𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐲: Elevating African Beauty from Ethiopia
With roots in Ethiopia's national athletics and a breakthrough debut at the Lanvin Spring/Summer 2020 runway, Akway has harnessed her athletic poise and cultural richness to arrive at the forefront of global campaigns and editorials. In 2025, she continues to soar—bridging identity, power, and style on every platform.
From Ethiopian Runner to Runway Powerhouse
Born in Gambela, Ethiopia, Amar Akway trained as a competitive runner and later joined the Ethiopian national team after moving to Addis Ababa at 14. Her early discipline and confidence paved the way for a remarkable modeling entry:
- Scouted by fellow Ethiopian model Mekdalawit, she was quickly introduced to her Milan mother agent, Ingrid Tamborin.
- At just 19, she stepped onto the Lanvin Spring/Summer 2020 runway, immediately earning a spot on Models.com's "Top Newcomers" list.
Her athletic background gives her a commanding presence—determined posture, natural grace, and boundless energy—that resonates both on the runway and in front of the camera.
2025: A Banner Year of Campaigns and Magazine Features
High-Profile Editorials
- “Dial It Up” for British Vogue, June 2025 — shot by Philip Messmann
- “One Thought Fills Immensity” in Document Journal, May 2025 — by Zoe Natale Mannella
- “Full Circle” cover and editorial for D Repubblica, April 2025 — shot by Carlijn Jacobs
- Modern Weekly China, Massimo Dutti Ziggurat editorial — April 2025 by Ed Martin
Major Campaigns & Runway Highlights
- Featured in Sacai x Nike 2025 campaign — May 2025, captured by Laura Jane Coulson
- Zara’s 50th Anniversary "50 Years – 50 Icons" campaign — May 2025, directed by Steven Meisel
- Ralph Lauren F/W 2025 show — New York, April 17, 2025
- Mugler Fall/Winter 2025 lookbook — photographed by Inez & Vinoodh.
These 2025 milestones confirm her versatility and elite standing in high fashion.
Prestigious Editorial and Advertising Career
Slide through her prior career highlights:
- Magazine Covers: Vogue UK (Feb 2022), Vogue Italy (Apr & May 2021), Vogue Japan (Sep 2020), Re-edition/Dry Clean Only (Mar 2024)
- Top Editorial Credits: W, V Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar USA, Elle USA, Dazed, Numéro France, among others.
- Showcase Runways: walked for Moncler Grenoble (AW2024), Brandon Maxwell, Carolina Herrera, Hermès, Valentino Couture, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, and more.
Diversity & Cultural Ambassadorship
Amar’s journey is more than fashion—it’s purposeful representation. As an East African and Black model, she carries cultural responsibility with grace. In interviews, she highlights:
“I am part of promoting diversity … it’s important to me”.
Her presence shines not only in beautiful campaigns but also in her role as a cultural ambassador, celebrating Ethiopia’s heritage and Women of Color in fashion.
What Sets Amar Akway Apart
- Athletic Grace – Years of track training show in her posture, stamina, and presence .
- Cultural Advocacy – She uses her platform to champion racial and regional diversity in global fashion .
- Editorial & Campaign Range – From Mugler to Zara’s iconic anniversary, she embodies elegance, strength, and reinvention.
- Powerful Symbol – Her career trajectory challenges norms and offers visibility to East African beauty in high fashion.
Representation & Agency
Amar Akway is globally represented by powerhouse agencies:
- New York – DNA Models
- Paris – Ford Models Paris
- Milan – Fabbrica Milano Management (mom agent: Ingrid Tamborin)
- London – Premier Model Management
This international footing gives her access to opportunities across all fashion capitals.
The Next Steps for Amar
Amar Akway is poised for further ascendancy in 2025 and beyond. Expect to see her:
- Leading more high-concept luxury editorials
- Collaborating with elite fashion houses and emerging designers
- Continuing to amplify Ethiopian storytelling through visuals and interviews
- Becoming a major influencer for inclusive representation in fashion
Ecommerce Blog Takeaway
For your ecommerce site—especially platforms carrying fashion, art, or Black-owned brands—Amar Akway embodies the convergence of style, heritage, and empowerment. Collaborations, exclusive editorials, curated artist prints, and capsule collections can all spotlight this narrative, reaching consumers aligned with cultural authenticity and global influence.
