Awar Odhiambo Makes History as the Third Black Model to Close Chanel’s Runway in Over a Century

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Awar Odhiang Makes History As Chanel‘s Third Black Closing Model

Paris – In a landmark moment for representation in High Fashion, Awar Odhiang has become the third Black model ever to close a Chanel show. This historic occasion unfolded during Matthieu Blazy’s inaugural Spring/Summer 2026 presentation for the iconic French house on October 8, 2025.

A Legacy of Firsts: Breaking Barriers At Chanel

Chanel, a brand with a 115-year legacy, has historically been slow to embrace diversity on its runways. Alek Wek first broke ground in 2004, closing a show under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Nearly fifteen years later, in 2018, adut Akech followed in Wek’s footsteps, also under Lagerfeld’s stewardship. Now, in 2025, Awar Odhiang has joined their ranks, marking a meaningful milestone under the new leadership of Matthieu Blazy.

The prestige associated with closing a Fashion show is widely recognized as a defining moment in a model’s career. For Black models specifically, this achievement carries a powerful message of inclusivity and visibility within an industry that has historically lacked diverse representation. According to a 2023 report by The Fashion Spot, models of color comprised only 38.8% of runway appearances during the Spring 2023 season, highlighting the ongoing need for progress.

Odhiang’s Moment: A Striking Finale

During the chanel Spring/Summer 2026 show, Odhiang was presented as the Chanel bride, a role of immense importance. She showcased a stunning ensemble featuring an oversized white silk shirt paired with a voluminous skirt, beautifully accented by intricate, multicolored fringe that flowed with each step along the runway, which was decorated with Planet-shaped installations.

In a move that departed from tradition,Odhiang circled the runway to offer the audience one last,captivating view of the look,ultimately embracing Blazy in a warm gesture,signifying a powerful start to his tenure at Chanel.

A New Era for Chanel: Blazy’s Vision

Matthieu Blazy’s debut collection signals a refreshing shift in direction for Chanel. Many observers noted a renewed sense of fun and vibrancy,contrasting with the more conservative approach of the preceding collections. The new creative direction showcased vibrant colors, a theatrical runway setup, and rejuvenated accessories, alongside reimagined tweed and innovative takes on classic menswear-inspired pieces.

Blazy successfully honored the core codes established by Gabrielle Chanel while boldly steering the brand towards the future. The collection was widely celebrated as a revival – one anticipated given Blazy’s influential work at Bottega Veneta – and promises to be highly sought after when it arrives in stores next spring.

Model	Year	Creative Director
alek Wek	2004	Karl Lagerfeld
Adut Akech	2018	Karl Lagerfeld
Awar Odhiang	2025	Matthieu Blazy

The Importance of Representation in Fashion

The lack of diversity in the fashion industry has been a long-standing issue. Beyond aesthetics, inclusive representation is crucial for challenging societal norms, promoting self-esteem, and inspiring future generations. The increasing demand for diversity from consumers is pushing brands to prioritize inclusivity, not just on the runway, but also in their marketing campaigns and internal teams. As of 2024, studies show that consumers are 71% more likely to support brands that champion diversity and inclusion, demonstrating the clear business imperative for change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chanel’s Historic Moment

• What makes Awar odhiang’s closing of the Chanel show significant? Awar Odhiang is only the third Black model in Chanel’s 115-year history to close a show,symbolizing progress in representation within the fashion industry.
• Who was the first Black model to close a Chanel show? Alek Wek made history as the first Black model to close a Chanel show in 2004, under the direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
• What characterized matthieu Blazy’s debut collection for Chanel? Blazy’s collection was noted for its vibrant colors, theatrical presentation, and a refreshingly playful approach compared to previous Chanel collections.
• Why is representation critically important in high fashion? Representation in fashion challenges societal norms,promotes inclusivity,and inspires future generations,as well as meeting growing consumer expectations.
• What impact did Karl Lagerfeld have on diversity at Chanel? Karl Lagerfeld oversaw the groundbreaking moments when both Alek Wek and Adut Akech closed Chanel shows,initiating a path toward greater inclusivity.

What are your thoughts on Chanel’s move towards greater inclusivity? Do you think this will inspire other luxury brands to follow suit?

