Models with roots across South Sudan, Cameroon, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and the Congo were among those who took to the runway in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, United States — African models and models of African heritage were among the standout faces at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, held on October 18 at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Los Angeles.

The runway featured established international names alongside emerging talent with roots across South Sudan, Cameroon, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Among those who appeared were Anok Yai, Awar Odhiang, Abény Nhial, Ayen Agany, Solange Omon, Candice Swanepoel, Imaan Hammam, Malika El Maslouhi and Cindy Bruna.

South Sudanese Models Take the Victoria’s Secret Runway

South Sudanese heritage was strongly represented at this year’s show, with four models taking part.

Anok Yai, who was born in Egypt to South Sudanese parents, appeared alongside Awar Odhiang, who was born in Ethiopia to South Sudanese parents.

Australian-born models Abény Nhial and Ayen Agany, both of South Sudanese descent, were also part of the lineup.

Their appearances highlighted the growing visibility of models with South Sudanese roots on major international fashion runways.

Cameroon’s Solange Omon Makes Victoria’s Secret Debut

One of the notable newcomers was 21-year-old Cameroonian model Solange Omon, who made her Victoria’s Secret runway debut after winning the brand’s Angels Among Us casting competition.

Omon was also named the newest Victoria’s Secret Angel, marking a significant milestone in her modelling career.

Her debut placed her alongside some of the industry’s established names at one of the world’s most recognized fashion events.

South African supermodel Candice Swanepoel also returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway.

Swanepoel, who first appeared in the brand’s fashion show in 2007, remains one of South Africa’s most internationally recognized models.

Models With North African and Congolese Roots Join the Show

North African heritage was represented by Dutch model Imaan Hammam, whose mother is Moroccan and father Egyptian.

Malika El Maslouhi, born in Milan to a Moroccan father and Italian mother, also walked the runway.

French model Cindy Bruna, whose mother is Congolese and father Italian, was another participant in the 2026 show.

Together, the models represented different generations and career paths within the international fashion industry.

From established figures such as Swanepoel to newcomers such as Omon, their participation highlighted the continued presence of African talent and heritage on one of fashion’s most prominent international stages.