Not long ago, women of colour were often discriminated against, underrepresented and unfavoured in the fashion industry. But with the times changing, we have inclusivity and equality. These African models are getting famous for changing the fashion world’s timeline and giving it good representation. These models are known for their stunning and equally gorgeous looks, carrying talent and the perfect dose of style in each appearance. Wondering who these divas are?
We are thrilled to share the stunning and beautiful African female models with you. They are supermodels who are transforming and taking the world by storm, and we can’t wait to introduce them to you!
20 Hot South African Runway Models 2023:
Let us now get going and explore the most popular and top gorgeous African fashion models. Here we go!
1. Tyra Banks:
Let us begin with the bang. Tyra Banks, among the world’s most renowned supermodels, is among the first African American models to run super successfully in the fashion industry. She was Victoria’s Secret favourite for several years and the first African American in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and GQ. She was among the world’s top-earning models for several years and later became a television personality. She is among the most popular African American women models ever.
2. Alek Wek:
Born in South Sudan, Alek Wek is currently making quite some noise in the modelling industry. She has modelled for several established international brands, such as Armani, Calvin Klein, Chanel and Victoria’s Secret. Wek has also been featured in Vogue and Elle, besides numerous other fashion magazines. She is among the world’s top famous and leading South African female models.
3. Gelila Bekele:
Gelila Bekele is another top African model to look at right now. She is born in Ethiopia and has been in the modelling industry for over a decade. By now, she has established herself as among the lead model from Africa, working with several popular brands such as Pantene, Levi’s and more. Her beautiful looks with striking features and curly hair often mesmerize us, and we are sure you too will love her!
4. Oluchi Onweagba:
Oluchi Onweagba, born in Nigeria’s Lagos, is known face of several international brands and magazines. She was discovered and later rose to fame after M-Net face African competition. She has been among Armani’s and Chanel’s favourite faces for many years. Oluchi is also among America’s next top model hosts.
5. Agbani Darego:
You might have known her already as Miss World 2014. Agbani Darego was born in Nigeria and rose to prominence after the Most Beautiful Girl competition in Nigeria. She later won Miss Universe too and then became an international face for brands such as Sephora, Tommy Hilfiger, Avon and many others.
6. Maria Borges:
Maria Borges is another leading model from Africa in the world. Born in Angola, Maria came into the limelight in the early 2010s after running in fashion week. She later came on Elle’s cover and was the second African model to appear in Elle after Alek Wek. She even came in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and more, and worked with international brands such as Marc Jacobs, Versace, Armani, and more.
7. Candice Swanepoel:
Born in Mooi River, South Africa, the fashion model Candice Swanepoel was initially a ballet dancer before entering the modelling world. She started her career in the Durban flea market as a teenager, and there has been no turning back ever since. Candice worked with Tom Ford, True Religion, Nike, Diesel, Givenchy, Ralph Lauren and many more, and was named in FHM’s 100 sexiest women in the world several times. In addition, she walked on fashion runways for Dior, Chanel, Fendi, Viktor and Rolf and others.
8. Herieth Paul:
The model from Tanzania, Herieth Paul, is another gorgeous model that deserves all our attention. Born in Tanzania, Herieth moved to Canada just at the early age of 14. She was discovered as a talented model and got quick acclaim and appreciation. Herieth appeared in Teen Vogue, Elle, Vogue Italia and many other fashion magazines; and worked with several fashion brands and luxury houses. She is among the stunning models from Africa and shines bright with her beautiful red hair.
9. Ajuma Nasenyana:
The 5’10” beauty Ajuma Nasenyana is another African model whom the fashion industry loves. She entered the spotlight after winning Miss Tourism Kenya in 2003. She got global recognition gradually after entering Ford’s supermodel of the world. Ever since she has worked with numerous luxury brands and walked many fashion runways.
10. Ajak Deng:
Born in South Sudan, Ajak Deng moved to Australia in her early teens with her family. She entered modelling early in her life and gained recognition after modelling for houses such as Givenchy, Calvin Klein, Rick Owens, Vogue, Kenzo, Top Shop, Louis Vuitton and other international fashion houses. Her short hair and bold looks attracted quite a lot of attention from the crowd, and she stood tall as an inspiration.
