Eunice Olumide is a multi-faceted woman of many talents. What started as a career in modelling at a time when Black models were almost non-existent has blossomed into a life that spans the arts, music, and philanthropy, for which she was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2017. Olumide has lent her captivating presence to the runways of fashion stalwarts Harris Tweed, Christopher Kane and Mulberry, and her stunning, unique face to beauty giant Maybelline. She has been featured in editorials for industry-respected publications like ID Magazine and Dazed &Confused. But it’s not all frocks and fun for the internationally-known model. Olumide is also a youth advocate, and in 2018 published a book called How To Get Into Fashion about exploitation in the industry and the impact of fast fashion.  She also delivered a key note speech at the Houses of Parliament on those topics. Benefactors of her abundant charity work include Children’s Hospice Scotland, The Well Foundation, and Action for Children. 

Olumide was born to Nigerian immigrants in Edenborough, where her father was stationed in the Navy. After her parents split, she moved to Wester Hailes with her mother. She was first scouted by a prominent modelling agency on the street in baggy dungarees. After it happened again, she started modelling at age 17 as a way to put herself through university in Glasgow. She says her degree in Communications and Mass Media helps her cut through the hype of the fashion industry, giving her an edge that other models don’t have.  

Now in her mid-30s, Olumide has dipped her toe into acting, most recently on the BBC One TV show Noughts + Crosses. She also had a cameo as a party guest on the movie version of Absolutely Fabulous (watch it again!). She can also be found on the decks as a professional DJ at fashion events and music festivals, playing alongside the likes of Grace Jones and Nas. Olumide has produced a runway show for the British Fashion Council  at London Fashion Week, sung on two celebrity charity music albums, and hosted an Aria award-nominated podcast, Sista Collective, on BBC Radio. She is an ambassador for many organizations, such as Zero Waste Scotland and Fashion Targets. and acts as a mentor and coach of young models, advocating against exploitation in the industry.

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