Istanbul’s Fashion Week Türkiye 2025 (May 28–31) turned the Zorlu PSM into a global fashion inferno, and Eleshia Ais, Kenya’s radiant model and author, owned the spotlight. As the sole African participant, Ais strutted for Turkish design titan Oktay Seven, creating a runway moment that pulsed with cultural pride and raw energy. In an exclusive chat with Fotophreak Magazine, Ais spilled the tea on her electrifying experience, her dynamic partnership with Seven, and her mission to elevate Kenyan fashion. Blending her catwalk charisma with her literary brilliance as the author of The Making of a Queen and The Power Within, Ais is rewriting the rules of global fashion. Buckle up for her captivating journey at Fashion Week Türkiye 2025—a story of beauty, brains, and unbreakable spirit.
Eleshia Ais: Kenya’s Trailblazer at Fashion Week Türkiye
Fashion Week Türkiye 2025, powered by Moda Turkiye, was a four-day whirlwind of ready-to-wear brilliance, drawing 40,000 fashion fanatics from 120 countries to Istanbul’s iconic Zorlu PSM. Ais made history as the only African model, commanding the runway for Oktay Seven’s jaw-dropping “Aura” collection. “Walking for Mr. Oktay Seven is a dream come true,” she told Fotophreak Magazine. Draped in a shimmering gown with kilim-inspired embroidery, Ais set social media ablaze, with X users calling her “a Kenyan queen ruling Istanbul” and Instagram (@fashionweekturkiye) buzzing with praise.
This was Ais’s second strut at Fashion Week Türkiye, following her 2024 debut. “This year had fewer designers but more models,” she noted, “and the vibe was just as electric.” As the sole Black model, Ais carried the weight of representation: “I don’t always focus on being Black, but on this global stage, I carry every Black model in my steps. It’s a proud moment.” Her presence embodied the event’s “Cultural Crossroads” theme, amplifying Africa’s voice in a sea of Turkish and European talent. For fans in Kenya, Africa, Asia, and Türkiye searching for “African models global runway,” Ais’s performance was a seismic moment.
The Oktay Seven Connection: A Dynamic Fashion Duo
Ais’s bond with Oktay Seven is pure fashion magic. “I first met Mr. Oktay Seven at Fashion Week Türkiye 2024,” Ais shared with Fotophreak Magazine. “He was the first designer who made me feel truly appreciated, regardless of my color.” Seven’s supportive nature—checking if models are comfortable in his designs—sets him apart. “His patience, creativity, and talent are unmatched,” Ais said. “Some famous designers don’t care if a model feels good in their clothes, but Oktay treats everyone equally. May God bless designers like him.”
This dynamic duo shines because of their shared commitment to authenticity. Seven’s “Aura” collection, with its sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and recycled polyester, fused Ottoman heritage with futuristic flair—think metallic gowns and laser-cut kilim patterns. Ais, as a Black model, felt empowered wearing his designs: “It takes more than self-belief to feel comfortable. With Oktay, I’m at ease, no worries.” Their synergy lit up the runway, with Ais’s bold presence elevating Seven’s vision. X posts raved, “Eleshia and Oktay are a match made in fashion heaven,” making them a top search for “Oktay Seven models” and “Fashion Week Türkiye 2025.”
Seven, a Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University alum, is a global star, with shows at Paris Haute Couture Week (2020, 2023), Dubai Fashion Week (2022), and Antalya Fashion Week (2024). His sustainable, innovative designs resonate in Türkiye, Asia, and beyond, boosting searches for “Turkish fashion designers 2025.” Together, Ais and Seven create a powerful narrative of inclusivity and creativity, captivating fashion fans worldwide.
