Rachel Ojuromi, the Lagos-based content creator known online as @giverachelashot, made her international runway debut at Chanel's Spring/Summer 2027 show in Paris on October 5, 2026. The milestone follows months of viral videos in which she recreated Chanel-inspired looks using thrifted clothes and pieces from her wardrobe, with the streets of Lagos serving as her backdrop.
From Lagos streets to Paris runway
Ojuromi first gained widespread attention by styling second-hand clothes into runway-worthy outfits and filming herself strutting through busy Lagos neighbourhoods. Her creative team spent months shooting across different parts of the city, deliberately avoiding expensive studios and luxury locations.
Speaking to the BBC in August, Ojuromi explained her approach: "I make my videos on the street because I don't want money to be a limit to my creativity." She added that the contrast between high fashion and everyday Lagos roads was intentional, saying, "The road does not look aesthetically pleasing as people will want it to be, creatively I believe creating something that is high fashion in such setting gives you a juxtaposition."
Modelling was not the original dream
Ojuromi revealed that fashion was not her childhood ambition. She originally wanted to become a doctor, specifically a neurosurgeon. "I am just a girl with big dreams. I even wanted to be a doctor, a neurosurgeon," she said.
Over time, she developed an interest in content creation, studied film, and later trained in fashion and modelling. She described modelling as a significant responsibility, noting, "Modelling is such an important job because you are representing and presenting the ideas of an entire team."
Family and friends behind the dream
Ojuromi's love for fashion began in childhood, influenced by her mother, Maria Osayiojuromi, who sold clothes while she was growing up. This exposure to fabrics and styling sparked her early interest. She recalled, "My love for thrifted clothes started as a child. It is me pulling up clothes from my wardrobe and Debby making them look good."
Her close friend and neighbour, Debby, transformed thrifted pieces into standout outfits for many of her viral videos. Ojuromi also credited her neighbours for being supportive and protective during street filming, saying she never experienced harassment while creating content.
A full-circle Chanel moment
After months of recreating Chanel-inspired fashion on Lagos roads, Ojuromi walked the actual Chanel Spring/Summer 2027 runway in Paris. Sharing the achievement online, she dedicated the moment to her team and supporters.
"In my long career, I pray there will be many days that will be for me, but today is not one of them; today is for US," she wrote. She specifically thanked her mother, Debby, Odey—the friend who consistently filmed her videos despite working every day—and other friends who believed in her dreams.
Ojuromi ended with an inspiring message: "All I am today is a vehicle, and I have been told to tell you one thing, please dream and dream and dream yourself into a life you know is possible even when nobody understands it."
Global recognition and impact
BBC News Africa acknowledged her achievement on October 6, 2026, tweeting: "From strutting in the streets Lagos to strutting in an actual runway in Paris — @giverachelashot has done it! Seven weeks ago, when we interviewed Rachel Ojuromi, she spoke of a dream but on October 5th she walked that dream debuting at Paris Fashion week."
Ojuromi's journey demonstrates that global opportunities can emerge from unexpected places. Her story, which began on a Lagos road with thrifted clothes and a loyal creative team, has now reached the world's most prestigious fashion stages, proving that one's starting point does not have to determine their final destination.
