Sundanese-Australian model Adut Akech is Melbourne Fashion Week's latest ambassador.
The 19-year-old, now based in New York, was back "home" on Monday to unveil the event's line up some four years since she launched her career on the Melbourne Fashion Week runway.
"I'm incredibly proud to return to Melbourne where it all started," she said.
"I love coming home to Australia to visit my friends and family and I'm excited to further promote diversity in the fashion industry."
Melbourne is expecting more than 100,000 visitors during the course of the Melbourne Fashion Week, model Adut Akech is this year's international ambassador. Source: AAP
Akech has graced international runways for designers such as Chanel, Dior and Prada and has featured on the covers of Vogue Australia, Britain, France and Italy. Just recently she was made the star of Valentino's new 'Born in Roma' fragrance campaign.
As part of her ambassador role, Akech will walk in the opening runway show on 30 August and speak at a fashion forum later in the week.
"Adut is one of the world's most sought-after young models so we're incredibly lucky to have her in Melbourne," Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.
"Our city is Australia's fashion capital and this year's event is expected to generate more $13 million in benefit for Melbourne's economy."
The lord mayor said the event will "take over the city" with runway shows at the Melbourne City Baths, in laneways, and atop buildings all over the city
Among this year's highlights is the opening runway show which celebrates 25 years of the event.
New and old collections from some of the country's top designers including J'Aton Couture, Martin Grant, nevenka and Thurle will be on show.
Department store David Jones, however, is a notable absence from the 2019 line up.
Melbourne Fashion Week runs from 28 August to 5 September.
