Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi is a Nigerian supermodel, television personality, and entrepreneur who gained international fame by winning the inaugural Face of Africa contest in 1998. She went on to model for top fashion brands, appear in major magazines, and become a mentor for upcoming African models.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1 August 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Abia State |
| Partner | Luca Orlandi |
| Children | Two |
| Occupations | Model, Television Personality, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Oluchi grew up with two brothers and two sisters. Her father worked as a civil servant, and her mother was a nurse.
Initially uninterested in fashion, she was encouraged by a family friend to enter a modeling contest, which she won at age 17. She later earned a management degree from New York University while advancing her modeling career.
Career
After winning the Face of Africa competition, Oluchi moved to New York to pursue modeling professionally. She has walked the runway for designers like Gucci, Chanel, and Armani, appeared in prestigious magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and featured in campaigns for brands including Lancôme and Victoria’s Secret.
Oluchi also walked in several Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows and appeared in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editions. In 2008, she founded a modeling agency in Africa and serves as the host and lead judge of Africa’s Next Top Model.
Personal Life
Oluchi Onweagba is married to Italian fashion designer Luca Orlandi, founder of the fashion brand Luca Luca, since 2006. They have two sons: Ugo Ugochukwu, a professional race car driver signed to the McLaren Driver Development Programme and 2024 FIA Formula Regional World Cup winner, and a younger son named Marco.
Controversies
Oluchi has experienced some public frustrations, including walking out of a press event for Africa’s Next Top Model due to technical difficulties and expressing discontent about inconsiderate social media behavior. Despite these incidents, she maintains a professional reputation.
Net Worth
Her net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, accumulated through modeling contracts, endorsements, television roles, and business ventures.
Awards and Nominations
- Winner of the 1998 Face of Africa competition
- Multiple magazine covers including Vogue and Elle
- Six-time Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show model
- Four-time Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue model
- Acknowledged as one of Africa’s most influential supermodels
