Mark My Words: This Model Will Inspire Everything You Wear in 2020

by Maxine Eggenberger

Being a model today is so much more than just honing your walk and looking good in whatever clothes a stylist can throw on you. Personalities prove just as integral to a model's success, and now, they command the same sizeable fanbases as rockstars and actors. And one model who is using her fame and platform for the greater good is Adut Akech.

Our admiration for Adut Akech runs deep. Born in war-torn South Sudan, Adut became a child refugee, living in Kakuma, Kenya's largest refugee camp, before eventually moving to Australia with her family. Adut got her runway break when she was 16 when she was booked to walk in Saint Laurent's spring/summer 2017 show. Since, her career has gone from strength to strength, having covered five Vogue covers in the space of a month and landing a coveted Valentino fragrance campaign.

And now, as a 19-year-old supermodel with the world at her feet and designers queuing around the corner to dress her, she was recently bestowed with the accolade of Model of the Year at the 2019 British Fashion Awards. Taking to the stage, Adut used this opportunity, in-front of every high-profile person in the fashion industry, to shine a spotlight on the need for greater diversity.

"It is important for all of us to remember that someone like me winning this award is a rarity," she said. "This is for the young women and men who found representation and validation in my work. I want them to never be afraid of dreaming big like I once did. To them, I say this: Whatever it is you want to do, whether it's modelling or acting or medicine, you should never doubt yourself. Don't let the world convince you that it is not possible."

Aside from giving impactful speeches, Adut also knows a good outfit when she sees it, as her Instagram feed can attest. With a flair for giving fanciful pieces a cool, off-duty spin, Adut's looks are as endearing as her personality. We, for one, would love to see more role models of Adut's calibre. In the meantime, acquaint yourself with Adut's Akech's style and, if you're not already obsessed with her, you soon will be.