Hanne Gaby Odiele started her career in 2005, when she signed with Supreme Management in New York City. By September of that year, she made her debut on the runways, walking for Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rodarte, Ruffian, and Thakoon in New York. In 2006 she appeared in editorials for Vogue and became the face of Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti.
In December 2006, she was hit by a car that sped past a red light. She broke her legs and had multiple surgeries. After several months of intense physical therapy, she was back on the runway in spring and fall 2008 shows, walking for Chanel, Givenchy, and Prada, among others.
Odiele has been in magazines like Vogue Italia, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, and Elle. She has also appeared on the cover of Vogue and French Revue de Modes. She has booked some of the industry's most lucrative campaigns like Mulberry, Balenciaga, Vera Wang, and DKNY Jeans.