Ayan Elmi

Ayan Elmi (Somali: Ayaan Cilmi, Arabic: أيان علمي‎‎, born 1988 or 1989) is a Somali model. She has modeled for a number of top designers, and is a veteran of New York Fashion Week.

Elmi was born in Hargeysa, Somalia. Ayan is from Dir clan called Isaaq. She emigrated to Canada with her family.

Elmi has modeled both haute couture and ready-to-wear designs, working with many top designers. She has also done print work.

Elmi catwalked for Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring/Summer 2007 collection. Other haute couture designers she has worked with include Gavin Rajah, Georges Hobeika, Frank Sorbier, Mark Le Bihan, Nicolas Le Cauchois, Richard René and Yahya. Elmi has also modeled ready-to-wear collections for Hermès, Malan Breton, Fashion Fringe, Christie Brown, David Tlale, Helen Asrat, Jewel by Lisa, Kluk CGDT, Mustafa Hassanali, Nkwo, Pambili, Sika Designs, Tiffany Amber and Elie Tahari. Additionally, she is a veteran of New York Fashion Week.

Between 2007 and 2012, Elmi was signed with Major Model Management in New York. As of 2013, her mother agency is NEXT Model Management in Toronto. She has also worked with a number of other agencies, including Wilhelmina Models in New York,

Max Models in Cape Town, Profile Model Management in London, New Madison Models, Front Management in Miami, Factor Women in Chicago, and Model Plus in Milan.