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A Model and Author Breaking Barriers
Keywords: Eleshia Ais author, Kenyan author, The Making of a Queen, The Power Within, model-author
Ais isn’t just a runway icon—she’s a literary force. Her books; Choosing Me, All For Love and Passionate of Life (https://www.amazon.com/stores/ELESHIA-AIS/author/B0CV9MF45C), weave tales of empowerment and resilience, inspired by her journey as a Black model. Starting at 16 in Nairobi, Ais has walked for Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, and Dior, as noted by Fotophreak Magazine (https://www.fotophreak.com/becoming-eleshia-ais-kenyan-international-model-strutting-global-runways/). “I came to Istanbul as a model, not an author,” she said, “but I’ll return to share my books.”
Her dual career makes her a standout. Modeling demands poise; writing requires depth. Ais blends both, inspiring searches for “Kenyan author models” and “African empowerment books.” Her work resonates in Kenya and Africa, where she champions self-love and mental health, making her a role model for young creatives searching “African women empowerment.”
Elevating Kenyan Fashion: A Collective Mission
Ais sees Fashion Week Türkiye as a stepping stone for her mission to uplift Kenyan fashion. “Each fashion week is a learning experience,” she told Fotophreak Magazine. “Transforming Kenyan fashion takes teamwork and sacrifice—more than just time or money.” Her advice to African models eyeing global runways like Fashion Week Türkiye is straight-up: “You can walk any show, but it’s not a pageant. Invest in yourself—flights, hotels, training. A backup career, discipline, and self-respect are everything.”
Her insights hit home in Kenya’s vibrant fashion scene, where designers like Wambui Mukenyi are making waves (Fotophreak Magazine). For African models and designers to join Fashion Week Türkiye, Ais stresses professionalism: “Good training and discipline open doors.” Her words spark searches for “Kenyan models global runways” and “African fashion opportunities,” inspiring the next generation.
Eleshia’s 2025 Runway Roadmap
Ais’s 2025 is a blockbuster lineup. “I’m thrilled for Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks—my favorite runways,” she shared. These iconic events, paired with her Fashion Week Türkiye triumph, solidify her global status. Balancing modeling with a master’s degree in international business law, Ais is a multitasking queen. “I juggle academics, business, and family life,” she said, resonating with fans searching “Kenyan models balancing career and education.” Her commitment fuels searches for “Kenyan model-author” and “African women empowerment.”
Advice to Aspiring Creatives
Keywords: Kenyan models advice, African creatives inspiration, fashion career tips
Ais’s parting shot is fire: “You are beautiful and good enough. Keep doing what you love, but don’t skip education or self-respect. We’re leaving footprints so the world knows Kenyan models are professional.” Her words ignite searches for “Kenyan fashion inspiration” and “African model success stories,” motivating creatives in Kenya, Africa, and beyond.
Istanbul: The Fashion Capital to Watch
Istanbul, with its East-meets-West pulse, is a fashion juggernaut. Fashion Week Türkiye 2025, backed by Trendyol and FashionTV Türkiye, showcased Türkiye’s $15 billion textile industry, a go-to for brands like Zara and H&M. Venues like Zorlu PSM make it a top search for “Istanbul fashion events.” In Asia, Istanbul rivals Seoul and Dubai, with digital streams (@fashionweekturkiye) boosting its global pull. For fans in Türkiye, Kenya, and Asia, this is the place to be.
Fashion Week Türkiye’s Global Swagger
Fashion Week Türkiye 2025 competes with Dubai and Seoul, eyeing the prestige of Paris and Milan. Its ready-to-wear focus and sustainable edge, paired with 7% textile export growth, make it a commercial titan. For global audiences searching “top fashion weeks 2025,” Fashion Week Türkiye’s inclusivity and innovation shine, especially in Türkiye, Africa, and Asia.
Conclusion
Eleshia Ais set Fashion Week Türkiye 2025 on fire, proving Kenyan talent rules the global runway. Her partnership with Oktay Seven was a masterclass in inclusivity and creativity, while her books inspire a generation. Follow her journey on Instagram (@eleshia_ais) and dive into Fashion Week Türkiye at https://www.fashionweekturkiye.com/. For Kenya, Africa, and the world, Ais is a beacon of brilliance, leaving footprints that echo far beyond Istanbul.
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