Africa being blessed with an abundance of beautiful women has produced some of the most successful and well-known models in the world. These African women have graced the runways of top fashion brands, worked with world-renowned photographers, and are breaking barriers in the modeling industry. In this article, we present you with 12 African female models you should know.
1. Maria Borges:
Maria Borges is an Angolan model who has taken the fashion world by storm. She has walked in numerous high-profile shows, including Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Givenchy, Balmain, and Chanel. Maria is known for her stunning looks and her signature short Afro hair. She has been featured on the covers of numerous magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
2. Duckie Thot:
Nyadak Thot, better known as Duckie Thot, is a South Sudanese-Australian model who is known for her striking beauty and unique features. She has walked in shows for top designers such as Fenty Beauty, Oscar de la Renta, and Moschino. Duckie has also appeared in several magazines, including Vogue, Paper, and Grazia.
3. Flaviana Matata:
Flaviana Matata is a Tanzanian model and beauty pageant winner who has become one of the most successful models in Africa. She has walked for designers such as Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, and Oscar de la Renta. Flaviana has also been featured in magazines such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan.
4. Victoria Michaels:
Victoria Michaels is a Ghanaian model, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She started her modeling career in 2004 and has since become one of the most recognizable faces in the African fashion industry. Victoria has worked with top designers such as Ozwald Boateng and Christie Brown, and has also been featured in magazines such as Vanity Fair and Elle. In addition to modeling, Victoria is also the founder of the Victoria Michaels Foundation, which focuses on empowering young women in Ghana through education and mentorship programs.
5. Imaan Hammam:
Imaan Hammam is a Dutch model of Moroccan and Egyptian descent. She has walked in shows for top fashion brands such as Givenchy, Versace, and Chanel. Imaan has also been featured in numerous magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. She is known for her stunning looks and her ability to bring life to any runway.
6. Liya Kebede:
Liya Kebede is an Ethiopian model and actress who has been in the industry for over 20 years. She has walked for designers such as Tom Ford, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent. Liya has also been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire, and Elle. In addition to her modeling career, Liya is also an advocate for maternal health and is the founder of the Liya Kebede Foundation.
7. Fatima Siad:
Fatima Siad is a Somali-Ethiopian model who rose to fame as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model in 2008. Since then, she has worked with top fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren, H&M, and Armani. Fatima has also been featured in magazines such as Elle and Vogue and has walked in numerous fashion shows around the world. In addition to modeling, Fatima is an advocate for diversity in the fashion industry and has spoken out against the lack of representation for Black models. She uses her platform to inspire others and promote inclusivity in the industry.
8. Candice Swanepoel:
Candice Swanepoel is a South African model who is well known for her work with Victoria’s Secret. She has also modeled for top brands such as Givenchy, Tom Ford, and Versace. Candice has been featured on the covers of magazines such as Vogue, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar. She is one of the highest-paid models in the world and has been in the industry for over 15 years.
9. Oluchi Onweagba:
Oluchi Onweagba is a Nigerian model who started her career when she won the “Face of Africa” competition in 1998. She has since gone on to work with top fashion brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Gucci, and Christian Dior. Oluchi has also been featured in magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Elle, and Vogue.
10. Agbani Darego:
Agbani Darego is a Nigerian model who made history when she became the first Black African woman to win Miss World in 2001. The stunning African woman has since gone on to work with top fashion brands such as L’Oreal, Avon, and Macy’s. Agbani has also been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire.
11. Adut Akech:
Adut Akech is a South Sudanese-Australian model who has taken the fashion world by storm. She has walked in shows for top designers such as Chanel, Givenchy, and Alexander McQueen. Adut has also been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. She is known for her stunning looks and her unique features.
12. Khoudia Diop:
Khoudia Diop is a Senegalese model who has been breaking barriers in the modeling industry. She is known for her dark skin and has been featured in campaigns for brands such as Fenty Beauty and Make Up For Ever. Khoudia is also an advocate for self-love and body positivity, and she uses her platform to inspire others to embrace their natural beauty.
