Adut Akech: My Model of the Year

by Amazing Izekor

Adut Akech is a South Sudanese-Australian model, who I am particularly fascinated by, not only because of her exceptional achievements in her modelling career, but also due to her work with refugees. 

Standing at 5 '10”, Akech is a highly sought-after model, whose first proper gig was Vaccarello’s debut show during Paris Fashion Week in 2017, following a Saint Laurent casting as a global exclusive the previous year. Before receiving such a remarkable opportunity, Akech had only walked in local shows; this event would go on to mark the beginning of prosperity in her professional career. She would not go on in anonymity as she was the industry’s vote for Model of the Year (models.com) in 2018. 2018 was the year in which she also gained a great deal of recognition as she emerged as one of the TIME’s most influential teens of the year and also appeared at the Met Gala. Once again, in 2019, she won the title of Model of the Year; however, in 2020, she came second to Paloma Elsesser for the industry’s vote and runner-up to Bella Hadid for the readers’ choice, in 2022. My votes last year went primarily towards Adut Akech, so I was mildly disappointed to find out that she did not win; though, I was extremely happy that another favourite of mine, Bella Hadid, had won instead. Regardless of her position in these rankings, Akech has proven herself time and time again as a supermodel worthy of admiration. Vogue particularly seems to share my sentiments towards Akech, in the sense that the supermodel is often considered a Vogue favourite, as she has shot editorials for British Vogue, American Vogue, Vogue Paris, Vogue Australia, Vogue Italia and Vogue Korea. Other fashion magazines, such as the W Magazine, displayed Akech on the cover of their 50th-anniversary issue and produced one of my favourite images of the model. 

Moreover, Akech has taken part in several fall fashion campaigns for the likes of brands such as Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret, Zara, Moschino etc.; the list could go on. Her well-established career is further demonstrated by her catwalks for numerous designer brands and high-fashion designers such as Prada, Burberry and Versace, to name a few and Giambattista Valli, an Italian fashion designer praised for his extraordinarily flamboyant haute couture collections. Rightfully, her accomplishments have been recognised by newspapers like The New York Times and The Guardian. It was through the latter that I discovered another side to Akech that is arguably more impressive than her extensive experience in the modelling industry. 

Born on 25th December 1999 in South Sudan, and later raised in Kenya, Adut Akech moved to Australia as a refugee at the age of just 7 years old. Due to the civil war in South Sudan, her mother was forced to flee the country with the hope of greater security and a better life. Akech, therefore, spent her early life living in a refugee camp in Kakuma, Kenya. Although she primarily remembers her childhood as being relatively normal, Akech recalls the terrifying moments in which the fear of abduction and murder became palpable. What she considers ordinary is perhaps far from what many would say of her situation, which is a heartbreaking reminder that there are millions of people experiencing extreme suffering every day, to the point where it becomes their norm. 

Her familiarity with refugee status emboldened her, in 2019, to start working with the United Nations Refugee Agency. Her main mission was to find ways to help refugees across the world and inspire others to become more involved in supporting those faced with the multitude of difficulties that come with being a refugee. For some, it is important to be reminded that “refugees are just like everyone else” (a direct quote from Akech) and thus, she is continuously putting herself forward as a role model to help people, who are in a similar situation as she found herself as a child, feel less alone. Recently, Akech’s deeds saw new heights as she began working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in order to promote the welfare of refugees across the globe. Personally, I like to think of her as both a supermodel and a superhero of this generation. 

Adut Akech’s story is inspiring to say the least and serves as motivation to succeed, not forgetting others on the journey to success. Remembering others no matter the heights you reach, being selfless and doing good voluntarily are a few ways in which you can accelerate the pursuit of becoming a better person. Akech is only 23 and yet she has achieved so much more than the average person could ever hope to achieve in their whole lifetime. Deservedly, she has made a name for herself within such a ruthless industry, that many struggle to find a favourable outcome within, and she holds a positive reputation due to the impact she has made on the lives of others. 

Strive to be the best version of yourself and in Akech’s own words: “Never doubt yourself or let the world convince you things are not possible”. 

“If a little dark-skinned South Sudanese refugee who comes from absolutely nothing can do it, so can you”.