Awar Odhiang commands attention on the world’s most prestigious runways. Her career reshapes global fashion with a powerful presence and an extraordinary story.
Her journey began far from the bright lights. She was born in a refugee camp in Pinyudo, Ethiopia, to a South Sudanese family.
Her mother, Achalla Opiew, fled civil war. The family found a new home in Canada when Awar was just two years old.
They first settled in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Later, they moved to Calgary when she was sixteen.
Her ascent in the fashion industry has been remarkable. Top international agencies in New York, Paris, Milan, London, and Barcelona represent her.
She earned a spot on Models.com’s Top 50 list. In 2022, she won Model of the Year at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards.
Standing 5’9.5″ with brown hair and brown eyes, she breaks narrow beauty molds. Her work spans runway shows, campaigns, and editorials across all major fashion capitals.
This is a story of authenticity and purpose. It goes far beyond the clothes.
Breaking News: Awar Odhiang’s Meteoric Rise in Global Fashion
The Grand Palais in Paris witnessed a finale that captured the spirit of a new era for Chanel. Odhiang closed the spring/summer 2026 show for new artistic director Matthieu Blazy.
This pivotal moment defined the debut. It was a display of pure, unscripted joy.
Viral Moments at the Spring/Summer 2026 Show
As the last look concluded, the model broke into applause. She radiated joy and ran to embrace Blazy in front of the captivated audience.
Speaking to Vogue, she explained the moment’s authenticity. Blazy had told her, “This is your moment, this is a chance for you to just enjoy it, do what you do, and do you.”
That is exactly what she did. The spontaneous celebration symbolized the fresh energy Blazy is bringing to the iconic house.
People responded instantly online. The finale became one of the most talked-about moments of Paris Fashion Week.
Noteworthy Highlights from International Campaigns
This viral moment is part of a broader pattern of high-profile work. Her status is cemented by campaigns for the industry’s most respected houses.
She embodies different aesthetics with ease. Recent highlights include the Prada Autumn/Winter 2025 campaign and runway.
She also features in the Loro Piana Autumn/Winter 2025 show. Past collaborations include work with Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent.
Other significant campaigns include Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2024 and Salvatore Ferragamo Pre-Fall 2024. This versatility across luxury brands marks her as a leading model in fashion today.
Inside Awar Odhiang’s Modeling Journey and Runway Highlights
Her story starts not with a camera flash, but with the search for safety. Awar Odhiang was born in the Pinyudo refugee camp in Ethiopia. Her South Sudanese family had fled civil war.
They built a new life in Canada, first in Moose Jaw, then Calgary. Growing up as one of the few Black girls there was difficult. She faced bullying that shaped her humility and inner strength.
A pivotal shift happened at age seventeen. Kelly Streit, founder of Mode Models International, discovered her folding sweaters at an Old Navy store. He saw her unique presence and launched her career.
Modeling runs in the family. Her younger sister, Nepapery, is also pursuing the profession.
From Refugee Camp Beginnings to Canadian Breakthroughs
These early experiences fueled her professionalism. Her grounded perspective sets her apart from other models. The challenges of her youth built a remarkable resilience.
Striking Runway Appearances and Fashion Week Milestones
This resilience translated into an explosive presence on the catwalk. In February 2025 alone, she walked over 34 shows during New York, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks. Her versatility made her a favorite of top designers.
The table below highlights some of her major runway appearances from that period.
| Fashion Week | Designer | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Chanel | Spring/Summer 2026 |
| Milan | Prada | Autumn/Winter 2025 |
| Florence | Gucci | Cruise 2026 |
| Paris | Louis Vuitton | Resort 2026 |
| Milan | Versace | Fall/Winter 2025 |
Her journey from a small town to the world’s most prestigious runways is a story of earned success. It is a narrative built on strength and authenticity.
Fashion Industry Impact and Personal Triumphs
Beyond the runway’s glare, her impact resonates through powerful editorials and a commitment to change. Her work graces the covers of iconic publications, defining a modern look for the industry.
Innovative Collaborations and Editorial Success
Her portfolio is a testament to high-caliber collaborations. She has worked with visionary photographers like Juergen Teller and Steven Meisel.
Major editorial moments include:
- Harper’s Bazaar Italia cover (June 2025)
- Features in American Vogue and British Vogue
- Zara’s 50th Anniversary “50 Years, 50 Icons” campaign
- Sustained campaigns for Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent
Her distinctive features—warm brown eyes, high cheekbones, and a versatile silhouette—make her a favorite for designers. Agent Kelly Streit highlights her professionalism in a demanding industry.
He notes she arrived when the world was ready for a broader spectrum of Black beauty. Her authentic look captures a new era in fashion.
Empowering Resilience and Commitment to Philanthropy
This success is grounded in a deeper purpose. She uses her platform to support her heritage, working with her father on projects in South Sudan.
Their work brings tangible resources like grinding mills to villages. This philanthropic drive connects to an early dream of studying health sciences to become a doctor.
Her career is a story of resilience. It bridges global fashion with a profound commitment to positive change.
Final Reflections on a Trailblazing Fashion Evolution
The spontaneous applause that echoed through the Grand Palais marked more than a fashion finale. It celebrated a journey from refugee camp to runway, a full-circle moment of triumph. At just 24, Awar Odhiang stands among the world’s top 50 most in-demand models.
Her viral moment with artistic director Matthieu Blazy symbolized fresh energy in the industry. It showed pure joy and spontaneity, qualities that resonate with people globally. This authenticity defines her impact beyond the spring shows.
She continues to use her visibility for meaningful change. Her philanthropic work in South Sudan keeps family and heritage at the center. She inspires aspiring models and people everywhere with her grounded perspective.
The fashion world continues to evolve toward greater diversity. Her story represents this shift perfectly. More runway appearances, editorials, and advocacy work lie ahead. Her presence, both on and off the catwalk, carries a quiet power that promises continued influence for years to come.
