Mayowa Nicholas, the Nigerian supermodel, has once again made headlines as she is set to return to the prestigious Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024. At 26, Nicholas has carved a niche for herself in the fashion world, becoming the first Nigerian model to appear in campaigns for luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, and Saint Laurent.
Nicholas’ impressive portfolio, as highlighted by Duchess International Magazine, features collaborations with renowned fashion houses such as Chanel, Prada, and Versace, underscoring her global appeal and dynamic presence in the industry.
Her debut on the Victoria’s Secret runway came in 2018, making her the second Nigerian to grace the iconic fashion show after Oluchi Orlandi. As she gears up for her return, Nicholas reflected on her journey and the camaraderie she cherishes backstage. “For me, it’s all about hanging out with the incredible women backstage. One of the coolest parts of fashion shows is the backstage vibe with the girls—it’s like a sisterhood. And of course, I’m super excited about the glam, the wings, and honestly, just everything!” she shared with Victoria’s Secret.
Mayowa Nicholas’ path to success wasn’t without its hurdles. Her story began at 15 when she was discovered by scouts for the Elite Model Look competition while heading to a salon. Despite initial skepticism, she entered and won Nigeria’s edition of the competition, later placing in the top 15 globally.
Also, read; Biden Endorses Kamala Harris for 2024 Presidential Election
Her journey, however, was fraught with personal challenges. She lost her father at the age of six and relied heavily on her mother for support. Despite these hardships, her mother’s unwavering determination ensured that Nicholas and her siblings received education and sustenance. Nicholas often recalls her mother’s advice, “Mase gbagbe ibiti o ti nbo,” which translates to, “Don’t forget where you’re going; don’t forget where you’re coming from.”
Breaking into the international fashion scene was not easy. Nicholas faced numerous rejections, particularly in Paris, where bookers dismissed her due to her short hair, which was against the then-prevailing trend of Black models wearing weaves. Yet, Nicholas remained undeterred, eventually making her mark in 2018 with her selection for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Reflecting on her breakthrough, Nicholas recounted, “When I was about to go onstage, I actually cried, but when I got on that runway, I remembered who I am.” Her success symbolizes hope and inspiration for other Nigerian and African talents. “This is why I do what I do, for other Nigerian talent to know that their dreams are possible. African models need to be on more covers. We need to be on billboards. We need to be celebrated for our uniqueness, not just to be token ‘diversity,’” she stated.
Mayowa Nicholas’ journey from facing rejection to making history serves as a testament to her resilience and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring models from Africa and beyond.