Model Awar Odhiang on Chanel Spring 2026 Finale, Matthieu Blazy Debut

WWD: Did you feel extra pressure in being the third Black model closing a Chanel show in such a long history of the brand? 

A.O.: When I found out that I was closing, I honestly didn’t take in the fact that I would be the third Black model to ever close Chanel. They have such a long heritage in the fashion industry that when I did find it out, I knew I had this huge responsibility. But being frank, I had so much confidence in Matthieu — I know how incredible of a designer he is, how incredible of a person he is. 

Knowing that the show was so anticipated, I was actually very nervous. I don’t usually get nervous for shows anymore after doing so many, but this was something that a lot of people had their eyes on and you knew there’s going to be a lot of critics. There was that pressure for sure. However, I felt very confident, not scared to go into the runway. I felt really excited, really open and free.

WWD: Can you tell us what happened afterward, backstage?

A.O.: I think everybody was filled with so much emotion by the end of the show, even watching it. When I came backstage after I had finished the finale, open arms is all that I saw. Everybody was crying, laughing, just tears of joy backstage… There was so much love in the room and so much lightness, as well. That just shows exactly what Matthieu is bringing to fashion — not just at Chanel but to fashion. He reached everybody and, hearing and seeing all the comments and the feedback we’ve been getting, I think that how we were all feeling backstage and on the runway is how the people in the audience was feeling, as well. I mean, there was a standing ovation — it was really a historical moment.

WWD: About those reactions, was there a comment you read online or you received in person that stood out for you? 

A.O.: One comment that I’ve been seeing a few times is “you brought joy and a fresh breath of air into the fashion week.” And that’s something that really means a lot to me because I didn’t expect such a huge reaction from everybody, but at the same time it makes me proud in this moment because I did something that is unusual in the industry. A lot of times models are really just meant to be the canvas, the portrait for the real art, which is the clothing. That comment just made me feel so good and so proud to have done the show… It’s something that I haven’t really heard before. Of course, with the fashion shows and all types of different designers, you’re meant to express the clothing. In that moment I was really able to express myself and that’s something that related really well.

WWD: It’s been a long season for you, we’ve seen you on many runways. What do you enjoy the most of your job? 

A.O.: One of my favorite things is the connections that I make with people and meeting all types of people. But for me the most special types are very genuine, kind-hearted, passionate. Someone like Matthieu is so special to me, but also so special in the industry in general…. You don’t really come across that too often. So my favorite thing about my job is interacting, communicating and building a community with people like that.

WWD: And what do you consider the most challenging part? 

A.O.: Finding a good balance. I feel that the trajectory of my career has always gone up and I’m really grateful for that; it’s all because of the people who support me, but finding a balance between work and life during fashion week is really difficult because of course you’re running to all these shows, fittings and castings and at the same time you’re kind of putting aside taking care of yourself — sleeping well, eating well, balancing your mental and physical health. I think that’s something a lot of models can relate to.

WWD: Has it changed since you first started in this industry? 

A.O.: Yeah… At the beginning of my career, [I was] really nervous getting into things, doing shows, and working with all types of incredible people in this industry, and so that can cause a lot of stress… Throughout the last few years, I’ve really been trying to focus on finding enjoyment and genuinely loving what I do. It’s easy for models to get caught up in the fast life that we’re living — always on flights, jumping from country to country, city to city. I’ve really learned to love every part of my job and loving the quiet times, when I’m surrounded by people who are really focused on their passions. 

WWD: How did you get into fashion in the first place? Can you tell us a little bit more about your beginnings and when you were scouted? 

A.O.: Growing up, I was always that really tall, skinny girl in the class and I grew up before the boys did. My family is South Sudanese, and so we have that exact look, the beautiful dark skin and long legs, but that were not something that I really considered to be a part of my career. I actually wanted to be a doctor. I studied health sciences in university…  My family and I, we came as refugees to Canada when I was 2 years old. We came for greater opportunities, a better life, security, safety… so education is something that has been ingrained in my life as something essential and very important. That was exactly what I was doing with my life when I got scouted, actually. 

