London: A 26-year-old model collapsed and died on the catwalk in front of horrified onlookers at a fashion show in Brazil.

Model Tales Soares is taken from the catwalk by paramedics after he collapsed during Sao Paulo Fashion Week in Sao Paulo. Credit:AP

Tales Soares staggered as he turned to walk back while modelling clothes and footwear at Sao Paulo Fashion Week on Saturday night.

The audience thought his collapse might be part of the show until emergency medics rushed onto the stage as he began foaming at the mouth. They were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at hospital. The exact cause of his death remains unclear.

The show went on, although models brandished handwritten placards on the catwalk with messages, such as "Luto" (mourning) and "Amor" (love).