ADUT AKECH

​Adut Akech Bior is a South Sudanese-Australian supermodel whose remarkable journey from a refugee camp to international fashion stardom has made her a powerful voice for diversity and representation in the industry.​

Early Life and Background

Born on December 25, 1999, in South Sudan, Adut Akech's early life was marked by upheaval due to civil conflict. Her family fled the war-torn region, seeking refuge in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northwestern Kenya. At the age of seven, Akech and her family resettled in Adelaide, Australia, as South Sudanese refugees. Adjusting to a new culture and language, she adopted the name "Mary" during her school years to ease pronunciation challenges faced by her teachers. Despite these early challenges, Akech maintained a strong connection to her South Sudanese heritage and later reclaimed her birth name as she embarked on her modeling career .

Modeling Career

Akech's entry into the fashion world began at age 16 when she signed with Chadwick Models in Sydney. Her breakthrough came in 2016 when she was cast as an exclusive for Saint Laurent's Spring/Summer 2017 show during Paris Fashion Week. This opportunity propelled her onto the international stage, leading to collaborations with top fashion houses including Valentino, Dior, Givenchy, and Versace. She has graced the covers of multiple editions of Vogue and was named "Model of the Year" by models.com in both 2018 and 2019 .​

Advocacy and Recognition

Beyond the runway, Akech is a passionate advocate for refugee rights and diversity in fashion. She works with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support displaced communities worldwide. Her activism and influence have been recognized globally; in 2018, Time magazine listed her among the "25 Most Influential Teens," and in 2019, she received the "Model of the Year" award at the British Fashion Awards .​

Personal Life

In July 2024, Akech announced that she was expecting her first child with partner Sam Elkhier . She continues to use her platform to inspire and advocate for inclusivity, aiming to build a legacy that extends beyond fashion.

Adut Akech's story is one of resilience and triumph, illustrating how determination and authenticity can lead to global impact.