Malaika Firth was born on March 23, 1994, in the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya. At the age of seven, her family made the life-changing decision to move to London, leaving behind her grandmother who ran a restaurant in Kenya. Growing up in a new country presented its challenges, but Malaika found solace in her love for fashion and modeling.
Malaika's career in modeling began unexpectedly when she attended an open call with Premier Model Management as a teenager. Her striking features and natural grace caught the eye of scouts, and she was booked immediately. From that moment on, Malaika's journey to stardom began.
In 2012, Malaika made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week, marking the beginning of a successful career in the fashion industry. Her breakthrough moment came when she became the first black model in two decades to be booked for a Prada campaign, a milestone that solidified her status as a trailblazer in the industry.
Malaika's talent and beauty quickly caught the attention of renowned designers and fashion houses. In 2014, she had the privilege of walking in runway shows for esteemed brands such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, and Dolce & Gabbana. Her presence on the catwalk was captivating, earning her widespread praise and admiration from fashion critics and fans alike.
Malaika's role as a pioneering black model has not gone unnoticed. Her historic achievement as the first black model to book a Prada campaign since Naomi Campbell in 1994 speaks volumes about the impact she has had on the fashion industry. By breaking down barriers and challenging the status quo, Malaika has paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the world of modeling.
Beyond her professional success, Malaika remains grounded and grateful for the opportunities that have come her way. Her humble demeanor and down-to-earth personality have endeared her to fans around the world, making her not just a model, but a role model for aspiring young women everywhere.
Malaika Firth's journey from a young girl in Kenya to a trailblazing model in the fashion world is a testament to her resilience, talent, and determination. With each runway she walks and campaign she stars in, Malaika continues to inspire and empower others to follow their dreams and break barriers, one step at a time.