Meet Prince Charles: the High Fashion Nigerian Model Who Was Discovered on the Street

Paris Men’s Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 delivered its usual spectacle of sharp tailoring, bold silhouettes, and headline-making moments. But beyond the collections, one debut quietly stood out. Prince Charles, a Nigerian model discovered in Port Harcourt, made his first appearance on the international runway and did so in a way that instantly placed him on the industry’s radar.

In a single fashion season, Prince Charles walked for Louis Vuitton, Dior Men, Wooyoungmi, and Maison Mihara Yasuhiro. For a model making his runway debut, the lineup was striking. These are houses that shape global menswear, not entry points for newcomers.

Most notably, his first-ever runway appearance was for Louis Vuitton.

That detail alone explains why his debut has drawn so much attention. Louis Vuitton is not a testing ground. It is one of the most influential menswear ateliers in the world, and debuting in the house signals immediate confidence from the industry’s highest levels.

Photo of Prince charles, the Niigerian model discovered in Portharcourt - Fashion Police NigeriaPhoto: Instagram/prixchar

Where is Prince Charles From?

Prince Charles is a Nigerian and was discovered in Port Harcourt, a city rarely associated with international fashion scouting.

Unlike many models who are found through castings, social media, or fashion-focused environments, his discovery happened in an everyday setting. There was no formal search, no staged introduction, just someone recognizing potential and choosing to act on it.

The origin story has resonated widely, especially across African fashion circles, because it challenges long-standing ideas about where global talent is expected to come from.

How was he discovered?

Prince Charles’ rise in the modeling industry did not follow the familiar steps of the modeling world. There were no early seasons spent building experience through smaller markets, no slow progression through minor shows. His entry into fashion unfolded quickly, driven by instinct, readiness, and the belief of those who recognized his potential early.

His story began on the streets of Port Harcourt, where someone noticed his height and striking appearance and recorded a short, unplanned video of him. The clip was shared on TikTok with the simple intention of finding him.

It worked. People recognized him, pointed the way, and helped bridge the distance between that moment and what came next. Almost overnight, Prince Charles’ life shifted, and preparation for an international debut began.

Prince Charles walking the Louis Vuitton menswear FW26 show during Paris Fashion Week.Photo: Instagram/prixchar

Prince Charles walking the Louis Vuitton menswear FW26 show during Paris Fashion Week.

For the person who discovered him, his now-manager, Kimbel Simeon, watching model Prince Charles walk for Louis Vuitton was deeply emotional. The moment carried more than professional fulfillment. It held memory and meaning.

Kimbel claimed that a close friend of his named Joseph believed in the Nigerian model from the very beginning, often speaking about his future with quiet certainty. He stated on Instagram “I’m dedicating this entirely to my friend Joseph. Before he passed, he believed so deeply in this boy. He loved Prince Charles so much. He would always look at me and say, “This boy is going to be a star. Trust me.” And now here we are and he’s not here to witness it.”

Joseph passed away before witnessing this debut, making the Paris Fashion Week moment, especially the Louis Vuitton show, a dedication to his faith and belief. Those closest to the journey say his presence is still felt in every step forward.

Now signed to 16PARIS and based in Paris, Prince Charles stands at 6’3” with black hair and brown eyes. While he meets the physical language of high-fashion menswear, it is his composure that sets him apart. His walk is measured and assured, grounding the clothes rather than competing with them, a quality that has quickly earned him trust on the runway.

Prince Charles’ Paris Fashion Week FW26 Debut

Prince Charles’ Paris debut unfolded across some of the most closely watched menswear shows of the Fall/Winter 2026 season, marking a rare entry point that immediately signaled trust at the highest level of the industry.

At Dior Men, he appeared in Jonathan Anderson’s FW26 collection, a lineup defined by precision, structure, and a rethinking of modern masculinity. Cast by Ashley Brokaw, the show placed emphasis on silhouette and restraint, qualities Prince Charles carried with ease. His presence aligned seamlessly with the collection’s tone, reinforcing Dior’s continued interest in models who communicate strength without excess.

The season moved quickly, and so did his momentum.

At Wooyoungmi, Prince Charles closed the FW26 show, a position traditionally reserved for models trusted to leave a lasting impression. For a first-season model, it was a powerful vote of confidence. The moment was deeply personal for him, something he later reflected on openly.

“I can’t believe I just closed my first show for Wooyoungmi FW26,” he wrote. “This was such a surreal moment for me, and I’m super thankful for every moment leading up to this.”

The closing walk was not performative. It was grounded, measured, and confident, signaling a model already comfortable with responsibility on the runway.

Prince charles, nigerian model discovered in portharcourt - Fashion Police NigeriaPhoto: Instagram/prixchar

At Maison Mihara Yasuhiro, he navigated experimental silhouettes and unconventional proportions with notable control. The FW26 collection leaned into disruption and play, demanding adaptability from its cast. Prince Charles delivered without overstatement, allowing the clothes to speak while maintaining a steady presence.

Then came the moment that defined the season.

His worldwide runway debut took place at Louis Vuitton FW26, one of the most influential platforms in menswear. For many models, walking for Louis Vuitton is a career peak. For Prince Charles, it was the beginning.

“My worldwide debut and it’s the Louis Vuitton FW26 show,” he shared afterward. “Words cannot express how incredibly blessed I feel right now.”

He credited his family, his agents, and his Paris-based team at 16PARIS, acknowledging the collective effort behind the moment. He also singled out Pharrell Williams, whose creative direction shaped the show’s energy, calling the collection “magical.”

The season continued with Saint Laurent Mens FW26, under Anthony Vaccarello. The show’s sharp tailoring and nocturnal mood demanded authority and poise, both of which Prince Charles delivered. His walk fit naturally into Saint Laurent’s visual language, closing out a Paris season defined by consistency rather than coincidence.

Taken together, these appearances suggested far more than a lucky booking streak. They pointed to a model already operating comfortably at the highest level, trusted across houses with vastly different aesthetics and casting philosophies.

Prince charles, nigerian model discovered in portharcourt - Fashion Police NigeriaPhoto: Instagram/prixchar

Why This Debut Matters

Prince Charles’ arrival in Paris reflects a broader shift within fashion. African talent is increasingly being placed at the center of global narratives, not as a trend or statement, but as trusted participants shaping the present and future of the industry. His journey from the streets of Port Harcourt to Paris underscores the idea that global fashion is expanding its lens and doing so deliberately.

This debut was not framed as a surprise. It was framed as deserved.

With a Paris Fashion Week debut this strong, the question is no longer whether Prince Charles will continue, but how far his presence will extend. Editorial work, future runway seasons, and campaigns are likely to follow. For now, his FW26 season stands as a clear introduction: measured, confident, and memorable.

Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 introduced many collections. It also introduced a name worth watching closely.

Prince Charles has arrived.

Photo: Instagram/prixchar

Esther Ejoh
Esther Ejoh

Esther Ejoh is a Fashion Editor at Fashion Police Nigeria, where she writes all things fashion, beauty, and celebrity style, with a sharp eye and an even sharper pen. She’s the girl who’ll break down a Met Gala look one minute, rave about a Nigerian beauty brand the next, and still find time to binge a movie or get lost in a novel. Style, storytelling, and self-care? That’s her holy trinity.

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