.

Fashion Week comes twice a year and there is a list of Nigerian models that have become familiar faces on the runways. When they are not walking runways, they are gracing magazine covers or starring in ad campaigns for some of society’s favourite brands, both the niche and the legacy. Here are the Nigerian models that are making the world their oyster.

MAYOWA NICHOLAS:

Vogue Germany, Vogue Japan, Elle UK, Numero magazine, Tiffany and Co, Chanel Beauty, and Victoria’s Secret; these are a few examples of magazines and campaigns that Nicholas has covered. With a decade-long career in the industry, Nicholas is challenging the shelf life of a Nigerian model as she continues to dominate the industry. She might not have been the first Nigerian model at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, but the BETH models signee was the first to star in Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, and Calvin Klein campaigns.

ENIOLA ABIORO:

A personal favourite of Rihanna, as Abioro has fronted campaigns for Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin, along with starring in a SavageXFenty show. “I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.” Abioro has lived up to this considering her first show after signing with FEW models was Tommy Hilfiger x Gigi Hadid since then Abioro has walked for brands such as Versace and Prada; she has been in her Calvins as has starred in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Revlon, and Tiffany and Co.; appeared in editorials such as Vogue Italia, V magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar Us; and covered magazines like Elle Italia and 10 magazine. She was the first Nigerian model to walk for Prada.

VICTORIA FAWOLE:

You haven’t seen Victoria Fawole? Yes you have, she is one of the girls wearing the Schiaparelli FW22 looks that went viral because they were painted blue. That was not her last rodeo with the Parisian-based brand, as she was also spotted on the Schiaparelli shows this year. She has also starred in campaigns for Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Rabanne and many more. CR Fashion Book and HTSI by Financial Times are on the list of her magazine covers.

BOLA EDUN:

Next, we have the face of MAC cosmetics, starring in the ad for its Ruby Woo lipstick. She can equally be found in campaigns for H&M, FWRD, Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, Dolce and Gabbana, Estee Lauder, SHISEIDO, and Jo Malone. The FEW model has walked runways across the globe for brands like Dolce and Gabbana. She has covered magazines such as Hunger Magazine and featured in L’Officiel Baltic, Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, The Cut, Tatler U.K. and Marie Claire. 

FEYISAYO MAY:

Although often called Feyi May, the Nigerian model stormed the modelling industry in 2022 at the Versace show. She has gone on to walk for brands such as Valentino, Moschino, Thom Browne, Ahluwalia, Sergio Hudson, Bally, and Elie Saab. Feyi May has become a TikTok favourite with several edits dedicated to her walk. She is featured in campaigns for Valentino Beauty, Fendi X Versace, Dsquared2, Long Champ, Sophie Zamel, Orange Culture and CLAN. She has been featured in editorials for Vogue Italia, i-D Italy, Grazia UK, and Merde Magazine.

AYOBAMI OKEKUNLE:

A back-to-back Gucci campaign star. Fresh off a Giorgio Armani and Gucci campaign, the FEW models’ signee, Okekunle has led campaigns for Valentino, Jacquemus, Tom Ford, MAC, YSL Beauty, Chanel Beauty, Marc Jacobs Beauty, DIOR, Tods, and Akris. Her editorial portfolio includes Numero Netherlands, V magazine, WSJ magazine, Elle UK, British Vogue, Elle USA, Vogue Arabia, Vanity Fair Italia, L’Officiel Italia, and Vogue Australia. She has covered M magazine and Evening Standard magazine.