Meet Sudanese model Adut Akech, who has just been named ‘Model of the Year‘ at the glitzy British Fashion Awards 2019 – dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of British fashion. Here, the top players in the industry are recognised for their talent.
One of the most highly-anticipated awards of the night is “Model of the Year” – and this year’s line-up was also one of the most diverse.
It’s no mean feat to be honoured with the prestigious accolade, with many household names as previous winners.
(Obviously) Kate Moss won the first award back in 2001 and again 2006. While recent victors include Kaia Geber last year, Adwoa Aboah in 2017, Gigi Hadid in 2016, Jourdan Dunn in 2015 and 2008 and Cara Delevigne in 2014 and 2012.
Sudanese-Australian model Adut took home the 2019 crown, beating out the likes of Kaia Gerber and Winnie Harlow.
It’s been an landmark year for the 19-year-old beauty, whose meteoric rise in the industry has seen her become of 2019’s most in-demand faces.
Adut served up pure elegance on the red carpet in a strapless emerald green velvet and taffeta dress by Pier Paolo Piccioli for Valentino, paired with crystal drop earrings and bedazzled silver rhinestone heels and a matching clutch.
Adut has had huge support from the industry, including British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful and supermodel Naomi Campbell, who have taken the starlet under their wing.
But the model’s success hasn’t come without struggle. In an inspiring speech Adut, who moved to Australia with her family as a refugee, spoke about how rare it was for girls like her to win such a prestigious award.
“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.”
This is just the beginning for the young model, 2020 watch out!
