Every Fashion Week season comes with familiar faces, but honestly, one of the most exciting things to watch is the new names stepping onto those runways for the very first time.
2026 has already introduced a fresh set of Black male models making their debuts at some of the biggest houses in Paris and beyond. And we’re not talking small shows. We’re talking Louis Vuitton, Dior Men, Prada, Wooyoungmi, Mihara Yasuhiro and more.
These first walks matter because they often decide how far a model goes in the industry. A strong debut can open doors to campaigns, editorials, and multiple seasons of bookings.
Here are the Black male models who officially stepped into the global spotlight this year and the shows that marked their arrival.
Prince Charles (Nigeria)
Prince Charles had one of the most talked-about debut seasons.
Discovered in Port Harcourt after a casual street video of him went viral, his journey into modeling wasn’t the typical agency scouting story. But once he got signed, things moved fast.
His debut run included Louis Vuitton, Dior Men, Wooyoungmi, Maison Mihara Yasuhiro and Saint Laurent. He even closed the Wooyoungmi show, which is a big deal for a first-season model.
From street discovery to walking some of the biggest runways in the world, his first season already feels like a career-defining moment.
Prosper Muenya (Kenya)
Prosper stepped into the international scene with his debut at the Nahmias Winter 2026 show.
Nahmias blends streetwear with luxury, which made it a strong entry point for a new-gen model. His look fits perfectly into the relaxed but elevated menswear aesthetic brands are leaning into right now.
For a first show, it positioned him in a space that values individuality and presence, not just height and walk.
Ola Odewole (Nigeria)
Ola made his runway debut with Dior Men.
And honestly, there aren’t many bigger ways to start. Dior’s menswear shows are highly selective, so landing a first-season spot there already signals strong confidence from casting directors.
Walking for Dior puts you directly in front of global press, buyers and stylists, which can shape an entire career from day one.
Korede Akiode (Nigeria)
Korede’s debut came with serious impact.
He opened the Louis Vuitton show, which means he was the very first face the audience saw. That role sets the tone for the entire collection, so it’s usually reserved for models the brand strongly believes in.
He also walked for Solid Homme and Wooyoungmi, showing he can move easily between luxury tailoring and contemporary menswear.
Opening Louis Vuitton in your debut season is not normal. It’s a statement.
Lammy Ajibola (Nigeria)
Lammy made his first major appearance at Prada.
If you follow fashion closely, you already know Prada doesn’t cast randomly. Their shows are very intentional and often introduce models who later become long-term industry faces.
Debuting at Prada immediately places him in the high-fashion category and not just general runway work.
Precious Andatami (Nigeria)
Precious stepped onto the runway for Maison Mihara Yasuhiro.
The brand is known for experimental silhouettes and unconventional styling, so it takes a model who can carry strong, artistic pieces confidently.
His debut shows that he can handle conceptual fashion, which is important for editorials and creative campaigns too.
Maya Cisse (Nigeria)
Maya didn’t just debut, he worked.
He walked for Prada, Dior, Dries Van Noten and Ernest W. Baker all in one season. That kind of lineup shows versatility. He can fit into luxury heritage brands, minimalist tailoring and more expressive labels.
Multiple bookings in your first season usually mean one thing: clients like you and want you back.
Joachim Matthew (Nigeria)
Joachim entered the scene with Prada and sacai.
Those two brands sit on very different ends of the style spectrum. Prada leans classic and refined, while sacai is layered, experimental and conceptual.
Being trusted by both shows range, which is something casting directors love to see in new models.
Ezekiel Oladipo (Nigeria)
Ezekiel made his debut walking for Dior Men.
Like many of the others this season, starting with a house like Dior immediately puts him on the international map. It’s the kind of first booking that opens doors to editorials, lookbooks and future Fashion Weeks.
A strong first step and definitely someone to keep an eye on.
Debut seasons are important because they set the tone for everything that follows.
These models didn’t just appear randomly on runways. They earned spots at some of the most respected fashion houses in the world, and that says a lot about how the industry sees them.
From Louis Vuitton openings to Prada exclusives, 2026 is already shaping up to be a strong year for new Black male talent.
And if this season is anything to go by, we’ll be seeing these names a lot more.
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