Alpha Dia is a Senegalese fashion model who rose to prominence in the global fashion industry. He was discovered at the age of 22 while working in a bar in Hamburg, Germany. His entry into modeling began when photographer Christian Bendel approached him for a photo shoot. This chance encounter marked the beginning of his modeling career.
Dia's breakthrough year came in 2017 when he walked in 43 runway shows, an impressive feat for any model, particularly someone relatively new to the industry. His first modeling job was with the Italian brand Iceberg, and his runway debut came with the iconic fashion house Prada.
He soon became a prominent figure in high fashion, appearing in major editorials and campaigns. Dia was featured as one of the leading faces in Versace’s Autumn/Winter 2017 campaign. He has also appeared in renowned fashion publications such as Italian Vogue, Another Man, and Kein Magazine. His editorial versatility and striking features have made him a favorite among top designers and photographers alike.
Although based in Hamburg, Germany, Dia's modeling career takes him around the globe, leaving him rarely in one place for long. He has been open about growing up in a predominantly white community and the effect that experience had on his self-image. In interviews, he has spoken candidly about the challenges of building self-confidence in an environment where traditional beauty standards did not reflect his own appearance.
Alpha Dia is part of a growing movement advocating for greater diversity and representation in the fashion industry. As a prominent Black model of African descent, he has contributed to changing perceptions of beauty and has helped pave the way for broader inclusion on international runways and in editorial content.
