A well-deserved win.
Awar Odhiang is continuing to make this year her own, with another major W now under her belt. The model has just been named Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards 2026, adding another major milestone to what’s been a seriously impressive run.
Born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia and raised in Canada, Odhiang has had quite the year. After closing Matthieu Blazy’s debut Chanel show, she continued to make her mark across the industry, fronting campaigns for Chanel, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Loro Piana and H&M, while also clocking up eight international magazine covers along the way.
Moving away from the cameras and catwalk, Odhiang has used her growing platform to push for greater representation and inclusion for Black models.
Speaking on the news, she said:
“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.”
The Fashion Awards 2026 will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 30 November.
PHOTO CREDIT: Adam Peter Johnson/@awarodhiang
