D.M.M

Top ten Nigerian models that have ‘Made Bank’

By Tobi Awodipe

23 July 2016   |   3:47 am

Komole Kandids

It is commonplace to see and hear about designers, look books and collections; however, little attention is given to the models who bring these designs and ideas to life. In putting together this short list, we combed tons of designers and agency sites as well as sampled opinions from several industry players and fashion enthusiasts.

Putting in consideration body and quality of work, this list is by no means exhaustive of talented and gifted models in the industry, but we want to appreciate those that have been hot in recent times, cashing out and smiling all the way to the bank.

Here they are in no particular order:
• Mayowa Nicholas: Girl on fire is the only way to describe her. Winner of the Elite Model Look in 2014, Nicholas has been riding the industry like a colossus and smiling to the bank while at it. She has worked with huge brands such as Prada, Miu Miu, Hermes, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, Paul Smith, Missoni, YSL and Lisa Folawiyo, opened and closed several shows as well as graced several magazine covers.

• Banke Su: Tensioning us in all the right ways, Banke is signed to Beth Models Africa and has featured in several campaigns for Toju Foyeh, Inglot Nigeria and Polo Avenue.

• Uju Marshall: Uju keeps impressing us year-in-year-out. A freelance model who won the MTN Model of the Year at the Lagos Fashion and Design Week two years ago, she keeps putting her best foot forward. She has worked for brands like Maki Oh, Lisa Folawiyo, Orange Culture, Lanre Da Silva, Tiffany Amber, Stanbic and Union Bank, Sleek and House of Tara.

• Toyin Oyeneye: Signed to Beth Model management, Toyin has been on the rise for a couple of years. He has featured in Nivea, Adidas, Spree, Ackermans and has graced the cover of several magazines.

• Adeola Ariyo: The first ever African ambassador for Elizabeth Arden, Adeola is not a newcomer. Participating in several fashion weeks, she has graced the cover of several magazines.

• Victor Ndigwe: Wthe Elite Model Look in 2014 has launched Victor to the international scene. Walking for big names such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, Versace, Missoni (he is the face), Hermes, Kenzo, Balmain and was the first male Nigerian model to walk both the Paris and Milan runways.

• Betty Adewole: Betty is taking no prisoners and has modeled for luxury brands such as Tom Ford, Prada, Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake and Emanuel Ungaro and has graced the cover of several magazines

• Myever Akinleye: signed to Few Models, Myever is just 16 years but that hasn’t stopped her from achieving big. Strutting the runway at last year’s Lagos Fashion and Design Week (LFDW), she has worked with big players such as Bridget Awosika, Mai Atafo, Maki oh, Lanre Da Silva, Tiffany Amber, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Andrea Iyamah, Deola Sagoe and was part of the 1702 London campaign.

• Aduke Shitta Bey: has worked with Deola Sagoe, MAC, MUD Nigeria and has covered several magazines.

• Olamide Ogundele: Signed to Few Models, Olamide has graced several magazine covers and was the face of last years’ Lagos Fashion and Design Week. She has participated in several look books including Seven Dejana SS16 and Deola Sagoe’s Komole Kandid.