By Joan Okorodudu, founder of Isis Models Africa and a trailblazer in the global fashion industry, has been honored with the Lifetime Presidential Award at the Runway International Fashion Awards (RIFAS) in Baltimore.
The award, presented this past weekend, recognizes Okorodudu’s significant contributions to elevating African and Nigerian fashion on the world stage. The historic event was coordinated by Junda Morris.
“This award is a testament to the power of African creativity and talent,” Okorodudu said in her acceptance speech. “It’s a recognition not just for me, but for all the young models and designers we’ve nurtured over the years.”
The accolade comes on the heels of Isis Models Africa’s recent mention at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where it was highlighted as one of Africa’s leading modeling agencies.
Sudanese model Nykhor Paul, speaking at the UNGA’s UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA event, praised the agency for its role in shaping African talent. “Agencies like Isis Models Africa have been the backbone of our industry, providing opportunities that were once unthinkable for African models,” Paul said.
Okorodudu, a Boston University graduate and former Miss Nigeria, has been instrumental in transforming the African fashion landscape. Her agency organizes the annual Africa’s Next Super Model contest, which has launched numerous careers in global fashion hubs like Madrid, Paris, and Milan.
“Joan’s work goes beyond fashion,” said Dr. Folake Adebola, a fashion industry analyst. “She’s creating economic opportunities and changing perceptions of Africa on the global stage.”
RIFAS, founded in 2017, celebrates excellence across various sectors of the independent fashion industry. Okorodudu’s latest recognition adds to her impressive list of accolades, including the 2017 New African Woman Award in The Arts & Culture category.
Recently, Isis Models Africa partnered with global hair care brand Design Essentials and One Management to launch the Runways to Freedom project, further promoting African beauty and talent worldwide.
As Okorodudu’s influence continues to grow, her legacy is inspiring a new generation of African fashion professionals, cementing her status as a transformative figure in the global fashion industry.
