Awar Odhiang: From PARKLUXE to Paris Fashion Week

We spoke with the model on her skyrocketing career

It was the fall of 2019 and PARKLUXE was bustling backstage with models, designers and the PARK team preparing for the whirlwind annual night of Canadian fashion. Awar Odhiang of Mode Models was one of the stunning models making her way down the runway that night. Little did everyone know that just months later she'd be making her Milan Fashion Week debut in Jil Sander's FW 2020 show, and has since gone on to walk countless more runways for major designers in Milan and Paris. This season, Odhiang is one of the faces for Jil Sander's lookbook campaign and was recently named a Top Newcomer for FW 2021 by Models.com. We caught up with the new - but already well established - model, fresh off the runways of Paris Fashion Week to chat about how she got her start, her career highlights thus far, and her hopes for the future.

How did you get into modelling? Did you always know it was something you wanted to seriously pursue?

I was first scouted by Lisa Kauffmann in 2015 and then a few years later I was scouted by Kelly Streit (Mode Models) during my shift at Old Navy! I never had any intentions of pursuing modelling but after being suggested to on multiple occasions, I finally gave it a try and I’m so grateful that I did!

Your first big show was for Jil Sander FW 2020...how did you feel when you heard the news that you'd made the lineup?

I felt so honoured to have been chosen to walk the show! I’ve always loved Jil Sander, so after hearing the news that I was confirmed, I definitely did a little happy dance haha.

How do you prepare for a major runway show like Fendi or Chloe? Any unique rituals?

I always try my best to drink tons of water and eat a healthy dinner the night before a big show to make sure that my body is in check. I also make sure to listen to my favourite feel good jams so that my mind is at peace before the big day!Sunriseby Simply Red does the job.

What's one myth about the industry that you'd like to set straight based on your experience? 

“Modelling is easy. All you need to do is pose and look pretty.” 18 hour work days aren’t exactly easy, however, models do this regularly all while looking beautiful so you’ve definitely got to give us more credit than that! The fashion industry can be mentally and physically draining. That’s why it’s definitely not for everyone.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I’m so grateful for all of the shows I’ve walked and designers I’ve worked with - I’m not exactly sure which moment has been the highlight of my career. But during Paris Fashion

What's next?

I’m not 100% sure where I’ll be in the next six months or even a year from now in regards to modelling. I am honestly just going with the flow and seeing where I end up next! Throughout my career I’ve realized how important it is not to stress about what the future may hold and to just embrace and enjoy the present. Models don’t have much say in which jobs they want because it really depends on what the client is looking for, so it is best not to worry too much since it is out of your control.

Favourite part about your job?

My favourite part about my job is travelling around the world and meeting so many beautiful souls! I know for sure that if I wasn’t a model, I would have never reached the countries that I’ve now been to and met the people who have left unforgettable impacts on my life.

A special congratulations to both Awar on her success as well as Mode Models for catapulting yet another Albertan model to fame!