At just 25 years old, Adut Akech has lived many lives. The South Sudanese-Australian beauty has gone from a Kenyan refugee camp to gracing the catwalks of fashion’s greatest houses (starting out as a runway exclusive for Saint Laurent) to landing herself a spot on the Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 list. With an enviable career that has even granted her the privilege of being a protégée to ultimate super Naomi Campbell, it seems that her life now as a first-time mother to her child, Kiki, is bound to be the most thrilling of them all.

Adut wears gold mask JEREMY SCOTT (FW98) / Mega Balorama sunglasses RAY-BAN

V MAGAZINE: What are three golden rules you try to live by? 

ADUT AKECH: Staying true to myself, values and integrity. No matter the situation, making decisions that align with my core beliefs and ethics leads to a life of authenticity and self-respect.

 V: Where do you think your ambition comes from?

AA: My ambition comes from my passions and what I believe are my purposes. For me, having a deep interest in something pushes me to aim for greater [things].

V: What motivates you to strive for your best in what you do?

AA: What motivates me to strive for my best is a combination of personal growth, a strong sense of purpose, and the desire to make a meaningful impact. I’m driven by the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, continuously doing my best to improve my skills, and knowing that my efforts contribute to something greater. Whether it’s achieving my goals, helping others, or pushing my own limits, I find motivation in the progress I make and the lessons I learn along the way.

V: Are there any self-motivation techniques/tricks you do to build yourself up?

AA: For me it’s positive self-talk. I remind myself of past successes and use affirmations to build confidence and keep a positive mindset. Along with praying.

V: What helps you lock in your confidence during moments when you need “go for the gold”?

AA: What helps me lock in my confidence during high-pressure moments is a mix of preparation, mindset, and self-belief. I remind myself of the hard work I’ve put in, focus on past successes, and use positive self-talk to reinforce my abilities. I also try to visualize a successful outcome, and block out self-doubt by staying in the present moment. Trusting my skills and embracing the challenge helps me push forward with determination and confidence.

V: What is the most rewarding part of modeling? What is the least rewarding? 

AA: The most rewarding part of modeling is the ability to express creativity, embody different styles, and bring a vision to life. It’s fulfilling to see hard work pay off in a powerful image or runway moment. Additionally, the opportunities to travel the world, meet inspiring people, and collaborate with talented creatives which make the experience even more enriching. The least rewarding part is being so far away from my family and friends. How lonely and isolating it can feel at times. Also the unpredictability of the industry. Rejection is common, and the demanding schedules can be physically and mentally exhausting. However, trying my best to stay confident and resilient helps navigate the challenges.

 Phoenix dress with hand embroidered feathers / YANINA COUTURE (HC FW 25)

V: Tell us about a “golden age” in your lifetime you look back on super fondly. 

AA: A golden age in my life was definitely 2019. It was an incredible year for me career-wise, as I achieved major milestones that I had worked so hard for. I was pushing my limits, growing in my craft, and seeing the results of my dedication. On top of that, I also reached some big personal goals, which made the year even more meaningful. Everything seemed to align perfectly. I felt confident, motivated, and truly in my element. Looking back, 2019 was a time of success, excitement, and personal fulfillment that I’ll always cherish.

V: What do you consider to be the “golden age” of fashion?

AA: Personally, I believe the 1990s was the golden age of fashion. Minimalism, timeless, chic and cool met high fashion, with supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford and many more dominating the industry. And streetwear starting to influence luxury fashion.

V: In the spirit of going for the gold, what are you hoping to manifest for yourself both personally and professionally within the next 5-10 years?

AA: In the next 5-10 years, I hope to manifest continued growth, success, and fulfillment both personally and professionally. Professionally, I want to reach new heights in my career, taking on bigger opportunities, collaborating with influential creatives, and making a lasting impact in the industry. I aim to expand my brand, explore new creative ventures, and establish myself as a leader in my field. Personally, I strive for balance, happiness, and self-growth. Raising my daughter and future kids in a healthy and lovely environment surrounded by our family and loved ones. Teaching my kids important morals and values I believe they should have in life. I want to continue evolving, building meaningful relationships, and experiencing life to the fullest. I hope for contentment within my life. I also hope to continue to inspire others through my journey, using my platform to uplift and empower others. Overall, I’m manifesting a future filled with passion, purpose, and endless possibilities.

V: What, if anything, has already surprised you the most in 2025? 

AA: What has surprised me the most in 2025 so far is how much growth and change can happen in such a short time. Whether it’s unexpected opportunities, personal breakthroughs, or shifts in the world around me, this year has already proven that anything is possible. I’ve been reminded that staying open to new experiences and embracing the unknown often leads to the most exciting and rewarding moments. It’s a year of surprises, and I’m excited to see what’s next.

This cover story appears in the pages of V154: now available for purchase!

Photography Lufré

Fashion Nicola Formichetti

Hair Peter Gray (Home) using Oway USA

Makeup Maki Ryoke (Walter Schupfer) using Bobbi Brown

Manicure Mo Qin (The Wall Group) using Aprés Nail 

Set Designer Robert Taylor 

Production Ernesto Qualizza (Locals Worldwide) 

Retouching Teu Freitas / Telhas Retouch ( M.Lages)

1st photo assistant Fernando Freire 

2nd photo assistant Daniel dos Santos 

Stylist assistants Arut Arustamyan, Vera Pun, Joan Reidy, Dylan Gue

Hair assistants Josie Tippman, D’Xenia, Rebecca Velez 

Makeup assistants Brenda Garcia Jaramillo, Talitha Daeng Situju, Tarina Meaders 

Manicure assistant Qin Huang

Set design assistants Cory Nelson, Buddy Kennedy 

Production assistant Amanda Winn 

Studio Satellite Space