Adut Akech, a South Sudanese model, has swiftly ascended to prominence in the fashion industry. Vogue notes that her career skyrocketed after being exclusively booked by Saint Laurent for their spring/summer 2017 show.
By the autumn/winter 2018 season, Akech had become a ubiquitous presence on the runway. Her reputation as a leading catwalk model was solidified when Karl Lagerfeld chose her to close Chanel’s Haute Couture show as his bride, making her only the second black model in history to achieve this honor.
Achieving fame has been a challenging journey. Since childhood, she faced bullying due to her appearance – her deep complexion, slender figure, notably her prominent lips, and her distinctive gap-toothed smile.
Born in South Sudan in 1999, Akech is one of five siblings. She spent her early years in Kakuma, Kenya, before relocating to Adelaide, Australia, with her mother at the age of seven.
Her modeling journey began at 12 when her aunt, who owned a boutique in Adelaide, invited her to participate in a fashion show.
Akech immediately felt at home on the catwalk, as she recounted to Vogue.
“The minute I stepped onto the runway I was like, ‘This is it, this is what I wanna do’,” she said.
In 2016, an agent from Elite Model Management discovered her during Australia Fashion Week and signed her.
That year, she also made her professional runway debut, walking exclusively for Yves Saint Laurent at Paris Fashion Week.
Since then, her career has flourished with high-profile campaigns for top brands such as Valentino, Prada, and Tory Burch, among others.
Akech graced the cover of Vogue Australia’s December 2018 edition, accompanied by her younger sister Akuol.
“Ever since I started modelling back in Australia gracing the cover of Australian Vogue has been a dream of mine,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I am beyond blessed and grateful that my dream has finally come true.”
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