Nana Darko has made her international runway debut while continuing her urban planning degree at Loughborough University, balancing university commitments with a growing modelling career. The 20-year-old British model made her debut as an exclusive for Prada's spring/summer 2027 show in Milan.
She later appeared in shows for Dior, Dries Van Noten, Loewe and Miu Miu during the same fashion season. In an interview, Darko discussed her introduction to modelling, her first international fashion season, and the challenges of balancing her academic responsibilities with work in the fashion industry.
How Nana Darko Was Discovered
Darko was first approached by a modelling scout when she was 16 and shopping with her mother at Boots on Oxford Street in London. The agent, who represents her today, introduced her to the possibility of pursuing modelling. However, she did not immediately enter the industry and continued with her education.
Her interest in fashion developed during her teenage years at boarding school in Brighton. She recalled looking at fashion inspiration on Pinterest with her friends, shopping at Urban Outfitters and making TikTok videos featuring their outfits.
She eventually signed with her modelling agency in June 2026, four years after the initial encounter. Before her first international runway appearance, Darko had also worked on a Gucci assignment in Florence. During this period, she secured an exclusive booking for Prada's spring/summer 2027 collection.
From Prada Debut to Paris Fashion Week
Darko's first major runway opportunity came through Prada's spring/summer 2027 show in Milan. During her casting, designer Raf Simons advised her to change her walking style. He encouraged her to imagine herself walking with friends after a night out rather than concentrating on the techniques she had previously practised.
Her subsequent Paris appearances included several established fashion houses. Her Dior booking came after she initially believed she was attending a casting at the brand's office, only to discover that the appointment was a fitting for the show. She also met Dior creative director Jonathan Anderson during the process.
Darko identified Loewe and Miu Miu among her favourite shows of the season. She particularly recalled her Loewe outfit and the challenge of remembering the different turns required during the runway presentation. At a Miu Miu fitting, her skirt fell to her ankles, prompting designer Miuccia Prada to laugh. Darko connected the incident to her school years, when she and her friends would roll up their uniform skirts.
Balancing Fashion Week and University Finals
Darko is completing a degree in urban planning at Loughborough University while pursuing modelling opportunities internationally. During fashion season, her schedule included castings, fittings and runway preparations, with some days beginning at 6 am and ending around 10 pm. She also travelled between model apartments on the outskirts of Paris while attending appointments.
She compared her university and modelling experiences to living two separate lives, referencing Hannah Montana, the fictional character who leads a double life as a student and pop star. Her mother initially encouraged her to prioritise education before pursuing modelling. Darko also had reservations about entering the industry after hearing about drug use and the possibility of frequent rejection.
Her family has since become supportive of her career, with relatives downloading Instagram to follow her work. She also highlighted the friendships she has developed with other models, describing their support as important when dealing with demanding schedules and industry pressures.
Nana Darko's Future Modelling Ambitions
Darko has expressed interest in working with Louis Vuitton and Victoria's Secret, as well as taking on additional projects with Dior. Her academic interests also remain part of her longer-term plans.
The student said she could see herself pursuing landscape architecture and designing spaces in the future. She also spoke about confidence and humility when offering advice to aspiring models, highlighting the importance of not letting other people's opinions determine their self-worth.
