Gossip Queen: Modelling sensation to step up for refugees

INTERNATIONAL modelling sensation Adut Akech may be best known for fronting Chanel, Valentino and Versace campaigns, but she’s set her sights on becoming a role model for young refugees.

INTERNATIONAL modelling sensation Adut Akech has a message for Melbourne’s South Sudanese community: think positively, believe in your dreams, nothing is impossible.

Akech, 19, who is currently fronting campaigns for Chanel, Valentino and Versace, wants to be a role model, particularly for youth from a refugee background.

“I am going to use the platform I have been given to speak positively to these kids growing up here and let them know that anything is possible,” Akech said.

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Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech modelling for Versace. Picture: AFP Photo/Miguel Medina

“I am a big believer in dreams coming true because I have seen all my dreams come true. I also believe in hard work; nothing is impossible. I believe everything is achievable, it is just a matter of how bad you want it and how hard you want to work.

Born in the South Sudan, Akech came to Australia as a six-year-old, following a stint in a Kenyan refugee camp.

Back in Australia to appear at the David Jones SS18 Collection launch on Wednesday, Akech said she had recently become involved with the United Nations.

“I recently started working with the United Nations, I am supporting refugees. I am going to Kenya, back to the refugee camp where I came from, in December.”

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