How does Awar Odhiambo’s achievement challenge teh ancient norms of depiction at Chanel?

The significance of Awar Odhiambo’s Moment

Awar Odhiambo recently etched his name in fashion history, becoming only the third Black model to close a Chanel runway show in the brand’s over 100-year legacy. This momentous occasion, occurring during Paris Fashion Week 2025, signifies a pivotal shift towards greater inclusivity and representation within the high-fashion industry. The event has sparked conversations about diversity on the catwalk and the ongoing need for change. This milestone is notably resonant given Chanel’s historical context and influence.

A Historical Context: Chanel and Representation

For decades, Chanel, like many luxury fashion houses, faced criticism for a lack of diversity in its casting choices. While the brand has made strides in recent years, the closing look – traditionally reserved for a select few – has historically been dominated by white models.

* 1990s & 2000s: Limited representation of Black models in high-fashion campaigns and runway shows was commonplace.

* Early 2010s: increased scrutiny from activists and consumers began to push for greater inclusivity.

* Recent Years: Chanel has begun featuring more diverse models,but the closing spot remained a significant barrier.

prior to Odhiambo, only two other Black models had the honour of closing a Chanel show: Naomi Campbell in 1991 and Iman in 1994. These moments were groundbreaking at the time, but the decades-long gap highlights the slow pace of progress.

Who is Awar Odhiambo?

Awar Odhiambo is a Kenyan-born model who has quickly risen to prominence in the fashion world. Discovered relatively recently, his striking features and commanding presence have captivated designers and photographers alike.

* Early Career: Odhiambo began his modeling career in 2022,quickly gaining attention for his unique look.

* Runway Appearances: He has walked for numerous prominent designers, including Dior, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton.

* Editorial Work: Featured in prestigious magazines like Vogue and GQ, solidifying his status as a rising star.

* Agency Representation: Currently signed with Elite Model Management.

His journey embodies the evolving landscape of the industry, were beauty standards are broadening and diverse representation is increasingly valued.

The Impact of Odhiambo’s Walk

Odhiambo’s closing walk wasn’t just a symbolic gesture; it resonated deeply within the fashion community and beyond.

* Social Media Buzz: The moment generated significant buzz on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with hashtags like #AwarOdhiambo, #Chanel, and #DiversityInFashion trending globally.

* Industry Recognition: Fashion critics and industry insiders lauded the decision as a positive step forward.

* Inspiration for Aspiring Models: Odhiambo’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring models of colour, demonstrating that opportunities are expanding.

* Increased Visibility: The event brought renewed attention to the importance of representation in luxury fashion.

The Broader Conversation: Diversity & Inclusion in Fashion

Odhiambo’s achievement is part of a larger movement advocating for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. This includes:

* Demand for Diverse Casting: Calls for brands to actively seek out and feature models of all ethnicities, body types, and gender identities.

* Behind-the-Scenes Representation: Efforts to increase diversity among designers, stylists, photographers, and other key roles within the industry.

* Addressing Systemic Issues: Recognizing and dismantling the systemic barriers that have historically excluded marginalized groups.

* The Role of Social Media: Social media platforms have empowered consumers to demand greater accountability from brands.

Chanel’s Recent Diversity Initiatives

While Odhiambo’s walk is a landmark moment, it’s important to acknowledge Chanel’s recent efforts to promote diversity.

* Collaborations with Diverse Artists: Chanel has partnered with artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds.

* Increased Representation in Campaigns: Recent advertising campaigns have featured a more diverse range of models.

* Internal Diversity Programs: Chanel has implemented internal programs aimed at fostering a more inclusive workplace.

* Commitment to Sustainability & Ethical Practices: Aligning diversity initiatives with broader commitments to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Looking Ahead: The Future of fashion Representation

Awar Odhiambo’s historic walk is a powerful symbol of progress, but the journey towards true inclusivity is far from over. The fashion industry must continue to prioritize diversity, challenge existing biases, and create opportunities for underrepresented talent. The hope is that Odhiambo’s moment will pave the way for a future where such achievements are no longer considered exceptional,but rather the norm. The continued pressure from consumers, activists, and industry professionals will be crucial in driving lasting change.