Gbolahan Yusuf: The Nigerian Waiter Who Became a Global Modeling Sensation
Meet Gbolahan Yusuf, the Nigerian Waiter Turned International Model. From serving customers at The Place restaurant in Lagos to walking for Fendi and JW Anderson, read his remarkable story of transformation and success in the fashion world.
Nigerian restaurant employee Gbolahan Yusuf, who is now a well-known worldwide model
It is motivational to read about Gbolahan Yusuf, the Nigerian waiter who rose to prominence as a global model.
On Sunday, Yusuf's incredible journey went viral, showing off his ability to move from waiting tables at The Place restaurant in Surulere, Lagos to walking the international catwalk as a model for Fendi.
Model scout Temitope Olaore of Cias Models Management documented his metamorphosis on her Instagram page.
Femi Alabi is the owner of the business, which partners with organizations in France, the UK, Spain, and Italy to scout, develop, and manage models.
Olaore perceived Yusuf as a “successful model rather than a mere attendant” and was a regular customer of the restaurant where he worked.
In 2023, she sent a video of Yusuf to her boss after noticing his distinct look and natural charisma. Her boss was captivated by the video, asked to see more, and gave his approval.
The required assessment and planning then got underway after the permission. Yusuf was trained on how to strut like a professional model, his appearance was improved, and his height was measured as part of the preparation.
Yusuf then debuted as a model for Fendi during Milan Fashion Week in 2024.
“I was a very regular customer at the restaurant in Surulere last year. I had visited there countless times to get food and seen Gbolahan quite often,” she wrote.
“Until one day, it clicked! I looked at him as he printed my bill over the desk and thought. I said to myself, 'How come I haven't seen this? How did it take me so long to realise?' Without hesitating, I took out my phone and made the first video on the slide. I sent it straight to my boss, Femi Swaris.
“Today, Gbolahan, from behind the desk as a restaurant server boy in Lagos, Nigeria, made his debut in Milan for Fendi. I'm short on words for his first- ever runway appearance; all I can say is, glory be to God.
“Congratulations to the entire Cias team and Gbolahan for his incredible journey from behind the desk in Lagos to the runways of Milan!.”
Yusuf has been a model for JW Anderson, a UK fashion label, in addition to walking for the Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi.
Yusuf commended the agency on his Instagram page for believing in him following his first modeling job.
“So blessed. I walked my first show with so much gratitude in my heart. Thank you to the entire team of Fendi for having me,” he wrote.
“A big thank you to my amazing agents for believing in me. Thank God. Thank you everyone for your kind wishes and messages.”
Elated by the support from Nigerians, Yusuf added: “I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support.”
“You all don't know me but have shown me so much love. I don't take it for granted. God bless you all.”
He said he was “blessed” and posted pictures from the concert as well.
The following year, at Milan Fashion Week, Yusuf made his runway debut as a model for Fendi.
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