Gbolahan Yusuf’s remarkable journey from serving tables at ‘The Place’ restaurant in Surulere, Lagos, to walking the global runway as a model for Fendi captured the world’s attention on Sunday.This inspiring transformation was documented by Temitope Olaore, a model scout for Cias Models Management, on her Instagram page. Cias Models Management, owned by Femi Alabi, scouts, develops, and manages models with partners in France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy.Olaore, a regular customer at The Place, saw beyond Yusuf’s role as a restaurant attendant. She recognized his unique features and inherent charm. In 2023, after many visits to the restaurant and seeing Yusuf frequently, she had an epiphany. One day, as Yusuf printed her bill, Olaore realized his potential. She immediately recorded a video of him and sent it to her boss, Femi Alabi. Alabi was intrigued by Yusuf’s appearance and requested more images. Upon reviewing them, he approved Yusuf’s recruitment.
This set off a rigorous process of evaluation and preparation, including measuring Yusuf’s height, enhancing his appearance, and training him in the art of runway modeling.
In 2024, Yusuf made his debut for Fendi at 2025 Milan men’s Fashion Week, marking the beginning of his modeling career. Olaore expressed her amazement and gratitude for Yusuf’s success on social media. She wrote about her frequent visits to the restaurant and how she finally recognized his potential. She reflected on the moment it all clicked for her and praised Yusuf’s journey from behind the desk at a Lagos restaurant to the prestigious fashion runways of Milan.“Today, Gbolahan, from behind the desk as a restaurant server boy in Lagos, Nigeria, made his debut in Milan for Fendi. I’m short on words for his first-ever runway appearance; all I can say is, glory be to God. Congratulations to the entire Cias team and Gbolahan for his incredible journey from behind the desk in Lagos to the runways of Milan!” she wrote.
Following his debut for Fendi, Yusuf continued to gain prominence in the fashion industry. He recently modeled for JW Anderson, a renowned UK fashion label. After his first modeling gig, Yusuf expressed his gratitude on Instagram. He shared photos from the Fendi show and described himself as “blessed.””So blessed. I walked my first show with so much gratitude in my heart. Thank you to the entire team of Fendi for having me,” he wrote. “A big thank you to my amazing agents for believing in me. Thank God. Thank you everyone for your kind wishes and messages.”Yusuf also acknowledged the overwhelming support he received from Nigerians, adding, “I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support. You all don’t know me but have shown me so much love. I don’t take it for granted. God bless you all.
”Yusuf’s story is a testament to the power of recognition, opportunity, and hard work, highlighting how a chance encounter can transform a life and lead to extraordinary achievements on the international stage.
