From Miss Northern Ireland Finalist to Fashion’s Rising Voice - Ella O'Donnell takes on the Runway
Belfast, Northern Ireland – August 2025 - At just 20 years old, Ella O’Donnell is proving that strength, resilience, and authenticity are just as runway-worthy as high heels and couture gowns. The newly signed model and Miss Northern Ireland Top Model finalist is stepping into the fashion spotlight with a clear vision: to represent real girls, stand tall at any height, and help make fashion more inclusive across borders.
Brains, Beauty, and Balance
Ella is currently a full-time Biomedical Engineering student, blending a love of learning with a lifelong passion for sport. A cheerleader, footballer, and long-distance runner, she’s no stranger to discipline and determination—skills that now carry over into the competitive world of fashion.
“I’ve always wanted to help people,” she shares. “Through my degree, I hope to do that scientifically, but through modeling and content, I want to help young women feel seen and supported.”
Redefining Beauty Standards
Ella’s path hasn’t been without challenges. During her time competing for Miss Northern Ireland in a pageant, she received backlash online for her appearance often dismissed with the label “plain Jane.” But rather than retreat, she pushed forward.
“That was difficult, I won’t lie,” she says. “But I had goals to achieve. I couldn’t let that noise hold me back. That experience made me stronger.”
Placing in the Top 7 of Miss Northern Ireland’s Top Model division was a moment of personal triumph. “I was told I was too short to model, so representing the shorter girls that day meant everything.”
The Dream: Fashion Week & Representation
Now signed with Paris Runway Official, Ella is turning dreams into strategy. Her goal is to walk the runways of international fashion weeks not just for herself, but for every girl who’s ever been told she doesn’t fit the mold.
“Ireland has so much untapped talent and creativity,” she says. “I’d love to see more recognition for our designers, and more opportunities for Irish models to shine globally.”
Purpose in Progress
While she’s still defining her long-term path, Ella’s passion for volunteering, tutoring, and mentoring young women is already leaving an impact. She hopes her story encourages others to chase their goals, speak up, and stay grounded.
“Girls messaging me for advice always makes me smile. I try to be approachable. I’ve been in their shoes, and I want them to know they’re not alone.”
What’s Next for Ella O'Donnell
With university underway, fashion week dreams in motion, and a growing presence on social media, Ella is walking confidently toward a future filled with both purpose and passion.
Keep an eye on this Belfast-born beauty as she’s not just walking for herself, she’s walking for every girl who's ever been underestimated.
Paris Runway Official gives models the opportunity to be sponsored into their agency. Which means that a brand, a runway show or production company has interest in working with the model and that model has a great chance of not only walking the runway, but getting press and news for their success. The program which was set up in 2024 after the firms clients wanted models who could make the press and newsrooms has been a success with over half of their models walking on the runway in the first few months of joining, as well as getting press in online publications.
Ronnie, who was selected by the agency to be sponsored had a few different runway shows and brands interested in her... with Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, etc. all at the forefront. "These brands are great USA brands that models from overseas can model and wear their clothing" says the Firm. "What we hope to do is bring exposure to brands that our firm loves, that dominate the runway and that bring confidence to our models".
Follow Ella’s Journey
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Instagram: @ellaodonnell50
TikTok: @ellaodonnell50
Student, Biomedical Engineering
Miss Ireland Pageant, Model, Top Model