Adut Akech is a South Sudanese-Australian fashion model known for her remarkable journey from refugee to global runway star.
She has worked with many of the world’s leading luxury fashion houses and has become a powerful voice for diversity and refugee representation in the fashion industry.
Who is Adut Akech?
Adut Akech is a South Sudanese-Australian fashion model who has become one of the most recognizable faces in the global fashion industry.
She began her international career in 2016 after making her runway debut as a Saint Laurent exclusive during Paris Fashion Week.
Since then, she has walked for leading fashion houses, including Valentino, Chanel, Dior, Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, and Burberry.
She has also appeared in campaigns for luxury brands and graced the covers of major fashion magazines such as Vogue, i-D, Dazed, and Numéro.
Her remarkable career has earned several prestigious honors. Models.com named her Model of the Year in both 2018 and 2019, while the British Fashion Council honored her with the Model of the Year award in 2019.
Beyond modeling, Adut actively supports refugee causes through her work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Early Life of Adut Akech
Adut Akech Bior was born on December 25, 1999, in South Sudan while her family was fleeing conflict.
Soon after her birth, the family settled in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, where she spent her early childhood.
At the age of seven, Adut moved to Adelaide, Australia, with her mother and five siblings after they were granted refugee status.
She grew up in a close-knit family that encouraged hard work and perseverance despite many challenges.
During her school years, teachers often called her “Mary” because they found it difficult to pronounce her first name.
Those early experiences shaped her confidence and later inspired her to become an advocate for refugees and greater diversity in fashion.
Adut Akech Age
Adut Akech is 26 years old as of 2026 as she was born on December 25, 1999.
She celebrates her birthday every year on Christmas Day, making it a special occasion for both her family and fans.
Despite her young age, Adut has already built an impressive international modeling career and established herself as one of the fashion industry’s most influential models.
Adut Akech Nationality and Ethnicity
Adut Akech holds South Sudanese and Australian nationality. She was born in South Sudan and later became an Australian resident after relocating to Adelaide as a refugee during childhood.
Adut belongs to the South Sudanese ethnic group. Her African heritage has remained an important part of her identity throughout her career.
She often speaks proudly about her background and uses her platform to promote diversity, inclusion, and representation within the fashion industry.
What is Adut Akech’s Background?
Adut Akech comes from a South Sudanese family that was forced to leave home because of conflict.
She spent her early childhood in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp before moving to Australia with her mother and siblings.
Growing up as a refugee shaped her outlook on life and inspired her determination to succeed. She has often shared her journey to encourage young people from similar backgrounds.
Today, she also works with UNHCR to raise awareness about refugees and displaced communities around the world.
Adut Akech Religion
Adut Akech follows Christianity. She was raised in a Christian family and has occasionally mentioned her faith in interviews and social media posts.
Although she keeps her religious beliefs mostly private, her Christian values have remained an important part of her life.
She often speaks about gratitude, hope, and resilience while reflecting on her personal journey.
Who Are the Siblings of Adut Akech?
Adut Akech grew up with five siblings. They were raised together by their mother after the family relocated from Kenya to Australia as refugees.
Although Adut prefers to keep most of her family life private, some of her siblings are publicly known, including Kim, Yar, Bior, and Alakiir.
She has often credited her family for providing constant support throughout her childhood and modeling career.
Adut Akech Education
Adut Akech completed her early education in Adelaide, Australia, after moving there as a child. She balanced school with modeling opportunities during her teenage years.
She was scouted by modeling agencies at the ages of 13 and 14 but chose to focus on her studies before starting her professional career at 16.
Her education helped build the confidence and discipline that later supported her success in the fashion industry.
Early Modeling Career and Saint Laurent Breakthrough (2016–2017)
Adut Akech began her professional modeling career at the age of 16 after signing with Chadwick Models in Australia.
Before entering international fashion, she walked in local fashion shows and Melbourne Fashion Week.
Her breakthrough came in 2016 when Saint Laurent selected her as an exclusive for its Spring/Summer 2017 runway show in Paris.
That opportunity introduced her to the global fashion industry and immediately attracted attention from leading designers and agencies.
She later closed Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 2017 and Spring/Summer 2018 shows, proving that she was one of fashion’s brightest new talents.
Global Rise and Industry Recognition (2018–2020)
Between 2018 and 2020, Adut Akech became one of the world’s most sought-after runway models.
She walked for luxury fashion houses such as Chanel, Valentino, Dior, Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Loewe, and Miu Miu.
She also appeared in campaigns for Saint Laurent, Valentino, Moschino, Zara, Fendi, and Versace.
During this period, she graced the covers of several international editions of Vogue and featured in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar.
Models.com named her Model of the Year in 2018 and 2019, while the British Fashion Council honored her with the Model of the Year award in 2019.
