Awar Odhiang named Model of the Year 2026

The British Fashion Council has named South Sudanese-Canadian model Awar Odhiang as the Model of the Year for 2026. She is scheduled to receive the award at The Fashion Awards ceremony on November 30, 2026, at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Odhiang, who was born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia and raised in Canada, has had a significant impact on the fashion industry this year. Her recent work includes fronting campaigns for major houses such as Chanel, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Loro Piana, and H&M, as well as appearing on eight international magazine covers.

Her rise to prominence included a notable moment during Paris Fashion Week in October 2025, where she closed Matthieu Blazy’s debut Chanel show. Beyond her runway success, she has become a prominent voice regarding representation and inclusion for Black models in the fashion sector.