Gossip Queen: Aussie model makes great strides
TWELVE months ago, Adut Akech was strutting her stuff on the catwalk at Melbourne Fashion Festival — today she has just finished appearing in shows in Paris, New York, Miami and London.
Fiona Byrne
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WHAT a difference a year a can make.
Twelve months ago, Adut Akech was strutting her stuff on the catwalk at Melbourne Fashion Festival.
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Fast forward to now and Akech, 18, is a long way from Australia, having just finished a whirlwind four weeks that saw her appear in shows for the likes of Chanel, Fendi, Versace (pictured), Prada, YSL, Givenchy, Hermes and Alexander McQueen, at Paris, New York, Milan and London fashion weeks.
“It has been the craziest month: four cities, four fashion festivals and 34 shows,” Akech said.
“I still can’t quite believe it.”
Born in South Sudan, Akech came to Australia as a six-year-old refugee. With family in Adelaide and Melbourne, she divided her time between the two cities.
Akech’s extraordinary few months started in September.
“I finished school (in Adelaide) in September just before I left for Paris Fashion Week,” she said.
“I went to New York, and then in December I went home to Adelaide for my school graduation (inset) and then my school formal.
“I am the first one on my family to graduate from high school and it was so great to see my mum there on the night so proud and happy.
“I also wanted to do my school formal. That is something I won’t get to
do again.”
Akech, who is represented by Chadwick Models, will head back to Australia in May for Australian Fashion Week.
“I love being involved in Australian fashion events. I did VAMFF last year and it was amazing. I am definitely going home for Australian Fashion Week,” she said.
“It is not necessary for me to do it but I want to. I still want to be involved in Australian fashion events.”
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