Faces of Nigerian Fashion: BellaNaija’s Top 10 Most Promising Nigerian Models In 2016

Franny models constantly features designers and the lookbooks; however, very little attention is given to the models who work hard to embody the essence of every campaign or editorial under rain or shine. These beautiful women are  made to do extraordinary things to bring life to products.

For this reason, the BN Style Team has spent the past few days combing through every Nigerian modelling agency’s website and Instagram looking for those fresh faces that are clearly carving a niche. We have found a selection of models who are working with the juiciest campaigns this season – from Maki Oh, Meena to Deola Sagoe’s Komole Kandids series.

Our selection was largely based on their current relevance and how hotly in demand they are – courtesy the many look books and campaigns we’re privy to – for the other part, we considered their body of editorial work and the powerful camera presence they exude.  In rarer cases such as Myever Akinleye’s we put even broader consideration to her 2015 catwalks in which case she clearly dominated last season’s Lagos Fashion and Design Week catwalks as she singly opened and closed the most shows than any model that walked the week.

No, our search did not stop there. We went a little further and searched every high fashion photographer’s Instagram feed looking for those who might not be signed to any agency but working really hard on their own. We combed through their pages which led us to magazines, stylists and make-up artist’s feeds too. In summary, we searched every nook and cranny of the internet to bring you this definitive list of these promising models. They’re young, fiercely talented, unforgettable and in demand hence their place on this list.

Below are our 10 Most Promising Nigerian Models in 2016

10. Name: Taymesan Ahwiew | Height: 6’3ft | Age: 19 | Agency: Few Model Management

9. Name: Titilayo Ayorinde | Height: 5’11 | Age: 24 | Agency: Zahara Model Management

8. Name: Ifeoma Nwobo | Height: 5’8 | Age: 16 | Agency: Few Model Management

7. Name: Damilola Oni | Height: 5’9ft | Age: 22 | Agency: Few Model Management

6. Name: Seun Logan | Height: 6’1ft | Age: 18 | Agency: Beth Model Management

5. Name: Olamide Ogundele | Height: 5’9 | Age: 22 | Agency: Few Model Management

 4. Name: Uju Marshall | Height: 6ft | Age: 26 | Agency: Freelance

3. Name: Toyin Oyeneye | Height: 6’2ft | Age: 20 | Agency: Beth Model Management

 

2. Name: Aduke Shitta Bey | Height: 5’8ft | Age: 18 | Agency: Beth Model Management

1. Name: Myever Akinleye | Height: 5’11ft | Age: 16 | Agency: Few Model Management

Leading Designers Worked: Bridget Awosika, Mai Atafo, Maki oh, Lanre Da silva, Tiffany Amber, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Andrea Iyamah, Deola Sagoe; Campaign: 1702 London; Fashion Week: Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2015; Photographers: Adore, Jerrie Rotimi