I was in university and I was also working part-time at Old Navy. When I got scouted, I was folding a pile of sweaters at a table and my now-agent Kelly Streit saw me, came up to me and told me like “you’re incredibly beautiful, you’re going to do things in the future and I want to lead you in that way.” Initially my first reaction was: “Who is this man telling me he’s going to change my life?” It was something that was very unexpected to me and I was very shy and very reserved at that time. I didn’t really see the beauty in myself that he saw in me. I’m so grateful to him because without him I would not be where I am right now… His confidence in me brought confidence in myself.  

I was 17 at the time, but when I started modeling internationally I was 19. It was in 2020, right before COVID-19. And from there, that’s kind of where my career has taken off. 

WWD: Do you have any hero in terms of modeling, anyone inspiring you?

A.O.: To be honest, when I first started modeling I had no idea who anybody was [laughs]. Fashion was something that was very far from my typical world. So when I got into the industry, I really started to realize and appreciate models like Christy Turlington. I really love her. But there’s so many models — like Alek Wek, South Sudanese models. Her specifically, she’s somebody who looks like me, who comes from the same place as me and that’s something that I would have never expected. Looking back at fashion shows, there’s always a lack of inclusivity and diversity. So when I got into the industry and when I met these people I was like “Wow, there’s really people like me here. They can do this, I can do it, as well.” Those are people who really inspire me. 

But going back to what I was saying about Matthieu and how genuine, loving and caring he is as a person, it’s people like that that really stick out for me. And I find people like this very often now. I have a lot of really close friends of mine who are so incredible, like Betsy Gaghan, [Sofia] Steinberg, Tara Falla… These genuine people are what really bring the beauty in fashion — and outside of it. You can’t just be a beautiful face, you have to have a beautiful heart and soul, as well. 

WWD: What about any dream job or show to walk? Let’s manifest it.

A.O.: The two shows that I haven’t done before are Dior and Miu Miu. I love Miu Miu — It’s such a cool style being a Miu Miu girl. I love it so much, watching all of the shows, the styling, the design. Miuccia Prada is just incredible. 

Dior, as well, is such another big household name and have such a big heritage in France and in the fashion industry. I’d love to be a part of that one day, but we’ll see how times unfold.

WWD: Far from the runways and the sets, what is your relationship with fashion? How would you define your personal style?

A.O.: I’ve been in all types of outfits of course, but personally I take comfort over anything. I want to be very, very comfortable in what I’m wearing and that can look like many different things — a tight black dress or baggy jeans. I love patterns. I love very clean, timeless looks, those are things that never go out of date… It’s also how I’m feeling on the day: I love color and I’m wearing a red sweater right now, it’s just so bright and I love it. I think how you dress dictates how you feel. You dress to impress — you want to feel good, so you should look good, too.

WWD: And what about your passions? How do you enjoy spending your free time?

A.O.: I try to find a balance, in wellness as well. I like to take care of my body, try to take care of my mind. And for me that looks like spending time with my family — it’s such an important thing to me, they really ground me and keep me level-headed. 

My [two] sisters are my best friends. I speak to them all the time, they’re always so encouraging and they give me the best type of advice… They’re really a big part of my support system and impact my well-being. 

I love reading – I think knowledge is power. And I really love working out: I’ve been doing Pilates for a few months now and I find it really enjoyable — feeling strong, being strong, that’s important, too.

WWD: Any guilty pleasure?

A.O.: OK, I have one show that is my guilty pleasure. Watching it, you feel like time is just passing, like you can just breathe, kind of multitask at the same time… I’ve been watching “Real Housewives.” [laughs] “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” that just finished and which is so good, but I’ve been watching “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” as well… Something to turn your brain off, you know? 

WWD: And just to wrap up this conversation, what would you say is your life’s motto?

A.O.: One thing that I always tell myself in every situation — this comes from fashion, relationships, life, advice — is: what’s meant for you is already on its way.

For me this means there’s no need to ever doubt whatever comes forth in your life — something good, something bad, it all was meant to happen for a reason. And at the end of the day, things always work out, so there’s no point in stressing… You’re exactly where you’re meant to be right now.