11. Tanit Phoenix:
Another South African model who rose to international fame is Tanit Phoenix. She entered modelling in her teenage and rose to popularity for swimwear and lingerie photoshoots. She even made a bold and iconic cover in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. She appeared in several commercials and campaigns for brands such as Adidas, Aria, Coco-Cola, Nivea, and many more. She even later acted in movies.
12. Yasmin Warsame:
Yasmin Warsame is another beautiful and stunning successful African female model. she is born in Somalia and later settled in Canada. She worked with international houses and luxury brands and appeared several times in Elle, Vogue, Surface and other magazines. Yasmin is also popular for her humanitarian work. She looks out and works for the needs of Somali youth based in Canada.
13. Iman:
Iman is another stunning and top famous model in the world from Africa. Originally known as Zara Mohamed Abdul Majid, Iman appeared on several international runways. She worked with Calvin Klein, Versace and several other brands, also appearing in Vogue several times. She even opened an Iman cosmetics and makeup company, besides running her own clothing line called Global Chic collection.
14. Malaika Firth:
Malaika Firth is among the young contemporary African model popular right now. Born in Kenya, Malaika came into the spotlight after being in a campaign by Prada. She is among the first African model to appear in the Prada campaign for several decades. Settled in London, the diva appeared on several runways, including Victoria’s Secret fashion show, New York fashion week and more.
15. Fatima Siad:
Born in Somalia, Fatima Siad is among the most successful models ever from Africa. She has graced several magazine covers such as Ebony, Essence, Marie Claire, Elle, and Vogue, besides modelling for international designer houses such as St. John, Herve Leger, Marc Jacobs, Hermes and others. Fatima is also known for her humanitarian works, such as campaigning for women’s equality in third-world countries and against female genital mutilation.
16. Adut Akech:
Born in South Sudan, Adut Akech started her modelling career just at the age of 16. She came into the spotlight just after her first runway in Saint Laurent’s show, and later immediately featured in other shows. She appeared on the largest magazine covers such as WSJ, Elle, Modern Matter and Vogue, besides also walking for Miu Miu, Jason Wu, Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, Prada and many other designers and luxury houses. She is among the youngest African model to grace several fashion runways as of today.
17. Liya Kebede:
The beauty, Liya Kebede, is popular for working and walking with several designers such as Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Dolce & Gabbana and others. Liya came into the spotlight after working with Tom Ford in Gucci 2000 fashion show, later appearing in Vogue. She was even the highest-paid model according to Forbes in 2017 and still stands tall as an inspiration with several campaigns and brand shoots for the world’s top luxury brands. Besides fashion modelling, she even is known for advocating for maternal health.
18. Adwoa Aboah:
Another top African model worth our attention is Adwoa Aboah. The beautiful diva is among the most scouted fashion models today. She is in high demand after working with several international houses such as Calvin Klein, Fendi, H&M, Aldo, Topshop, Alexander Wang, DKNY, Kenzo, Dior, Chanel and many others. She even appeared in the Rihanna x Puma collection. In addition, Adwoa Aboah was among the few models featured in Vogue America with Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
19. Aamito Lagum:
Born in Uganda, Aamito Lagum is the winner of Africa’s next top model and shot up to fame immediately after that. She has worked with Yeezy, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, H&M and other international houses. She also appeared on magazine covers for Elle, British Vogue, Vanity Affair, and W Magazine.
20. Flaviana Matata:
Born in Tanzania, Flaviana Matata is yet another gorgeous model we must talk about. The beauty shot up to fame after participating in Miss Universe. Although she did not win the competition, her confidence and impeccable fashion skills impressed several brands and designer houses. Matata campaigned and modelled for several such as Mustafa Hassanali, Louise Gray and many others.
How did you enjoy exploring these stunning and gorgeous top-famous African models in the world? We hope you enjoyed the faces of African fashion. Let us know your thoughts and if you know any of them before. We love to hear from you!
