Awar Odhiang has been named Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards 2026, recognising a year in which the South Sudanese-Canadian model has become one of the most talked-about faces in international fashion. The 25-year-old will receive the award at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 30 November 2026.
Odhiang’s recognition follows a series of major runway appearances, international magazine covers and luxury fashion campaigns. Her career reached a new level of public attention in October 2025 when she closed Matthieu Blazy’s first collection for Chanel, creating one of the most memorable moments of the season.
Born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia and raised in Canada, Odhiang’s journey into international modelling began after she was discovered in Alberta. She has since built a career across the major fashion capitals, with representation from leading modelling agencies in London, Milan, Paris and New York.
Her runway credits include some of the industry’s most established fashion houses, among them Prada, Versace, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent and Jacquemus. However, her appearance at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2026 show brought her particular attention from fashion audiences around the world.
For the show, which marked Blazy’s debut collection for Chanel, Odhiang wore the bridal look, consisting of an oversized white shirt and a voluminous skirt decorated with colourful feathers. The outfit was already a notable part of the collection, but her appearance at the finale made the moment even more memorable.
As the models assembled for the final walk, Odhiang stepped out of formation, smiling, clapping and twirling in her feathered skirt. When Blazy appeared, she ran towards the designer and embraced him. The spontaneous display of excitement quickly circulated online, with viewers responding to the energy and emotion she brought to the runway.
The appearance also marked a significant moment in Chanel’s history. Odhiang became the third Black woman to close a Chanel show in the fashion house’s 115-year history, following Alek Wek and Adut Akech.
Her career has continued to expand since that appearance. According to the supplied source material, she has featured on eight international magazine covers this year and appeared in campaigns for Chanel, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Loro Piana and H&M.
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Beyond runway appearances and commercial campaigns, Odhiang has also spoken about the need for greater representation and inclusion of Black models in the luxury fashion industry. Her growing visibility has given her a platform to contribute to conversations about who gets opportunities and recognition within an industry that has faced longstanding questions about diversity.
The Model of the Year award recognises her work across runway shows, editorial publications and international campaigns, as well as the wider influence she has built during her rise in fashion. Her appearance at the Royal Albert Hall on 30 November will mark another important moment in a career that has already taken her to some of the industry’s biggest stages.
The British Fashion Council announced Odhiang as this year’s Model of the Year honouree on 4 November, ahead of the ceremony. The distinction is based on her impact across the fashion industry over the past year, including her work on the runway, in editorial photography and in international advertising campaigns.
Her Chanel appearance also carried historical significance. She became the third Black woman to close a Chanel show, following Alek Wek and Adut Akech.
