Awar Odhiang named Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards 2026

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has named Awar Odhiang Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards 2026. The ceremony will take place on November 30 at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The award recognizes a model whose global impact has defined the industry over the past year, with an influence that extends beyond the catwalk, the BFC said in a press release. Since closing Matthieu Blazy’s debut show at Chanel, Odhiang has landed eight international magazine covers this year and fronted campaigns for Chanel, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Loro Piana and H&M.

The BFC also cited her work beyond the camera. Odhiang has used her platform to champion greater representation and inclusion for Black models, speaking openly about the barriers that persist within the industry.

“To be recognised as Model of the Year is an incredible honour,” said Odhiang. “I have always believed that you can be both kind and strong, both gentle and resilient. You never have to dim your light to belong, nor lose your softness to prove your strength.”

Laura Weir, chief executive of the BFC, said: “Awar has brought a truly special energy to fashion this year, reminding us that the industry is at its best when individuality, authenticity and joy are celebrated.”

A panel of industry experts chose the winner, chaired by casting director Anita Bitton. “She earned this recognition through hard work and commitment,” said Bitton. “She understood the assignment and rose to it, without losing the joy and curiosity that brought her here.”

The panel also included photographer Campbell Addy, stylist and editor-in-chief Carlos Nazario, stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and stylist and consultant Julia Sarr-Jamois.

About Awar Odhiang

Odhiang was born in 2000 in the Pugnido refugee camp in Ethiopia to South Sudanese parents. Her family settled in Moose Jaw, Canada, in 2002 and later moved to Calgary, where she signed with Mode Models International. Her breakout came in October 2025, when she closed Matthieu Blazy’s debut spring/summer 2026 show for Chanel as the house’s bride. She was the third Black model to close a Chanel show, after Alek Wek in 2004 and Adut Akech in 2018. In February 2026 she landed her first Vogue cover, photographed by Rafael Pavarotti for Vogue Italia. Her other covers include i-D, AnOther and Harper’s Bazaar France.

This article was written with the assistance of an AI tool.