Nigerian creative and model Rachel Ojuromi has made her Chanel runway debut at the French fashion house’s Spring/Summer 2027 show in Paris, marking a major milestone in her fast-rising fashion career.
The 22-year-old Lagos native walked the Chanel runway at the Grand Palais on Monday, October 5, 2026, wearing a grey-and-yellow tweed shirt and midi skirt paired with metallic sandals. Her appearance came under the creative direction of Matthieu Blazy, whose work at Chanel has previously inspired some of Ojuromi’s most recognisable fashion content.
Ojuromi had spent months building attention online through flamboyant fashion videos filmed around Lagos. Working with her best friend, stylist and designer Debby Fasingha, she turned ordinary locations—including markets and city streets—into makeshift runways, combining bold styling with the energy of everyday Lagos life.
Her connection with Chanel became particularly significant after Ojuromi recreated looks from the brand’s Métiers d’Art collection in Lagos. The video went viral and eventually brought her work to Blazy’s attention, becoming what she described to Vogue as a “vehicle” that helped lead to her Chanel debut.
For Ojuromi, however, the moment was not an overnight success.
Speaking to Vogue, she described her journey as a series of events that had gradually built towards the opportunity, stressing the importance of executing ideas and believing in them.
The Chanel casting confirmation came while she was at home in a robe. Although she initially reacted calmly, the reality of the opportunity hit her during the first runway lineup, when she began to cry.
Ahead of the show, Ojuromi practised her walk and received encouragement from more experienced models, including Anok Yai and Bhavitha Mandava. By the time she stepped onto the runway, she said she was able to relax and enjoy the moment.
Her Chanel look also carried a personal significance. Ojuromi noted that the yellow in her outfit was her friend Debby’s favourite colour, making her feel the choice was a sign.
The model said the Chanel team allowed her to retain her identity, with her beauty look featuring glowing skin and neatly pulled-back braids.
Ojuromi's debut comes as Blazy continues to reshape Chanel's traditional codes. The Spring/Summer 2027 collection featured the fashion house's signature tweed alongside sheer pieces, bold prints, skirt suits and youthful silhouettes.
But for Ojuromi, the journey from Lagos to the Grand Palais represents more than a personal modelling milestone.
She told Vogue that she once sat in Lagos watching Chanel shows and wondered whether she and her friends could create something of their own. Months later, she found herself walking in the actual Chanel show.
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