• Text by Kala Herh

Amar Akway has had an unconventional journey in fashion. She first started on a different runway–the Tartan track, used for track and field sports. In the years leading up to her becoming one of fashion’s most beloved faces, she was a competitive runner and member of the national Ethiopian athletic team. But after one chance encounter with a modeling agent, she found herself walking in the most coveted runway shows in fashion. 

“Before I step onto any runway or set, I just remember to be myself and to have fun, that’s ultimately why I’m here.” –Amar Akway

Amar wears all clothing PRADA / Necklaces TIFFANY & CO. / Bracelet SAINT LAURENT by Anthony Vaccarello / Tights WOLFORD

It was in the velodrome that Akway learned the power of hard work and determination. And it is this tenacity she takes with her on any job she pursues. In the intervening years, Akway has gone on to walk for the likes of Givenchy, Valentino, Dries Van Noten, Schiaparelli, and Valentino. She first made her international modeling debut on the Lanvin Spring/Summer 2020 runway–a time she reminisces was equally thrilling as it was daunting. 

All clothing and shoes COMME DES GARÇONS / Tights WOLFORD

And shortly after, at just 19 years old, she made Model.com’s list of top newcomers of the season. With this increased visibility in the industry, she acknowledges the responsibility that comes with representing diverse Black beauty as well as her East African culture. And with it, we just have one thing to say–a new super is in town, and she’s ready to take it all by storm.

Amar wears all clothing PRADA / Necklaces TIFFANY & CO. / Bracelet SAINT LAURENT by Anthony Vaccarello / Tights WOLFORD

“If I had to give advice to anyone looking to pursue modeling, I’d tell them to always be strong, always be yourself, and always be kind to people.” –Amar Akway

This cover story appears in the pages of V144: now available for purchase!

Photography Inez & Vinoodh

Fashion Paul Sinclaire

Makeup Sam Visser (Art Partner)

Hair Jimmy Paul (Susan Price NYC)

Model Amar Akway (DNA)

Manicure Deborah Lippmann (Home Agency)

Producer John Nadzi (VLM Productions)

Production manager Michael Gleeson (VLM Productions)

Lighting director Jodokus Driessen (VLM Studio)

Digital technician Marc Kroop (VLM Studio)

Photo assistant Joe Hume (VLM Studio)

Stylist assistants Coco Knudson, Timothy Cheng, Jesse Pickel

Makeup assistants Shimu Takanori, Micka Omura

Hair assistant LaMesha Mosley

Manicure assistants Bojir Hasanov, Joelle Rodriguez

Retouching StereoHorse

Location Pier 59 Studios

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