Model Awar Odhiang is the cover star of Vogue Italia’s special February collector’s issue, dedicated to the mountains. In the snowy photos, taken by photographer Rafael Pavarotti, she also shares her life story in an interview with Samira Larouci.
Awar was born in South Sudan and later moved with her family to Canada, where she grew up in a small town called Moose Jaw. She remembers her childhood clearly and speaks about it with joy. She is the third of six children and says her family is everything to her. Her parents taught her an important lesson early in life: knowledge is something no one can ever take away from you.
Today, Awar lives in Paris and represents a new generation of models. Many people first noticed her bright smile and confidence when she closed Matthieu Blazy’s first Chanel show. For her first Vogue Italia cover, she wears Balenciaga, designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli, from his debut collection for the brand. The issue also pays tribute to legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani.
Awar’s journey into fashion started when she was just seventeen and working at Old Navy, where she was discovered by an agent. Since then, her career has grown fast. She has walked for major fashion houses, became a Victoria’s Secret Angel, and closed shows for Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent. Still, she speaks honestly about the lack of inclusion in fashion and how Black models often feel left out.
Despite the fame, Awar stays grounded. She believes in using her voice for good and hopes to inspire others, especially young girls. She is proud of her roots and culture and wants people to feel confident being themselves. To her, being a Black woman is a blessing, and she hopes her story brings more joy and truth into the fashion world.
Photographer: @rafaelpavarotti_
Styling: @georgekrakowiak
Hair: @francogobbihair
Make-up: @chiaolihsu
Nails: @unghiedellamadonna
Production: @squaloproduzioni
Vogue Italia Head of Editorial Content: @franragazzi
Global Creative Director: @raulmartinez1024
Contributing Art & Image Director: @nameisriccardo
Global Talent Casting Director: @morgansenesi
