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8 Of The Most Successful African Fashion Models

8 Of The Most Successful African Fashion Models

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The international fashion industry craves diversity in advertising, and African models are rising. Not surprisingly, the hugely successful TV show, “America’s Next Top Model,” now has an African edition. Here are 8 of Africa’s most successful female models.

Agbani Darego. Photo: Agbanidarego.com
Agbani Darego. Photo: Agbanidarego.com

Agbani Darego, Nigeria

Darego was the first native sub-Saharan African to win Miss World in 2001 and the second black model to land a three-year contract with L’Oreal. The 33-year-old has worked with top modeling agencies Next Model Management and Ford Models. She has appeared in campaigns for Christian Dior, Avon, Target, and Sephora as well as modeled for top designers like Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren.

Source: Agbanidarego.com

Fatima Siad. Photo: Youtube.com
Fatima Siad. Photo: Youtube.com

Fatima Siad, Somalia

Siad placed third on the 10th cycle of America’s Next Top Model, and her backstory of coming from a war-torn country and undergoing female genital mutilation captivated audiences. Essence Magazine created a spread about the model, who has modeled for Betsey Johnson, walked the runway at Milan Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz fashion week. Siad is 29 years old.

Source: Antm411.com

Betty Adewole. Photo: Patentpurplelife.com
Betty Adewole. Photo: Patentpurplelife.com

Betty Adewole, Nigeria

Betty Adewole had already modeled for Tom Ford and Stella McCartney by the age of 21. She’s also worked for H&M, Moschino and Vivienne Westwood. The 24-year-old is often compared to English supermodel Naomi Campbell.

Source: Models.com

Maria Borges. Photo: Cnn.com
Maria Borges. Photo: Cnn.com

Maria Borges, Angola

Borges’ career took off in 2010 when she won second place at the Angolan edition of the Elite Model Look contest. The 23-year-old has been on the cover of Vogue Portugal, French magazine L’Officiel, and Africa Lux, to name a few. She’s also walked the catwalk for Victoria’s Secret for the last three consecutive years, and modeled for top brands like H&M, Bobbi Brown, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Source: Iammariaborges.com

theredlist.fr
theredlist.fr

Alek Wek, Sudan

Alex Wek is 39 years old and has been modeling since she was 18. Wek was born in South Sudan but Fled to Britain during the country’s civil war. Wek has been on the cover of Elle Magazine, she’s had cameos in several top artist music videos including Janet Jackson’s “Got Til It’s Gone,” and walked the runway for Chanel.

Source: Imgmodels.com

askmen.com
askmen.com

Candice Swanepoel, South Africa

The established Victoria’s Secret angel is 27 years old has been on several Vogue and GQ covers. She’s modeled for top designers brands like Versace, Juicy Couture, Swarovski, and Miu Miu and is a regular at the famous Victoria’s Secret Holiday Fashion show.

Source: Candiceswanepoel.com

Liya Kebede. Photo: Newsstyle.com
Liya Kebede. Photo: Newsstyle.com

Liya Kebede, Ethiopia

After pursuing modeling in Paris for only one year, Kebede began getting work with Ralph Lauren, BCBG, and Tom Ford. A 2002 edition of Paris Vogue was dedicated to Kebede. The model, now 38 years old, has worked with Yves Saint-Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, and Escada.

Source: Models.com

Flaviana Matata. Photo: Dismagazine.com
Flaviana Matata. Photo: Dismagazine.com

Flaviana Matata, Tanzania

Matata, 29, won the first-ever Miss Universe Tanzania in 2007 and since then has modeled for Topshop, Diesel, and Kiko Cosmetics. Matata has walked the runway for Vivienne Westwood and Next Models London, and is signed at top New York modeling agency Wilhelmina in New York.

Source: Models.com