Lebanese-Armenian Model Serena Abou Sefyan Opens Fendi Show at Milan Fashion Week

Serena Abou Sefyan, a Diasporan Armenian model raised in Lebanon, opened the Fendi fashion show in Milan during Milan Fashion Week,  a major milestone in her career and a significant moment for Armenian representation in the global fashion industry.

In an exclusive interview with The Armenian Report, Abou Sefyan spoke about her journey to the runway and the emotions she experienced leading up to the show.

“I opened for the FENDI show yesterday at Milan Fashion Week as the first Armenian model who was brought up in Lebanon. I just feel like it could be good representation that we can take over any industry!

I initially went to the casting, then got a callback. I was on my way to the airport for another shoot in Barcelona when I was told I was going to walk in front of the designer and that they were going to get me in to see her. I walked, and she, I guess, really liked me, and I got booked. I am now exclusive with Fendi. It was an amazing experience and show. I can’t believe I had the honor to open and was trusted with such a big responsibility.

The best part is that I just hope this paves the way for other Armenian models to be motivated because I never had someone from our community to look up to, even being Lebanese Armenian. I hope I can be someone who can help others achieve what they dream of as well. My reaction was pure shock and excitement. I was very nervous, of course, but it felt right.”

Opening a runway show is considered one of the most important roles in a fashion presentation. The opening model sets the tone for the entire collection and reflects the designer’s vision. Abou Sefyan’s selection to open the Fendi show demonstrates the brand’s confidence in her presence and professionalism.

Abou Sefyan comes from a fully Armenian family. Her parents, Raffi Abou Sefyan and Sylvie Nazarian, are both Armenian. She was born and raised in Lebanon and spent her early childhood in Bourj Hammoud, a well-known Armenian-populated area, before her family moved to Antelias.

Speaking about her background, she said modeling was not widely understood within the Lebanese Armenian community and that choosing this path was not easy.

“It was scary, especially in the Lebanese Armenian community, which is unfamiliar with stuff like this. It was an insane experience. I am now 20 years old, have been modeling for two years, and one year internationally in Paris, London, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, etc. I have an older sister who is an academic weapon, and I was always the troublemaker. I never quite had a passion to take the traditional route in life, which is hard to step away from. However, after many moments of doubt, I couldn’t be happier with the choices I’ve made.”

At 20 years old, Abou Sefyan has already built an international career, working in major European fashion capitals. Over the past year, she has modeled in cities including Paris, London, Milan, Madrid, and Barcelona.

Her appearance at Milan Fashion Week represents both a personal achievement and a broader moment for the Armenian Diaspora. By opening the Fendi show, she became one of the few Armenian models to hold such a prominent position at a major international fashion event.

As she continues her career exclusively with Fendi, Abou Sefyan’s success shows a growing Armenian presence in global industries and serves as encouragement for young Armenians pursuing careers beyond traditional paths.

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