South Sudanese-Australian Adut Akech Named ‘Model of the Year’ at the 2019 Fashion Awards

South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech Bior has officially been named “Model of the Year” by the British Fashion Council (BFC) at its 2019 Fashion Awards, which took place in London at the Royal Albert Hall on 2 December 2019.

Akech wore an emerald gown by Valentino Haute Couture. The Pierpaolo Piccioli-designed look consisted of a sweetheart neckline, floor-length hem with a thigh-high slit, and oversized bow tied at the waist. The 19-year-old, who moved with her family to Australia as a young girl after fleeing South Sudan, said on Instagram:

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2019 “MODEL OF THE YEAR” Meet the south Sudanese refugee who comes from nothing, who become your 2019 “Model of The Year” last night at the BFA I FUCKING DID IT!!! 🏆🏆🏆

A post shared by Adut Akech Bior (@adutakech) on Dec 3, 2019 at 3:26am PST

During her acceptance speech, Akech touched on the need for better representation of women who look like her in the fashion industry. The model received a standing ovation after delivering her speech.

Since signing an exclusive with Saint Laurent for the Spring/Summer 2017 show, Akech has become one of the industry’s most recognised new faces, becoming a muse for Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli. Recently, she has been featured in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar, sits on the Hot List on models.com and recognised by Time as one of the “25 Most Influential Teens of 2018”. Akech has also started work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, promoting causes to support refugees worldwide.

Among the winners was Rihanna, who took home the Urban Luxe award. Several other fashion icons, including Naomi Campbell, Tracee Ellis Ross, British Vogue’s Editor-In-ChIef Edward Enninful and plenty others were also in attendance for last night’s awards.