MONA TOUGAARD

​Mona Tougaard is a Danish fashion model celebrated for her distinctive multicultural heritage and commanding presence on international runways. Born on April 3, 2002, in Aarhus, Denmark, she has swiftly ascended to prominence in the fashion industry, earning recognition for her work with top designers and appearances in leading fashion publications.​

Early Life and Background

Mona Tougaard was born in Aarhus, Denmark, to a father of Danish and Turkish descent and a mother of Somali and Ethiopian heritage. She has two older siblings from her mother's previous marriage. Tragically, her mother passed away when Mona was nine years old. At the age of 12, she was scouted for modeling, and by 15, she won the Elite Model Look Denmark competition, later becoming a finalist in the global contest. ​

Modeling Career

Tougaard's professional modeling career commenced in 2019 when she debuted as a Prada exclusive. Since then, she has walked for renowned fashion houses including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, Valentino, Miu Miu, Versace, Burberry, Dior, Victoria Beckham, Max Mara, Lanvin, Salvatore Ferragamo, Alberta Ferretti, Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, Paco Rabanne, Chloé, and Saint Laurent, among others. ​

She has been featured in advertising campaigns for brands such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Chanel, Max Mara, Chloé, and Ports 1961. Her editorial work includes appearances on the covers of British Vogue (April 2021), Italian Vogue (August 2021), and Vogue France (August 2022), the latter alongside Somali-American model Ugbad Abdi. ​

In recognition of her impact, Models.com included her in their "Top 50" models list and, in December 2024, added her to their "Money List," highlighting her success with top-tier commercial clients and long-term endorsement deals. ​

Personal Life and Advocacy

Tougaard is known for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry. In a 2020 interview with The Wall Street Journal, she discussed the challenges of being a multiracial model and emphasized the need for greater representation. She has also spoken about her experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, expressing that the fashion industry played a role in helping her understand her sexuality. ​

Outside of modeling, Tougaard enjoys abstract painting and writing poetry, often sharing glimpses of her creative pursuits on social media.

Recent Work and Influence

Tougaard continues to be a prominent figure in fashion, recently appearing in campaigns for brands like Tod's and participating in runway shows for Schiaparelli and Chanel during Paris Haute Couture Week. Her influence extends beyond the runway, as she uses her platform to advocate for inclusivity and to inspire the next generation of models.​

For more insights into Mona Tougaard's career and personal journey, you can explore her profiles on Models.com and Instagram.