What a year it has been for Awar Odhiang! From that unforgettable Chanel runway finale to becoming one of the most sought after faces in fashion, the Canadian model has now earned one of the industry’s biggest honours.
The British Fashion Council has officially named Awar Odhiang Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards 2026, recognising her remarkable influence on the runway, in fashion campaigns and beyond. The award will be presented on November 30 at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
From a Viral Chanel Moment to Fashion’s Biggest Honour
If there was one runway moment that truly captured Awar’s magnetic personality, it was her appearance at Matthieu Blazy’s debut Chanel show in October 2025.
Closing the Spring/Summer 2026 presentation, she brought an infectious smile and unmistakable energy to the runway, creating one of the most joyful fashion moments of the season. It was a refreshing reminder that high fashion doesn’t always have to take itself so seriously.
Since then, her career has continued its impressive rise. In 2026 alone, Awar has appeared on eight international magazine covers and fronted campaigns for major fashion houses including Chanel, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Loro Piana.
A Journey Worth Celebrating
Born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia to South Sudanese parents and raised in Canada, Awar’s journey to the international fashion spotlight is as inspiring as her runway presence.
Beyond her modelling achievements, she has also spoken about the importance of greater representation for Black models, using her growing visibility to encourage a more inclusive fashion industry.
Reacting to the honour, Awar expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared a message about embracing both strength and kindness, without compromising one’s individuality.
And perhaps that is what makes her such a compelling face in fashion today. She brings personality, confidence and genuine joy to an industry that can sometimes feel overly polished and predictable.
For Awar Odhiang, the Model of the Year title feels like a fitting recognition of an extraordinary chapter in her career. And judging by her momentum, there is plenty more to come.