These achievements established her among fashion’s leading supermodels.
Career Expansion and Global Influence (2021–2024)
From 2021 to 2024, Adut continued to strengthen her position internationally. She fronted campaigns for Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret, Valentino Beauty, and several other luxury brands.
She appeared on the covers of British Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Australia, and American Vogue, while remaining a regular presence at fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, London, and New York.
During this period, she also expanded her advocacy work with UNHCR, using her platform to raise awareness for refugees and promote diversity across the fashion industry.
Continued Success and New Chapter (2025–Present)
Since 2025, Adut Akech has continued to model for leading luxury brands while embracing a new chapter in her personal life.
She has appeared in editorials for major fashion magazines, starred in international advertising campaigns, and remained one of Models.com’s New Supers.
Adut attended the 2026 Met Gala while expecting her second child, showing how she continues to balance motherhood with a successful international modeling career.
Her influence extends beyond the runway, making her a respected voice for representation, resilience, and positive change in fashion.
Adut Akech Husband
Adut Akech is married to Samuel Elkhier, an Australian musician and songwriter. The couple kept their relationship out of the public eye for several years before announcing their marriage in 2024.
Samuel is known for supporting Adut throughout her modeling career while maintaining a private lifestyle.
Although they occasionally share photos on social media and attend public events, they prefer to keep most details of their relationship away from the spotlight.
Their strong bond and mutual support have made them one of the fashion industry’s most admired private couples.
Adut Akech Ex-Boyfriend
Before marrying Samuel Elkhier, Adut Akech dated Nigerian singer Runtown (Douglas Jack Agu).
They made their relationship public in 2019 and often appeared together during vacations, events, and social media posts.
In 2020, Runtown gave Adut a promise ring during a trip to France, which sparked engagement rumors.
Adut also appeared as the lead model in his music video for Kini Issue. Their relationship ended in 2021.
She later confirmed during an Instagram Q&A that she was single, bringing an end to speculation about their breakup.
Is Adut Akech Currently Married?
Yes, Adut Akech is married to Australian musician and songwriter Samuel Elkhier. She confirmed their marriage in 2024 after keeping their relationship private for several years.
Adut Akech Children
Adut Akech and husband Samuel Elkhier welcomed their first daughter, Kiki, in late 2024. They introduced her to the public through a family photoshoot for POP Magazine in early 2025.
Motherhood marked a new chapter in Adut’s life, but she continued to balance family responsibilities with her successful international modeling career.
In February 2026, she announced that she was expecting her second child in an exclusive interview with People.
She also shared a series of maternity photographs and expressed excitement as her family prepared to welcome another baby.
Despite her demanding schedule, Adut continues to embrace motherhood while remaining one of the fashion industry’s leading models.
Does Adut Akech Have Any Kids?
Yes, Adut Akech has children. She welcomed her first daughter, Kiki, in late 2024.
In February 2026, she announced that she was expecting her second child with husband Samuel Elkhier. She has embraced motherhood while continuing her successful international modeling career.
Where does Adut Akech Live?
Adut Akech spends much of her time between major fashion capitals because of her international modeling career.
Although she frequently travels for runway shows, campaigns, and editorial work, she has long considered Adelaide, Australia, home after moving there as a child.
She also spends extended periods in cities such as Paris, Milan, New York, and London during fashion seasons.
Adut Akech Height and Weight
Adut Akech stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches which is equal to 178 centimeters or 1.78 meters tall.
She weighs around 55 kilograms which is equal to 121 pounds and maintains a naturally slim physique suited to high-fashion runway modeling.
She has black hair, brown eyes, and a distinctive runway presence. Her elegant appearance and confident walk have made her one of the most recognizable models in the global fashion industry.
Adut Akech Net Worth
Adut Akech has an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2026. She earns money through runway shows, luxury fashion campaigns, magazine editorials, and brand endorsements.
She also works with leading fashion houses such as Saint Laurent, Valentino, Chanel, Dior, Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Victoria’s Secret.
In addition, she generates income from beauty campaigns, commercial partnerships, and other fashion-related collaborations around the world.
Social Media Presence
Adut Akech maintains a strong presence on Instagram, where she regularly connects with millions of followers around the world.
She shares runway appearances, luxury fashion campaigns, magazine covers, editorial photoshoots, and behind-the-scenes moments from her work with leading designers.
She also posts travel experiences, personal milestones, family updates, and collaborations with global fashion and beauty brands.
Alongside her modeling content, Adut uses her platform to support refugee causes, celebrate diversity, and inspire young people through her personal journey and achievements.
Conclusion
Adut Akech has transformed an inspiring refugee journey into one of fashion’s greatest success stories.
She continues to break barriers through her modeling career, advocacy work, and commitment to greater diversity and representation.
As her career and family continue to grow, she remains an inspiration to people around the world.