Lily Fofana is an international fashion model originally from Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) who has built a successful career walking runways at major fashion weeks and appearing in prestigious magazines including Vogue Portugal and Marie Claire France.
The fashion industry thrives on fresh faces who bring something different to the runway. Lily Fofana represents exactly that kind of talent. She has carved out a space in an industry that often struggles with representation. Her work spans continents and includes collaborations with major brands and appearances in top fashion publications.
You might recognize her from fashion week coverage or editorial spreads in high-end magazines. Perhaps you saw her name linked to Spanish actor Martiño Rivas, which brought additional media attention. But there’s much more to her story than headlines suggest.
This article explores her modeling career, the challenges she has faced, her professional achievements, and what makes her stand out in the competitive world of fashion. Whether you’re following the latest runway trends or curious about rising talents in the industry, understanding her journey offers valuable insights.
Early Life and Background
Lily Fofana grew up in Ivory Coast, a West African country known for its vibrant culture and artistic heritage. She later moved to France to pursue her modeling career, joining agencies in Paris before expanding to international markets. The transition from Africa to Europe’s fashion capitals required determination and resilience.
Her entry into modeling came at a young age, and she quickly caught the attention of scouts who recognized her potential. Standing at 5’10” (178 cm), she has the height and proportions that agencies seek. But her appeal extends beyond measurements.
She represents a growing wave of African models making their mark on global fashion. This shift reflects changing attitudes within the industry, though progress remains uneven.
Professional Modeling Career
Agency Representation
Lily Fofana maintains an impressive roster of agency representation across major fashion markets. She is currently signed with:
- APM Model Management (main scouting agency)
- Next Management (Madrid)
- Metropolitan Models (France)
- Milk Management (London)
- The Lab Models
- Modelwerk (Germany)
- Uno Models (Barcelona)
- Elite LA (Los Angeles)
This multi-agency representation allows her to work across different markets and access diverse opportunities. Each agency brings its own network of clients and casting directors.
Runway Work
Her runway career includes appearances at both New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. In 2018, she walked for multiple designers during the Spring/Summer 2019 season, including:
- Christian Cowan at NYFW
- VFiles at NYFW
- Rahul Mishra at Paris Fashion Week
She also auditioned for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2018, attending the high-profile casting call in New York City alongside other aspiring models. While the show has since been discontinued, the casting itself represented a significant career milestone.
More recently, she has attended major fashion events with her partner, including the Loewe Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 show at Paris Fashion Week in June 2023.
Editorial and Campaign Work
Beyond runways, Lily Fofana has built a strong editorial portfolio. Her magazine appearances include:
| Publication | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vogue Portugal | 2021 | Featured in “Todas As Cores” (All Colors) photographed by Alvaro Gracia |
| Marie Claire France | 2021 | “Fleur De Garrigue” editorial shot in southern France |
| Citizen K | 2021 | Fashion editorial |
| L’Officiel Malaysia | 2022 | Photographed by Jordi Terry |
| AD Spain | Various | “Tierra fértil” campaign for Garçonnière by Avellaneda |
She has also worked with commercial brands including Nike, Lefties, Bimba y Lola, and Uterqüe. These collaborations demonstrate her versatility across both high fashion editorial work and commercial campaigns.
Relationship with Martiño Rivas
In 2021, Lily Fofana began a relationship with Spanish actor Martiño Rivas, best known for his roles in Netflix’s “Cable Girls” (Las Chicas del Cable) and the series “El Internado.” They made their relationship public in November 2021 when they posed together at a photocall, marking their official debut as a couple.
The relationship brought increased media scrutiny, not all of it positive. Spanish media outlets and fans of the actor subjected her to racist commentary and criticism, particularly on social media platforms. The intensity of the negativity became severe enough that she addressed it directly through her Instagram stories.
In 2022, sources reported they had briefly separated, as both removed photos of each other from their social media accounts. However, by March 2023, they were spotted together again at the Málaga Film Festival, signaling a reconciliation. They have since appeared together at various events, including the Esquire “Men of The Year” awards in December 2022 and the Vogue Fashion Night Out in Madrid.
Rivas himself has been protective of their relationship, keeping most details private while occasionally speaking positively about being in a happy relationship.
Challenges and Representation
The modeling industry’s lack of diversity has been well-documented. According to fashion industry reports from recent years, models of color remain significantly underrepresented on major runways. Lily Fofana’s experience reflects both progress and ongoing challenges.
Her relationship with Martiño Rivas brought these issues into sharp focus. The racist backlash she faced from segments of Spanish media and social media users highlighted the prejudices that Black women still encounter, particularly when dating high-profile figures from other backgrounds.
This type of scrutiny affects mental health and career prospects. Yet she has continued working consistently, maintaining her professional relationships and booking editorial jobs throughout this period.
Social Media Presence
Lily maintains an active Instagram presence under the handle @lilyfofana, where she has over 13,000 followers. Her bio identifies her as being represented by APM Models and includes the phrase “Y’a fohi,” which translates to “it’s nothing” or “no worries” in certain West African French dialects.
Her feed focuses primarily on professional content, including:
- Behind-the-scenes shots from fashion shoots
- Runway appearances and castings
- Editorial spreads from magazines
- Occasional personal moments with friends and colleagues
She keeps her private life largely separate from her professional presence, sharing limited glimpses of her personal relationships or daily life outside of work.
Current Work and Future Prospects
As of 2025, Lily Fofana continues to work actively in the fashion industry. Her agency profiles remain updated across multiple markets, and she maintains her presence in Madrid, Paris, and London markets.
The fashion industry is slowly expanding opportunities for models of African descent, particularly in editorial and campaign work. Brands increasingly recognize that diverse representation resonates with consumers and reflects global markets more accurately.
Her experience across multiple fashion capitals positions her well for continued work. She has demonstrated the ability to adapt to different markets and maintain professional relationships across various agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lily Fofana’s height and measurements?
She stands 5’10” (178 cm) tall with measurements of 31-23-34 inches. She wears a size 38 EU shoe.
Which modeling agencies represent Lily Fofana?
She is represented by multiple agencies including APM Models, Next Management Madrid, Metropolitan Models, Milk Management, and Elite LA among others.
Has Lily Fofana walked in major fashion weeks?
Yes, she has walked in New York and Paris Fashion Weeks for designers including Christian Cowan and Rahul Mishra.
Where is Lily Fofana originally from?
She is originally from Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) in West Africa and later moved to France to pursue modeling.
What magazines has Lily Fofana appeared in?
Her editorial work includes Vogue Portugal, Marie Claire France, Citizen K, L’Officiel Malaysia, and AD Spain among other publications.
Conclusion
Lily Fofana exemplifies persistence in a challenging industry. From her origins in Ivory Coast to walking runways in Paris and New York, she has built a career through consistent work and professional relationships across multiple markets.
The scrutiny she has faced, particularly regarding her personal life, reflects broader issues about representation and acceptance in fashion and media. Yet she continues to work, appearing in editorials and maintaining her agency relationships across Europe and beyond.
Her journey matters because it shows both how far the industry has come and how much work remains. Models of color still face barriers that others do not, from casting decisions to public reception. Those who persist despite these challenges help create space for those who follow.
