Awar Odhiang Named Model Of The Year At The Fashion Awards 2026
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By PAGE Editor
Fashion has always relied on models to communicate more than the clothes they wear. From the runway to international campaigns, the industry's most influential faces often become cultural figures in their own right. For Awar Odhiang, 2026 has been a defining year, one that will culminate in receiving the Model of the Year award at The Fashion Awards 2026.
The British Fashion Council (BFC) announced that Odhiang will receive the honor on November 30 at London's Royal Albert Hall, recognizing her impact across fashion, editorial, and the broader cultural landscape. Born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia and raised in Canada, Odhiang has established a distinctive presence in an increasingly competitive modeling industry, bringing an expressive energy and individuality to some of fashion's most recognizable names.
One of her defining moments came when she closed Matthieu Blazy's debut collection for Chanel, placing her at the center of a significant creative transition for the French fashion house. Her influence has since extended across campaigns for Chanel, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Loro Piana, and H&M. With eight international magazine covers to her credit this year, Odhiang's visibility reflects a career moving fluidly between luxury fashion, commercial storytelling, and editorial expression.
However, her influence extends beyond the industry's traditional measures of success. Odhiang has also used her growing platform to advocate for greater representation and inclusion of Black models, speaking openly about the barriers that continue to exist within fashion. Her visibility offers a broader perspective on who gets to occupy the industry's most celebrated spaces, particularly for young women looking for representation across international media.
Reflecting on the recognition, Odhiang shared:
"To be recognised as Model of the Year is an incredible honour. 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. I hope my journey continues to remind others of that. I am deeply grateful for this moment and for all that it represents. Thank you to those who have believed in me, and appreciated me for exactly who I am."
Laura Weir, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, described Odhiang as a talent whose individuality, authenticity, and joy have made a meaningful impression on the industry. Anita Bitton, casting director and chair of the Model of the Year jury, similarly recognized her professional commitment, noting the importance of watching Odhiang develop her voice while maintaining the curiosity and enthusiasm that first distinguished her.
Selected by a jury of leading industry figures, including Campbell Addy, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Carlos Nazario, and Julia Sarr-Jamois, the award acknowledges a model whose influence reaches well beyond the runway.
As one of the defining faces of fashion in 2026, Odhiang represents a compelling combination of professional achievement and personal conviction. Her recognition at The Fashion Awards is not simply a celebration of a successful year, but an acknowledgment of the evolving faces and perspectives shaping fashion's next chapter.
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Awar Odhiang’s remarkable year, spanning Chanel’s runway, international magazine covers and campaigns for some of fashion’s most influential houses, earns her one of the industry’s highest-profile honors.