At just 13 years old, Rayan El Mahmoud (Instagram) stepped into the world of modelling, embracing a path that would eventually lead her to international acclaim. With a natural presence in front of the camera and an undeniable love for fashion, she turned what once felt like a casual pastime into a promising career. “My eldest brother would always capture moments of me,” El Mahmoud recalls. “Over time, this became something I naturally embraced. People around me would often suggest that I try modelling, and when I finally did, I realized how much I truly enjoyed it.”
Being of Ghanaian and Lebanese descent, El Mahmoud’s personal style and professional approach are deeply influenced by both cultures. “My Ghanaian heritage has shaped my personal style through bold colours and patterns that allow me to express my individuality,” she shares. “At the same time, it has taught me the importance of respect for those around me, a value that I carry with me in both my personal and professional life. From my Lebanese side, I’ve drawn inspiration for elegance and self-expression, especially through my mother, who taught me to be fashionable, graceful, and to express myself freely.”
A defining moment in El Mahmoud’s career came when she participated in Vogue’s Open Casting. “It was my first time in the UK, and the opportunity to be part of the Vogue photoshoot made everything feel surreal,” she says. “It reinforced something I’ve always believed: ‘With ambition and hard work, anything is attainable.’ The exposure from the shoot helped me get noticed by creatives and professionals in the industry, and it has positively impacted my career, continuing to open new doors for me even now. That experience is something I’ll always cherish, as it was a turning point in my journey.”
The Vogue photoshoot remains one of the most unforgettable moments in her career. “It confirmed for me that anything is attainable with hard work,” she says. “It also marked the beginning of my international modelling journey, something I will always remember and appreciate. I felt like a supermodel on that shoot, with the wind blowing through my hair, and it was surreal being in the UK for the first time, shooting for Vogue. It truly felt like a dream, and it made me believe that dreams really do come true with hard work and consistency.”
Like many in the industry, El Mahmoud has faced challenges, particularly rejection. “It can be tough to stay motivated when you don’t always get the opportunities you expect, but I’ve learned to see rejection as a stepping stone,” she explains. “Instead of taking it personally, I use it to refine my skills and stay focused on my goals. Rejection is redirection.”
Her resilience is also fuelled by the industry figures she admires. “There are many figures in the fashion industry I admire. What resonates with me most is the qualities they embody. I’m inspired by individuals who push boundaries, stay true to their vision, and challenge norms. Their resilience, creativity, and authenticity fuel my own passion for fashion. Seeing how they’ve succeeded through hard work and determination reminds me that with the right mind set, anything is possible. Their journeys motivate me to keep evolving, remain authentic, and never stop believing in myself as I pursue my own path in the industry.”
The fashion industry is continuing to evolve for the better, but El Mahmoud believes there is still more work to be done. “The industry has definitely made significant strides in terms of diversity and inclusion. It’s encouraging to see this shift, but I believe there is still work to be done in embracing a wider variety of characteristics. I would love to see more emphasis on showcasing diverse individuals who are truly passionate and dedicated to their craft, no matter their appearance. There’s so much untapped potential, and continuing to push for inclusivity and recognition across all areas will make the fashion industry even more dynamic and rich in diversity.”
Beyond the runway, El Mahmoud emphasizes the importance of representation not just in front of the camera, but also into production, “True representation in fashion goes beyond who is seen on the runway; it’s also about the voices shaping the industry. While models play a crucial role in bringing designs to life, representation should also extend behind the scenes. Cultural influences have always played a big role in fashion, inspiring trends and new designs. Recognizing and celebrating these influences in a thoughtful way, while creating opportunities for designers and creatives from diverse backgrounds, can lead to more authentic storytelling and greater innovation in the industry,” she says.
With a bright future ahead, El Mahmoud’s goals extend beyond modelling. “My long-term goal in the fashion industry is to build my name as a model, establishing a strong presence and becoming a recognized figure. Alongside my modelling career, I aspire to become a successful entrepreneur, leveraging the platform and experience I gain to create something meaningful. I see modelling as just the beginning, and I’m excited to explore business ventures that align with my passions, whether it’s in fashion, beauty, or other creative industries. Ultimately, I want to inspire others to pursue their dreams and know that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.”
Her advice for aspiring models? “My number one piece of advice is to build a community of people who support you and truly have your back. Modelling is a learning process, and it’s important to have people around you who can guide you through it, help you understand the industry, and help you differentiate between what’s right and wrong. Along with that, always embrace yourself and your uniqueness. Remember, you are you, and there’s no one else like you. Also, never be discouraged by setbacks. Keep your mind focused on your goal, and take it day by day. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your dreams. Keep pushing, and trust the process.”
Outside of modelling, El Mahmoud finds joy in exploring creative outlets. “I’m passionate about beauty, fashion, and the creativity they allow me to explore. I’ve been working on something in the beauty field that I hope to share soon. I’m excited to share this journey and inspire others along the way.”
As she continues to rise, Rayan El Mahmoud is not just a model, she’s a symbol of perseverance, ambition, and authenticity. With each stride she takes, she is redefining the narrative of modern fashion, proving that dreams are within reach for those who dare to chase them.
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