MAYOWA ADAGUNDURO
- 5' ELEVEN''
- Aug 6
- 5 min read
From the moment Mayowa arrived on set, she lit up the already brightly-illuminated studio. Dancing on set wearing micro shorts and constantly smiling, her easy-going character and positive attitude shone clear. Mayowa’s career started over three years ago in Nigeria, and since then, she has travelled across the world for work. However, she has especialy made herself known across the European Fashion Week calendar, walking for the biggest brands on the schedule right from her very first season. Non-chalantly explaining that Prada was in fact her first ever runway show, it’s clear that Mayowa takes everything in her stride, doing it her way one job at a time.
Interview by Ella Mansell.
Photographed by Edwin S Freyer. Styled by Tasha Arguile. Makeup by Anna Inglis Hall at Stella Creative Artists using Suqqu. Hair by Michela Olivieri at Caren Agency using Schwarzkopf Styling. Socials and videos by Boram Lee Freyer. Hair Stylist assisted by Kathy Jung. Shot at Motherlight Studios. Mayowa appears courtesy of The Milk Collective.
How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
My name is Mayowa. I am somewhere in between an introvert and extrovert. I’m also jovial, generous, kind, and overall a straightforward, fair person.
Tell us about yourself: how did you start modelling and why did you go down this path?
I am from Nigeria and started modelling three years ago in 2022, but my first international job was in 2023. I was 18 when I was scouted. I was just out and about in my hometown when I was approached and asked if I’d considered modelling before. I didn’t know anything about modelling or the fashion industry except what I had seen on social media. I was keen straight away, however my parents needed convincing; when I went home to tell them my mum was worried about human trafficking and apprehensive about me going anywhere without them or to places that they didn’t know. After quite a lot of persuading (it probably took a month or maybe even two!) they agreed and I started. My mother agent took care of everything for me. I went through a development process with her until I got everything right.
When did you start travelling for work?
The first time I travelled abroad for work was to Barcelona, Spain. It was for a series of test shoots and a little bit of ecommerce too to see how I got on. I worked with a photographer who does a lot of test shoots and she liked me which was good. Fast forward to 2023, I came back to Europe to go to Paris and Milan for the normal Fashion Week struggle. But then I landed my first runway show with Prada.
Your first runway show was Prada! That's amazing. How did it feel when you found out?
It felt good! I was in London when I found out that I was confirmed for both Prada and YSL on the same day, after travelling to both Milan and Paris for the castings. YSL was my first runway show in Paris, and from there I started to land more amazing fashion shows, from Givenchy to Valentino. So in my first Fashion Month season I walked in four major shows, and from there, editorial work and ecommerce work really started and more bookings came in.
From castings to fittings, what is each step involved in walking in a runway show?
First you have to go to the initial audition to get to know the clients and the stylists and the team, and obviously the casting director will be there too. From there, you’ll get a call back if you’re successful which is for the normal, main casting. If you make a good impression during the casting and everything goes well then you’ll be optioned and then hopefully confirmed for the job. Then the fittings begin, and finally the runway show.
What does it feel like to walk on a runway?
It feels good! When I first started my career, I was straight away walking down runways with over 100 guests watching you, so you just have to do your thing! I just think to myself that I am walking on a normal street, confident and sexy – but in a professional way. Now it’s all quite natural to me, but before I would really feel the anxiety. Practise helped me get over this uneasiness, as well as knowing that I am in this world now and I can just do my own thing.
You mentioned before that you hand’t planned to become a model, it happened coincidentally. Was there anything that made you fall in love with the job or the fashion industry after you started?
Before I started I was not really active on social media – I didn’t even have Instagram! I only had profiles on Facebook and TikTok. This meant that I didn’t really get to know any brands before I started working in fashion. I’ve discovered and learnt lots since modelling. Now I find shopping therapeutic: when I am down I go shopping, usually online. It will always pick me up from a bad mood! I love Zara and always find something to fit my vibe there.
Cotton ribbed tank top and distressed denim shorts, both by Diesel
How would you describe your personal style?
I would say old money. It’s very classic. I don’t think you can go wrong with a t-shirt or tank top with a blazer. I dress depending on my mood and where I am going. If I am off to an important job I always wear something very timeless and put together.
So, are you now living in London full-time?
Yes I am based in Greenwhich in London now and have been here for almost two years, living everywhere from Barking to Woolwhich. However, I did recently come back from six months in New York, which was great.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Oh, I would say … Paris! Or London. The longest I have stayed in Paris was 90 days for work, so I wouldn’t say I have properly lived there yet. But I also do love living in London. I would like to say New York but I am still finding a strong personal and social life there because I don’t go out a lot and can feel quite introverted sometimes.
Outside of modelling, what do you like to do? What interests you?
Modelling takes up most of my time! When I am not working I really appreciate my downtime and spend time sleeping and cooking Nigerian dishes like jollof rice and pepper turkey.
What piece of advice that you would give new models?
A lot of things, but mainly to just be yourself. Do you. Don’t let rejection get to you – accept whatever comes your way and move on.
If you weren't modelling what do you think you'd be doing?
I would be in school and finishing up with university, probably doing a degree in communication. It’s an arts subject I am really interested in, and leaves options wide for work because it is such an expansive subject, so you can choose your path.
Do you think you'll maybe do that in the future? Maybe.
Maybe. I’d love to host a podcast; I think that would be so cool because I love listening to them.
Do you have a dream brand you’d love to work with in the future?
Yes! Bottega.
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